The preparation of precious stones (8)

I believe the answer is:

lapidary

(Other definitions for lapidary that I've seen before include "Person who cuts and polishes stones - April day (anag)" , "Engraver of gems on April day" , "Cutter of stones" , "Engraver and polisher of gems" , "Worker with gemstones" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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