Training
Ever wanted to learn to gut a gemstone or make your own Jewelery? We have a variety of courses run by our experienced members to help you get started or improve your skills.
Regular courses are programmed throughout the year. Members are notified by email of upcoming courses and all you need to do is respond to place your booking. The training courses do have fees to cover the cost of materials. Cost are advised when the courses are advertised.
Cabochons
The Basic Cabochon course is recommended for all our new members and is generally a prerequisite for working in the faceting and jewelery rooms. This takes you through all aspects of successfully cutting a cabochon, but also teaches you how to work safely. All materials are included.
Further, more advanced courses are available to cut more difficult material including Opal courses.
Faceting
Our beginners course takes you through completing a Standard Brilliant cut. All the necessary guides, material and equipment is included. New cutters are given a machine and will take 4 – 5 sessions to complete their first stone.
Jewelery making and Silver Smithing
In the Basic Jewelery course, you will take the cabochon you made in the Cabochon introduction course and set it in a sterling silver necklace mount that you make from scratch. The course teaches all the basic silver-smithing techniques: cutting, soldering, annealing, wire forming and polishing.
Casting and Enameling courses are also offered on a regular basis.
Occasional courses offered in the past have been: beading, pearl stringing and chain mail knitting!
