GVR LAPIDARY & SILVERSMITH CLUB

GVR ClasseS

Click here to view and enroll in the classes. Click here for the "Course Sequence for GVR Lapidary Club Classes 2025-26" document.

GETTING STARTED IN JEWELRY MAKING

These are beginner classes and prerequisites for intermediate and advanced workshops.

Basic Chain Maille Bracelet

BEGINNING LEVEL - Chain maille is the art of adding links of a chain, or jump rings, together to make a pattern for jewelry. Students learn two patterns in forming bracelets and learn about wire gauge, hardness, and shapes used.

Materials include jump rings and clasps. Enrollees should bring at least two pliers (bent-nose and flat-nose preferably). Loaners are available.

Club membership is required to use equipment independently. Material fees are subject to change due to cost fluctuations. Material fee: $40

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the class.

Basic Wire Wrapping for Jewelry

BEGINNING LEVEL - This class is a prerequisite for more advanced wire wrap classes taught by the GVR Lapidary Club. Students learn basic wire wrapping techniques and complete projects, pendants, and earrings, as well as learning about metal gauges, types of wire, tools, and supply sources. Bring jewelry pliers if possible and a fine-tip Sharpie. Tools are available for purchase. Note: Arthritis sufferers may find working with pliers difficult.

There are magnifier lights. Material Fees may increase due to current market values. Material fee: $20.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the class.

Dichroic Glass Jewelry

BEGINNING LEVEL - Students complete three pieces of fusible dichroic glass. Pieces are suitable for pendants or earrings. The class gives a basic knowledge of glass fusion and dichroic glass capabilities. No prior experience necessary. The class furnishes tools. Students learn skills including cutting, design, fusing, and finishing. Upon successfully completing this class and joining the Lapidary Club, students have the opportunity to attend weekly workshops to further their knowledge and expand their skills.

Materials: $50 (paid to instructor—subject to change due to increasing cost)

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Lapidary - How to Make a Cabochon

BEGINNING LEVEL - Learn to cut, shape, and polish a stone slab into a cabochon. Class requires walking and standing most of the time to use equipment that uses oil or water. Wear old clothes and close-toed shoes. This class and membership in the Lapidary Club are required to use the equipment independently. Materials fee: $40.

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Learn the Torch

BEGINNING LEVEL - Learn forging and annealing techniques (acetylene/air torch) to create a cuff bracelet and a forged pendant. Safety is foremost for this introduction to using the torch to anneal, or soften, metal before forming it. Students are inspired by other club members’

examples of copper, brass, and silver jewelry. This class and club membership are prerequisites for intermediate workshops and the use of equipment offered by the GVR Lapidary & Silversmithing Club. Materials fee: $20

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Make and Take Earrings

BEGINNING LEVEL - Have fun making all components for a variety of earrings. No experience is necessary, but participants should be able to hold a pair of pliers, file, and hammer. GVR Lapidary & Silversmith Club members teach students to use simple jewelry techniques and basic hand tools. Pupils leave with two unique pairs of earrings to wear themselves, or give as gifts, as well as learn more about the opportunities available through this club. Material fees are subject to change due to cost fluctuations. Materials fee: $10

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.

Metal Clay Jewelry

ALL LEVELS—Join this three-and-a-half-hour class, ideal for beginners and seasoned silver metal clay artists. Club supplies fifteen grams of clay, two ear wires or a jump ring, and a friendly learning atmosphere with essential tools available for loan. Beginners craft beautiful earrings or a pendant to take home, while experienced participants focus on their ongoing projects. With a dedicated instructor and one to two assistants for a small group of up to four, students receive plenty of personalized guidance. Materials fee: $55

Refer to the GVR course description for the material fee, which is to be paid to the instructor at the first class. Click here to read the description and enroll in the course.