Lapidary, Faceting, Silversmithing and Wire Wrapping Classes

Lapidary classes teach the cutting and polishing of semi-precious gemstones, turning Arizona's raw mineral materials into cabochons (polished, convex-cut, unfaceted) and other forms. In the silversmithing and wire wrapping classes you learn how to create settings for rings, necklaces, etc., thus completing the transformation to finished jewelry.

Lapidary
Classes are on Tuesdays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tom Parks is the instructor and lapidary shop manager.
Course graduates qualify for "open shop" privileges. Open shop is generally scheduled for: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and (most) 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturdays of the month 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Faceting
Classes are on Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Dick McPheron is the instructor.
Silversmithing
Silversmithing and metal casting (lost wax) class consists of a 10-week course on designated Thursdays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The instructor is Tom Parks.
Wire Wrapping
Classes are held most 1st Saturdays of the month. The instructor is Joanne Hesterman.
Wire wrapping classes are free, but supplies and tools are required. These include: round and flat nose pliers, wire cutters, optivisor, beads, cabochons or other stones, ruler, pin vise (optional), files, narrow masking tape, a variety of short dowels, and a fine point marking pen. Wire is available for purchase or bring your own 22-gauge square wire - silver or gold filled.
Contact Information
Call Shirley Cote at 602-771-1611 for class availability, fees, and other details.