Events and Classes - Future Events View

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Intro To Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

Intro To Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

PREREQUISITE: Beginning Intarsia Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Beginner Intarsia course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Build upon your skills from Beginner Intarsia! Make yourself a stunning cab using various advanced intarsia inlay techniques including more intricate designs, wire and silver insertion, and inserting round intarsia pieces into a base piece.

Start and end times: 10am - 4pm (2 day course)
Materials Fee: $20
Materials Fee Includes: includes stones to use and various glues

PREREQUISITE: Beginning Intarsia Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Beginner Intarsia course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Build upon your skills from Beginner Intarsia! Make yourself a stunning cab using various advanced intarsia inlay techniques including more intricate designs, wire and silver insertion, and inserting round intarsia pieces into a base piece.

Start and end times: 10am - 4pm (2 day course)
Materials Fee: $20
Materials Fee Includes: includes stones to use and various glues

Description: This course will provide students with a basic introduction to faceting. Students will learn how to operate a mast-style faceting machine (Ultra-tec VL) to cut and polish a round buff top gem using meetpoint methods. Students will use the faceting machine to cut and polish the pavilion and will then transfer to the Genie cabbing wheels to cut and polish the domed crown. We will discuss general faceting topics with demos. Given the short time of the course, the class time focus will be getting hands-on experience on the machines to cut and polish a gem.


Required: Lapidary 1.0 is required for this course. Students must be comfortable forming a dome on material under 0.50" using cabbing wheels and achieving a polish with cerium.


Students are recommended to bring an Opti-Visor or other form of general magnification.


Start and end times: June 7, 10am - 6pm


Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: Quartz Facet Rough, 10x loupe, polishing consumables, instruction booklet

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

No prerequisites, however lapidary experience is highly recommended. This introductory class explores the art of gemstone carving, opening up a new dimension of creativity beyond traditional cabochon cutting. In this four-day class, students will learn the fundamentals of designing, carving, sanding and polishing harder material such as quartz to create a ready-to-set pendant. We will discuss equipment, tool control, the various types of carving burs, and techniques for creating texture, depth, and form. Using custom-built, stationary carving equipment—designed by guild members with input from experienced master carvers—participants will gain hands-on experience in a process that is still new and evolving within our shop.

Materials fee: $75-$100
Times: Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-4pm

Description: If you are interested in turning your cabochons and beads into jewelry but are intimidated by the idea of using a torch in the silversmithing classes, this is the class for you. In the first part of this class, the instructor will show the students how to make herringbone earrings. The student will learn how to make their own head pins, ear wires, and a herringbone link. The student will also learn how to incorporate the herringbone link into earrings, ring, bracelet, or necklace. No experience required.

After a quick lunch break, the student will learn how to set a cabochon into a beautiful and elegant metal wire framework made out of copper, brass, or silver. In addition, students will learn some tips on twisting the wire and incorporating it into the design seamlessly. No experience required.

Students are welcome to bring their own cabochons (defined as a stone that has a flat back and a domed front) and its size should be between 1” to 1.5” in diameter and the shape that is uniform such as oval, round, tear drop.

Start and end times: July 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $60

Materials Fee Includes: Wire (brass, sterling, copper), cabochons, misc. consumables

No prerequisites, however lapidary experience is highly recommended. This introductory class explores the art of gemstone carving, opening up a new dimension of creativity beyond traditional cabochon cutting. In this four-day class, students will learn the fundamentals of designing, carving, sanding and polishing harder material such as quartz to create a ready-to-set pendant. We will discuss equipment, tool control, the various types of carving burs, and techniques for creating texture, depth, and form. Using custom-built, stationary carving equipment—designed by guild members with input from experienced master carvers—participants will gain hands-on experience in a process that is still new and evolving within our shop.

Materials fee: $75-$100
Times: Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-4pm

Description: If you love making wire-wrapped jewelry and would like to broaden your skillset with prong setting and some fancy weaving techniques, then this class is for you!

In this class, students will learn how to make a prong setting for a pendant. Students will also learn multiple weaving techniques that will be incorporated into the prong setting to create a fancy bezel framework for a pendant.

Students are welcome to bring their own cabochon, preferring oval or teardrop shape between 40-45 mm tall.

Start and end times: July 18, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $20

Materials Fee Includes:
- 20 copper ga Round wire Half Hard: 1 x length of 10 inches
- 22 copper ga Round wire Half Hard: 1 x length of 18 inches
- 26 copper ga Round wire Dead Soft or soft: 1 x length of 60 inches
- 26 copper ga Round wire Dead Soft or soft: 1x length of 48 inches
- 22 copper ga Round wire Dead Soft or soft: 3 x length of16 inches
- Stone
- instructions pdf file
- 1 bob-eez

No prerequisites, however lapidary experience is highly recommended. This introductory class explores the art of gemstone carving, opening up a new dimension of creativity beyond traditional cabochon cutting. In this four-day class, students will learn the fundamentals of designing, carving, sanding and polishing harder material such as quartz to create a ready-to-set pendant. We will discuss equipment, tool control, the various types of carving burs, and techniques for creating texture, depth, and form. Using custom-built, stationary carving equipment—designed by guild members with input from experienced master carvers—participants will gain hands-on experience in a process that is still new and evolving within our shop.

Materials fee: $75-$100
Times: Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-4pm

No prerequisites, however lapidary experience is highly recommended. This introductory class explores the art of gemstone carving, opening up a new dimension of creativity beyond traditional cabochon cutting. In this four-day class, students will learn the fundamentals of designing, carving, sanding and polishing harder material such as quartz to create a ready-to-set pendant. We will discuss equipment, tool control, the various types of carving burs, and techniques for creating texture, depth, and form. Using custom-built, stationary carving equipment—designed by guild members with input from experienced master carvers—participants will gain hands-on experience in a process that is still new and evolving within our shop.

Materials fee: $75-$100
Times: Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-4pm

Description: Prerequisite: Lapidary 1.0. Some stones only reveal their best qualities when they’re cut in just the right direction. This class focuses on materials like tiger’s eye, labradorite, and moonstone, where optical effects—chatoyancy and flashes of color—depend entirely on how the stone is oriented and shaped. Students will learn how to read rough material, identify grain or internal structure, and position their cuts to bring out maximum “flash.” Through guided, hands-on instruction, you’ll practice proper slab orientation, cabochon design, and finishing techniques that enhance these effects rather than grind them away. By the end of the class, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how light interacts with different stones and the skills to consistently reveal their most striking visual qualities.

Prerequisite: Lapidary 1.0.

Start and end times:
July 25, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $20

Materials Fee Includes: Material to create 2 cabs

Description: Have you always been fascinated by the beauty of faceted gemstones and want to learn how to cut one yourself? Kari Warpinski will guide you in cutting your first faceted gemstone. In this 3-day course, students will learn to cut and polish a 46-facet lab-grown garnet, practice preforming and dopping techniques, and demystify the faceting diagram. You will come away from the course with all the skills needed to cut a gemstone on your own. Beginners are encouraged!

Start and end times:
August 1 - 2
August 8
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: Rough YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) for faceting, a 10x loupe, and supplies

Description: Have you always been fascinated by the beauty of faceted gemstones and want to learn how to cut one yourself? Kari Warpinski will guide you in cutting your first faceted gemstone. In this 3-day course, students will learn to cut and polish a 46-facet lab-grown garnet, practice preforming and dopping techniques, and demystify the faceting diagram. You will come away from the course with all the skills needed to cut a gemstone on your own. Beginners are encouraged!

Start and end times:
August 1 - 2
August 8
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: Rough YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) for faceting, a 10x loupe, and supplies

Description: Have you always been fascinated by the beauty of faceted gemstones and want to learn how to cut one yourself? Kari Warpinski will guide you in cutting your first faceted gemstone. In this 3-day course, students will learn to cut and polish a 46-facet lab-grown garnet, practice preforming and dopping techniques, and demystify the faceting diagram. You will come away from the course with all the skills needed to cut a gemstone on your own. Beginners are encouraged!

Start and end times:
August 1 - 2
August 8
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: Rough YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) for faceting, a 10x loupe, and supplies

Description: This two-day introductory class offers a hands-on exploration of copper electroforming, a process in which a layer of copper is slowly built up over a prepared surface to create a durable metal “skin.” Students will transform stones and other small objects into finished pendants, where the copper forms a natural-looking bezel that permanently frames and secures the piece, often with an organic, textured finish that can be polished bright or darkened with patina. Participants will create one to two pieces while learning the fundamentals of electrolysis, chemical safety, and how to set up and maintain an electroforming bath.


The first day focuses on preparing pieces—attaching bails, applying conductive graphite paint and protective latex, and initiating the plating process. In the second session, students will remove and neutralize their pieces, then enhance them with patina and polishing techniques. The class also includes guidance on sourcing supplies and equipment, empowering students to continue electroforming independently at home.


Start and end times:
- 10:00a-12:00p August 9
- 10:00a - 12:00p August 16


Materials Fee: $100


Materials Fee Includes:
- Copper wire in 20G and/or 12G
- Graphite Paint
- Super glue
- Latex
- Paintbrushes

Description: Synthetic materials such as Fordite (car paint), Bowlerite, Surfite and other man made products left over or re purposed from the manufacturing process have provided a fascinating addition to natural stone in inspiring beautiful creations in art, jewelry and other practical applications for decades. In this class, students will learn how to identify, source and get familiar with working with some of these materials. We will explore the variety and types of materials while creating cabs from Fordite and Bowlerite to incorporate into your own creations and collections. We will talk about and discover how different synthetic materials are created and available to be worked and polished. Identifying ways to read the patterns when sourcing rough, determining what is "workable" and understanding the variety and types of material available will be a major component of the experience. Every student should anticipate being able to create more than one completed cab and will be provided with material to work on more outside of the class.


This class is available to anyone who has taken Lapidary 1.0

Start and end times: August 15, 10AM to 4PM


Materials Fee: $30

Materials Fee Includes: Fordite and Bowlerite material

Description: This two-day introductory class offers a hands-on exploration of copper electroforming, a process in which a layer of copper is slowly built up over a prepared surface to create a durable metal “skin.” Students will transform stones and other small objects into finished pendants, where the copper forms a natural-looking bezel that permanently frames and secures the piece, often with an organic, textured finish that can be polished bright or darkened with patina. Participants will create one to two pieces while learning the fundamentals of electrolysis, chemical safety, and how to set up and maintain an electroforming bath.


The first day focuses on preparing pieces—attaching bails, applying conductive graphite paint and protective latex, and initiating the plating process. In the second session, students will remove and neutralize their pieces, then enhance them with patina and polishing techniques. The class also includes guidance on sourcing supplies and equipment, empowering students to continue electroforming independently at home.


Start and end times:
- 10:00a-12:00p August 9
- 10:00a - 12:00p August 16


Materials Fee: $100


Materials Fee Includes:
- Copper wire in 20G and/or 12G
- Graphite Paint
- Super glue
- Latex
- Paintbrushes

Description: Intro to Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

This is a 2 day class.

Start and end times:
August 22, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: 1 spray bottle Cupronil Flux, 1 fine tweezers, 1 titanium pick, small sheet of hard solder, and easy solder, and a container for their solder, they will also receive a 2 x 6" copper sheet, a short piece of copper tubing

Description: Intro to Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

This is a 2 day class.

Start and end times:
August 22, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: 1 spray bottle Cupronil Flux, 1 fine tweezers, 1 titanium pick, small sheet of hard solder, and easy solder, and a container for their solder, they will also receive a 2 x 6" copper sheet, a short piece of copper tubing

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This course will provide students with a basic introduction to faceting. Students will learn how to operate a mast-style faceting machine (Ultra-tec VL) to cut and polish a rose-cut gem using meetpoint methods. General faceting topics will be discussed and demos will be provided. Given the short time of the course, the class time focus will be getting hands-on experience on the machines to cut and polish a gem.


Required: No pre-requisite for this course though Lapidary 1.0 is suggested.


Students are recommended to bring an Opti-Visor or other form of general magnification.


Start and end times: September 5, 10am - 6pm


Materials Fee: $50


Materials Fee Includes: Quartz Facet Rough, 10x loupe, polishing consumables, instruction booklet

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: Intro To Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

This is a 2 day class.

Start and end times:
September 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 15, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: 1 spray bottle Cupronil Flux, 1 fine tweezers, 1 titanium pick, small sheet of hard solder, and easy solder, and a container for their solder, they will also receive a 2 x 6" copper sheet, a short piece of copper tubing

Description: Intro To Soldering will take a student from having no knowledge about soldering or even how to light a torch to learning multiple torch soldering techniques and creating a layered metal pendant, hollow-formed earrings, and a copper bead. Students will learn about basic torch types, setting up a soldering space, torch flame types and uses, and torch safety including lighting and extinguishing and the use of the shop metal working area. Students will learn how to anneal metal, how to pattern metal with a rolling mill, soldering techniques (sweat soldering, butt joints, post on sheet and jump rings) and the use of chip, wire, and paste solder. No experience necessary.

This is a 2 day class.

Start and end times:
September 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
September 15, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $50

Materials Fee Includes: 1 spray bottle Cupronil Flux, 1 fine tweezers, 1 titanium pick, small sheet of hard solder, and easy solder, and a container for their solder, they will also receive a 2 x 6" copper sheet, a short piece of copper tubing

We can use light transmitted through a mineral to better identify, orient, and understand minerals. One of the tools useful in investigating how light interacts with a mineral is the polariscope. In this course we‘ll build a simple polariscope to help in understanding how a polariscope works, and then use the polariscope to investigate the optical properties of mineral specimens. In addition to the provided mineral specimens for exploration, bring your own transparent minerals or gems to investigate as well. You‘ll leave the course with a simple polariscope and a better understanding of minerals!

No experience needed, but a previous gem ID course is certainly useful.

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: PREREQUISITE: Beginning Cabochon/Intro to Lapidary Cutting Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Intro to Lapidary course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Learn how to do basic intarsia. Intarsia is the art of cutting stones and gluing them together to create new designs. It is a way of taking some simple stones and creating a dramatic one of a kind piece. You will design your own square or rectangular piece and one triangular piece. You will create, glue and grind and polish two pieces ready to mount or display.

Start and end times:
October 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
October 7, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $40.00

Materials Fee Includes: Pre-cut raw materials for square and rectangular intarsia pieces, glue, clamp.

Description: PREREQUISITE: Beginning Cabochon/Intro to Lapidary Cutting Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Intro to Lapidary course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Learn how to do basic intarsia. Intarsia is the art of cutting stones and gluing them together to create new designs. It is a way of taking some simple stones and creating a dramatic one of a kind piece. You will design your own square or rectangular piece and one triangular piece. You will create, glue and grind and polish two pieces ready to mount or display.

Start and end times:
October 6, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
October 7, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $40.00

Materials Fee Includes: Pre-cut raw materials for square and rectangular intarsia pieces, glue, clamp.

Ready to build on your faceting skills? In this intermediate class, Bernie Emery will
guide students beyond the basics to refine technique, improve accuracy, and take greater
control over the cutting process. Participants will work on a more advanced faceted design,
focusing on precision meets, symmetry, and polishing for optimal light performance. The class
will also cover more nuanced topics such as evaluating and orienting rough for yield and
brilliance, troubleshooting common cutting issues, and fine-tuning machine setup. Designed for
those who have completed a beginner course or have equivalent experience, this class helps
students move from simply completing a stone to truly mastering the craft of faceting.

Prerequisite: Intro to faceting

Ready to build on your faceting skills? In this intermediate class, Bernie Emery will
guide students beyond the basics to refine technique, improve accuracy, and take greater
control over the cutting process. Participants will work on a more advanced faceted design,
focusing on precision meets, symmetry, and polishing for optimal light performance. The class
will also cover more nuanced topics such as evaluating and orienting rough for yield and
brilliance, troubleshooting common cutting issues, and fine-tuning machine setup. Designed for
those who have completed a beginner course or have equivalent experience, this class helps
students move from simply completing a stone to truly mastering the craft of faceting.

Prerequisite: Intro to faceting

Ready to build on your faceting skills? In this intermediate class, Bernie Emery will
guide students beyond the basics to refine technique, improve accuracy, and take greater
control over the cutting process. Participants will work on a more advanced faceted design,
focusing on precision meets, symmetry, and polishing for optimal light performance. The class
will also cover more nuanced topics such as evaluating and orienting rough for yield and
brilliance, troubleshooting common cutting issues, and fine-tuning machine setup. Designed for
those who have completed a beginner course or have equivalent experience, this class helps
students move from simply completing a stone to truly mastering the craft of faceting.

Prerequisite: Intro to faceting

Ready to build on your faceting skills? In this intermediate class, Bernie Emery will
guide students beyond the basics to refine technique, improve accuracy, and take greater
control over the cutting process. Participants will work on a more advanced faceted design,
focusing on precision meets, symmetry, and polishing for optimal light performance. The class
will also cover more nuanced topics such as evaluating and orienting rough for yield and
brilliance, troubleshooting common cutting issues, and fine-tuning machine setup. Designed for
those who have completed a beginner course or have equivalent experience, this class helps
students move from simply completing a stone to truly mastering the craft of faceting.

Prerequisite: Intro to faceting

Description: Tab setting is a technique that allows you to set your cabochons and never touch a torch! Cold connections are a great way to design creative settings to hold stones. In this class, you’ll learn the intricate techniques of tab setting, a popular method for securely mounting cabochons in your custom designs. Students will work with sheets of metal, jewelers saws, and other basic hand tools to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Students must bring their own cabochons. 17mm to 35mm cabochons work well. Students can have any shape stone, If you do not have any cabochons, you may be able to purchase from other guild members or from companies such as Rio Grande on line.

Start and end times:
October 18, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $15

Materials Fee Includes: 2"x3" copper sheet and jeweler saw blades.

Description: Prerequisite: Basic Jewelry Soldering or equivalent experience. You must know how to solder with a torch to take this course.

Do you have some cabochons that you want to show off and don‘t want a bezel or a wire wrap covering any of the stone? The prong setting is another option for securing your stone so that you can show it off to the world. A prong setting is a common and adaptable stone setting technique that is easy to learn and apply to your jewelry making. In this class students will make a prong set cabochon pendant. Students need to bring their own cabochons. 17mm to 35mm cabochons work well. Students can have round, oval or sharp edged cabochons (such as square, diamond shape etc.) If you do not have any cabochons, you may be able to purchase from other guild members or from companies such as Rio Grande on line. Magnifying headgear (e.g.: Optivisor) is strongly recommended.

Start and end times:
October 24, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $15 for Copper; Silver TBA

Materials Fee Includes: 2x3 piece of 20 gauge dead soft silver or copper sheet and silver or copper wire as needed and a prong setting burnisher.

Description: In this class, students will work with sterling silver and fine silver to create a pendant for a round or oval cabochon to be used for a necklace. Students must provide their own cabochons. Cabochons should be approximately 17mm to about 35mm. Larger and smaller cabochons will give you more problems. Recommend that you have at least 2 cabochons. If you do not have any cabs you may purchase them from other members of the guild or from Rio Grande or other source on the internet. Please purchase your cabs early enough. Students are expected to have their own hard and soft solder. It is best to have your own tweezers, pick and flux, but the shop does have these.

Start and end times:
November 7, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $40 for Copper; Silver TBA

Materials Fee Includes: Includes: 2 x 3" piece of 20 gauge dead soft sheet silver/copper, 15" of fine silver/copper bezel wire, and a bezel burnisher to add to their personal kit.

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: Prerequisite: Basic Jewelry Soldering or equivalent experience. You must know how to solder with a torch to take this course.

Do you have some cabochons that you want to show off and don‘t want a bezel or a wire wrap covering any of the stone? The prong setting is another option for securing your stone so that you can show it off to the world. A prong setting is a common and adaptable stone setting technique that is easy to learn and apply to your jewelry making. In this class students will make a prong set cabochon pendant. Students need to bring their own cabochons. 17mm to 35mm cabochons work well. Students can have round, oval or sharp edged cabochons (such as square, diamond shape etc.) If you do not have any cabochons, you may be able to purchase from other guild members or from companies such as Rio Grande on line. Magnifying headgear (e.g.: Optivisor) is strongly recommended.

Start and end times:
November 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $15 for Copper; Silver TBA

Materials Fee Includes: 2x3 piece of 20 gauge dead soft silver or copper sheet and silver or copper wire as needed and a prong setting burnisher.

Description: Come and create a copper cuff bracelet, perfect for a gift. Students will learn the proper method to stamp designs in metal. The stamps are real Navajo Indian stamps that you will be using to create your own bracelet. No experience required.

Start and end times:
November 21, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $20

Materials Fee Includes: Copper sheeting to practice on and to make one or two bracelets

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: This class is an introduction to the basics of cutting and polishing gemstone cabochons. No experience is necessary. You will learn how to form cabochons of several shapes from slabs of stones such as agates, jas­pers and more. We will explore gems and minerals in the rough state & learn about tools and equipment used in the lapidary arts. You are encouraged to bring your own stones to class for discussion. An Optivisor is recommended.

This is a two day class.

No experience required.

This class is a prerequisite for Open Shop access.

Materials Fee: $35 Includes: slabs for three stones

Description: Tab setting is a technique that allows you to set your cabochons and never touch a torch! Cold connections are a great way to design creative settings to hold stones. In this class, you’ll learn the intricate techniques of tab setting, a popular method for securely mounting cabochons in your custom designs. Students will work with sheets of metal, jewelers saws, and other basic hand tools to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

Students must bring their own cabochons. 17mm to 35mm cabochons work well. Students can have any shape stone, If you do not have any cabochons, you may be able to purchase from other guild members or from companies such as Rio Grande on line.

Start and end times:
December 7, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $15

Materials Fee Includes: 2"x3" copper sheet and jeweler saw blades.

Description: PREREQUISITE: Beginning Cabochon/Intro to Lapidary Cutting Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Intro to Lapidary course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Learn how to do basic intarsia. Intarsia is the art of cutting stones and gluing them together to create new designs. It is a way of taking some simple stones and creating a dramatic one of a kind piece. You will design your own square or rectangular piece and one triangular piece. You will create, glue and grind and polish two pieces ready to mount or display.

Start and end times:
December 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 13, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $40.00

Materials Fee Includes: Pre-cut raw materials for square and rectangular intarsia pieces, glue, clamp.

Description: PREREQUISITE: Beginning Cabochon/Intro to Lapidary Cutting Class completed. No exceptions. Please do not register if you have not taken the Guild’s Intro to Lapidary course. Please contact classes@gemcuttersguild.com if you have any questions.

Learn how to do basic intarsia. Intarsia is the art of cutting stones and gluing them together to create new designs. It is a way of taking some simple stones and creating a dramatic one of a kind piece. You will design your own square or rectangular piece and one triangular piece. You will create, glue and grind and polish two pieces ready to mount or display.

Start and end times:
December 12, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 13, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Materials Fee: $40.00

Materials Fee Includes: Pre-cut raw materials for square and rectangular intarsia pieces, glue, clamp.