In our well-equipped workshop, we offer instruction in Lapidary Skills, Jewelry Making and Gem Cutting using a variety of techniques. Classes are designed to accommodate the needs of  novices through the advanced student. Class size is always limited to allow maximum attention by the instructors. Students enrolling in Gem Cutters Guild classes must be at least 18 years of age.

To enroll in one or more of the classes, Print this page, fill out the information and follow the mailing instructions below. For additional information reach us through the Contact Us page.

The Fall 2008 Classes are just about to begin.  Make sure to get you class reserved today - Class sizes are limited and often fill up quickly.

Click here for the printable class schedule (PDF) please print on 8 1/2 by 14 landscape.

Introduction to Jewelry • Pat Baker {Pictures}
Beginning September 8, • Registration Deadline: August 30 • Monday Evenings 7-9:30 PM • (8 weeks/20 hours) • Tuition: $140 • Materials fee $65 which must be paid to the instructor at the first class session. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of metals.

“I have always wanted to learn to make jewelry or to take my jewelry making to another level, but I am apprehensive about the use of a torch and other jeweler’s tools.” If this sounds like you, then join Pat as she debunks the mystery of the torch, soldering and piercing metal. Pat has taught this entry-level jewelry class for many years and will walk you through all of the basic skills needed to make professional jewelry. By the end of the class, you will have completed a bracelet, earrings and a ring that are so well made that even as you continue to advance your skills as a jeweler you will still take pride in the quality of your first work.

Introduction to Wire Wrapping • Jackie Orsini
Beginning September 17, • Registration deadline: September 6 • Wednesday Evenings 6:30-9 PM • (6 weeks/15 hours) • Tuition: $120 • Materials Fee $50 which must be paid to instructor on first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of metals.

Are you looking for a method to display your beautiful stones and focal beads in a way that does not require soldering? Then you are in luck! Noted wire wrapping artist Jackie Orsini will share with you her skills acquired from over 15 years as a jewelry artist. During this six-week class, students will complete a ring, earrings, and bracelet so beautiful that their friends will assume the work was done by a professional jeweler.

Lapidary Arts • Donald Gerbrick
Beginning September 9 • Registration, Deadline: August 30 • Tuesday evenings 7–9:30 PM • (6 weeks / 15 hours) • Tuition: $120 • Materials fee $10 which must be paid to the instructor at the first class session.

Taking a piece of rough stone that one might find in nature and converting it into a piece of wearable art is easier than you think. Donald is one of the finest instructors of Lapidary Arts in the area and in this class he will guide you through the basics of identifying, cutting and polishing gemstones. As you explore this craft you will study gems and minerals in the rough state, learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts, and learn to cut and polish stones such as agates, jaspers and more.

More Wire Wrapping • Jackie Orsini
Beginning: November 19 Skipping Nov. 26, • Registration deadline: November 8 • Wednesdays Evenings 6:30–9:30 PM • (4 weeks/12 hours) • Tuition: $100 • Materials Fee $50 which must be paid to instructor on first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of metals.

In this class, Jackie will enhance your basic wire wrapping skills with more sophisticated designs and techniques. If desired, upon completion of this class students will have such a comprehensive level of experience that they can then begin to create their own unique designs. Intro to wire wrapping or comparable experience is required.

Etching on Metal • Pam Jeffries {Pictures}
October 11-12 • Registration Deadline: October 4 • Saturday & Sunday 10 AM-4 PM • (2 days /12 hours, w/ lunch break) • Tuition: $120 • Materials Fee: $35 which must be paid to the instructor the first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of materials.

If you have ever wanted to see a pattern, a photograph or a natural material translated into wearable art then etching on metal is the class for you! Students will learn etching techniques in this exciting class. There is a whole world of representational, abstract themes and text as well as texture that can now be incorporated in your work. Students will go home with at least one pair of earrings, a pin, many samples and new techniques learned.

Jewelry Rough to Riches • Pam Jeffries, Richard Meszler & Pat Baker
October 18-19, 25-26 & November 1-2 • Registration Deadline: October 4 • 3 weekends 10 AM-5 PM • (6 days/42 hours) • Tuition: $225 • Materials Fee: Some slabs for cutting will be available at cost. Students will be responsible for purchasing/ providing their own materials based on the design of their project. A suggested supply list along with sources for purchasing them will be provided to students on sign-up.

Start with a concept for a pendant design and an unfinished slab of stone, cut, shape and polish the stone into a cabochon to fit your design, create a bezel setting, set the cabochon into your setting and then fabricate a chain—and that is how you change rough to riches! This is a project based class that combines design, lapidary, metalsmithing, stone setting and chain making skills all in one. Do not let that scare you, we have put together three of our most talented instructors to help you succeed in this adventure. By the end of the class, you will possess a one of a kind piece of wearable art that had its beginnings in a slab of rough stone. Prior lapidary and soldering experience is helpful but not required. Come with a design or we will help you plan one. Loaner tools are available but you are encouraged to bring your own tools. An Optivisor® is strongly recommended.

Polymer Clay for Beginners • Pauline Furtaw
November 8 • Registration Deadline: Nov. 1 • Saturday 10 AM-4 PM • (1 day/6 hours)  • Tuition: $60 • Materials Fee $10 which must be paid to the instructor the first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of materials.

If the cost of metal has put a dent in your creativity, it is time to join polymer clay innovator Pauline Furtaw as she shares her tips and tricks of the trade for producing one-of-a-kind polymer clay jewelry. Polymer clay jewelry is affordable to make, colorful and has become a highly sought after medium by art jewelry enthusiasts everywhere. By the end of the class, you will have all the skills you need to make unique handcrafted jewelry.

Wax Carving Techniques • Lois Schwartz
November 11, 18, 25 & December 9 • Registration deadline: Nov. 1 • Tuesdays 7-9:30 PM • (4 days/10 hours) •Tuition: $100 • Materials Fee $40 which must be paid to the instructor the first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of metals.

Join renowned jewelry artist Lois Schwartz as she shares her mastery of the lost wax casting process and all of the possibilities that this medium affords us. Lost wax casting is an ancient technique that allows the artist to transfer their creations into metal. This is accomplished by carving directly in wax or by making molds of objects to create wax models for casting. In wax carving the artist may incorporate sweeping curves and intricate patterns into their metal creations. Students will learn the use of soft wax that makes it easy to achieve a much-desired organic look in jewelry. Students will make a textured ring to fit, learn finishing techniques, and make either a leaf pin or earrings. In addition, we will prepare another original and see a demonstration of mold making. No prior experience is required.

Rings Fast & Furious • Pat Baker
November 15-16 • Registration deadline: Nov. 4 • Saturday & Sunday 10 AM-4 PM • (2 days/12 hours) •Tuition: $120 • Materials Fee $25— which must be paid to the instructor the first day of class. This fee may be adjusted to accommodate the ever changing cost of metals.

If you need a couple of quick gifts or just a project to sooth your creative soul then this workshop is for you! Twisted rings, textured rings, pierced rings, forged rings, and rings with moving components… we’ll teach you to make them. Learn 5 ring-making techniques in 2 days and walk away with 5 finished rings. Basic soldering experience is required.

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Intro. to Jewelry - Pat Baker . . . . . . . . . .  $_______________

Lapidary - Donald Gerbrick . . . . . . . . . .  $_______________

Wire Wrapping - Jackie Orsini . . . . . . . . $_______________

More Wire Wrapping - Jackie Orsini . . . $_______________

Etching - Pam Jeffries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $_______________

Jewelry R to R - Pam, Pat & Richard . . . $_______________

Polymer Clay - Pauline Furtaw . . . . . . . . .$_______________

Wax Carving - Lois Schwartz . . . . . . . . .  $_______________

Rings! - Pat Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $_______________

Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $_______________

Guild members $10 discount per class .  $_______________

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$_______________

Make check payable to: Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore Be sure your name, address, and phone # appears on the check.

Mail your check to:
Jackie Orsini L & F
1312 Bellona Ave Suite 200
Lutherville MD 21093
410-825-6400

Your information Please:

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City/State/Zip ________________________________________

Phone (h) ___________________________________________

Phone (other) ________________________________________

Email ______________________________________________
Please include your e-mail address if you have one. • This will facilitate confirmation of your registration and keeping you updated regarding the class.

Please note! Your enclosed check must be equal to the amount of tuition. No refunds once class has begun. • There is a $30 fee for canceling one week or less before class begins.• Material fees are not included in the tuition price and must be paid to the instructor on the 1st day of class.  The listed cost of materials are estimates and are subject to change based on the current cost of materials at the time of the class.

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