Workshops

The Port Moody Rock & Gem Club offers general lapidary, faceting, and silver smithing workshops throughout the week and a variety of special workshops once or twice each year. Weekly workshops are drop-in sessions open to all members. If you are not a member of our club but would like to see what our workshops are all about, you are welcome to participate in two sessions before submitting a membership application.

What are the Lapidary Arts?

If you are not familiar with the lapidary arts, take some time to read through the resources below compliments of the International Gem Society:

• Part 1 - Introduction
• Part 2 - Making Smaller Pieces
• Part 3 - Tumbling
• Part 4 - Cabochon Cutting
• Part 5 - Faceting

Standard Workshop Schedule

Our standard workshop schedule is provided below. If you are planning to attend a workshop for the first time, please contact the workshop supervisor in advance to ensure availability. Workshops take place at Kyle Centre in Port Moody:

Kyle Centre
125 Kyle Street
Port Moody, BC, Canada
See map >>

Standard Workshop Overviews

General Lapidary

Workshop supervisors will mentor new participants on the use of equipment

Our general lapidary drop-in workshops involve the cutting and polishing of precious and semi-precious stones. The focus of this workshop is on the creation of cabochons for display and jewelry purposes. Members have access to corundum and diamond cutting/polishing wheels, in addition to trim and slabbing saws. Our workshop supervisors will mentor new participants and teach the tools and tricks of the trade. All you need to begin is a willingness to learn; we'll provide you with what you need to start. More seasoned participants will bring their own supplies, including:

• Rough material (rocks and rock slabs) which can be found in nature or at a local lapidary supply store
• Dop sticks
• Cabochon templates

Faceting

Our faceting workshops involve the cutting of gemstones for rings and pendants. This workshop teaches proper use of hand faceting equipment which can be obtained on loan from the club.

Special Workshop Overviews

Special workshops are held once or twice a year.

Wire Wrapping

Our wire wrapping workshops involve cutting and bending wire (usually silver and gold) to form findings for pendants, rings, and bracelets. Wire wrapping is a creative and straight forward method to make jewelry featuring stones cut and polished during our general lapidary workshops. This is an unstructured workshop which means other workshop participants will show you the basics and leave the rest to you.

Hole Drilling

Our hole drilling workshops demonstrate how to use dremels and foredoms to cut holes in rocks for jewelry making purposes.

Gem Tree Making

Learn how to combine wire and stone to create fantastic gem trees.

Broom Casting

Sound interesting? Well it is! Through using a wet corn broom and molten silver, participants create strangely shaped "castle-like" objects which can be made into pendants or placed in your collection.