OGMS Lapidary Workshop Learn to cut, polish, wrap, and set stones with help from experienced club members.
The OGMS Lapidary Workshop is available to club members only and offers hands-on instruction in basic lapidary and jewelry-making skills. Whether you want to cut your first rock, polish a cabochon, try wire wrapping, or learn the basics of silversmithing, our volunteers can help you get started safely.
Children are welcome to learn, but a parent or guardian must be present to supervise them.
Instruction is free unless materials are required for a specific class or project.
What You Can Learn
At the workshop, members can learn how to:
- Safely cut small rocks using the club’s 6-inch rock saw
Maximum rock height: 3 inches - Trim slabs into cabochon-sized pieces
- Shape and polish cabochons, which are domed stones often used in jewelry
- Use lapidary wheels at one of our cabbing stations
- Learn basic silversmithing techniques using metal, tools, and heat
- Make pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry projects
- Try beginner wire wrapping when classes are offered
The club has a supply of free slabs available for members, or you may bring your own material.
Available Equipment
The workshop currently includes:
- 6-inch rock saw
- Slab trimming equipment
- Three cabochon-making stations
- Silversmithing stations
- Hand tools for basic jewelry making
- Steam cleaner
- Photo light box
Many members eventually buy their own favorite tools, but the workshop has enough basic tools to help beginners get started.
Costs and Materials
Costs and Materials
Instruction is free, but some supplies and equipment have a small cost. Please bring cash in small bills, as change may be limited.
Cabochon machine use:
- 18 mm × 25 mm or smaller: $1
- 18 mm × 25 mm to 30 mm × 40 mm: $2
- Larger than 30 mm × 40 mm: $3
Rock saw use:
- $0.50 per square inch, or any portion thereof
Wire Wrapping 101:
- Occasional beginner class
- $10 materials fee
Silver:
Silver used for projects is charged at the current spot silver price. This service is intended for beginner projects, not as a general source of silver supplies for club members.
Yesterday’s Silver Prices:
Prices shown are market references only. Actual workshop material charges are based on the club supply cost or the current spot price at the time of use.
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Lapidary
Silversmithing
Wirewrapping
Repairs
Some jewelry repairs may be possible for club members, depending on the piece and the work required.
Please note: repairs involving heat carry risk. Jewelry can melt, crack, discolor, or otherwise be damaged during repair. Ring resizing may be possible in some cases, but it depends on the item.
Workshop Volunteers
Our workshop volunteers bring decades of experience in lapidary, jewelry-making, and geology.
- Bill Arnson has more than thirty years of lapidary experience.
- Bill Ernst has more than thirty years of experience as a lapidary hobbyist.
- Mike P. is a professional geologist.
OGMS Calendar
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