In an attic workshop, nestled among Scotland’s wild hills, gems are not merely cut – they are listened to. Timeless beauty is born as the wheel’s rhythm meets the stone’s soul, guided by a cutter's instinct, memory, and wonder.
Nature is our strength!
Read MoreWho we are
Scotia Lapidary was founded by Dennis Williamson (McGillivray) to showcase hand-cut gemstones, cut in Scotland from facet grade rough ethically sourced from artisanal miners around the world.
Dennis has an obsessive passion for detail, beginning with the careful selection and evaluation of rough gem crystals. Each stone is assessed meticulously before cutting, ensuring only the highest quality material is used.
Each stone has natural inclusions as the crystal was formed, that show the unique beauty of the crystal. Just like the unique beauty and inclusions in each and every one of us.
Ethically sourced British-made lab-created sapphire made by Salford Electronic Instruments in 1951 can be upcycled to produce outstanding lab-created gemstones too.
One of his signature styles—the "eye design"—features 145 individual facets, each hand-cut and polished multiple times. The process involves several stages: initial shaping with diamond-impregnated sintered laps each with a finer diamond size than the last, followed by pre-polishing on a soft alloy lap, and finishing with a final polish using ultra-fine 0.25-micron diamond paste.
This intense focus results in over 500 individual cutting and polishing stages—all done entirely by hand and eye.
Dennis also restores and uses traditional faceting equipment. His primary machine is a 1972 Imahashi commercial gem-cutting machine, which he fully restored. With it, he continues to cut gems using traditional methods and hand skills—many of which are at risk of being lost in today’s modern, mass-produced world.
In addition to his lapidary work, Dennis is a college lecturer and also teaches gem cutting at jewellery schools, artist studios, and universities. His teaching helps preserve and pass on traditional gem-cutting techniques that largely disappeared in Scotland since the Victorian era.
As Scotia Lapidary evolved, Dennis began designing, manufacturing, and hallmarking a line of jewellery centred around his signature "eye" gem cut. Every step of the process takes place in Scotland, ensuring local craftsmanship and authenticity.
With this growing collection, Scotia Lapidary is becoming a unique destination for truly special, handcrafted jewellery—pieces designed to be treasured forever.
Dennis Williamson (McGillivray)
Coat of arms Granted by the Lord Lyon of Scotland, To Dennis McGillivray.
One of signature styles — the "eye design"
1972 Imahashi commercial gem-cutting machine
Let’s create something timeless together.
What we've done
Recent Blog Posts
gem cutting scotland
I enjoy networking with talented like minded people in the jewelry industry, and what better way to network than to hold informal gemstone cutting lessons on comercial gem cutting equipment from Sri Lanka.
united states faceting guild
Dennis shares his journey from childhood rockhounding to teaching gem cutting in rural Scotland. In this article for the United States Faceters Guild, he reflects on restoring vintage equipment, self-teaching through lockdown, and mentoring others in the art of precision hand-faceting.
gemcutting scotland
Dennis’s interpretation of the legendary Eye cut merges ancient symbolism with masterful hand-faceting. The result is a deeply meaningful design that not only challenges technical skill, but also reflects our spiritual bond with nature, history, and the unseen forces that shape our world.
Edinburgh assey hallmark
A hallmark applied by a UK Assay Office is not proof of origin or place of manufacture of an item.
The hallmark of a UK Assay Office (whether applied by a UK Assay Office in its approved locations in or outside the UK) is proof that an item (in all its parts) is of the standard of fineness indicated by the hallmark struck on that item.
lapidary scotland
An inside look at Dennis’s meticulous hand-faceting process—beginning with ethically sourced natural rough and culminating in a brilliantly finished gemstone. Every stage, from precision cutting to final polishing, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and the creation of exceptional Scottish-made jewellery.
silver jewellery scotland
This debut jewellery design pays homage to the spirit of nature—a living, interconnected symphony of earth, water, wind, and life itself. It reflects our deep bond with the natural world and invites us to see ourselves as part of something greater.
Contact us
Stuartfield AB42 5DP
07477999282
