Lapidary Basics and Beyond
with John F. Heusler, G.G.

Class Description
Students will learn basic gem cutting skills using traditional lapidary methods. Students will cut multiple cabochons, be introduced to inlay techniques and learn how to cut and polish both rounded gems and angular stones with instruction on concave cutting and polishing.
About the Instructor
John has been making jewelry for over 46 years and owned a fine jewelry store for 31 of those years. He's a Graduate Gemologist from Gemological Institute of America. Now retired, John teaches classes in jewelry design and lapidary and writes instructional articles and how-to projects for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine. John has a Facebook page called Gemologist John Heusler where he sells cabochons and other jewelry related items.
John lives in the Southern High Desert of California and enjoys photography, fly fishing and hiking, among other things. Wild bobcats recently made their way into his garage and had a litter of kits. This is the third generation to do so. John doesn't feed or give them water, just the use of the garage as long as they need it! They are completely wild.
Prerequisites
None
Students may bring their own slab/rough to cut (optional)
Materials kit (provided by instructor)* $15
* Materials kit purchase is required for all our workshops. The kit insures all students have the same tools and materials required to learn the technique and allows the instructor and the students to focus on the technique rather than the materials.
Number of Seats
Maximum five students. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Registration Open Now
Students will learn basic gem cutting skills using traditional lapidary methods. Students will cut multiple cabochons, be introduced to inlay techniques and learn how to cut and polish both rounded gems and angular stones with instruction on concave cutting and polishing.
About the Instructor
John has been making jewelry for over 46 years and owned a fine jewelry store for 31 of those years. He's a Graduate Gemologist from Gemological Institute of America. Now retired, John teaches classes in jewelry design and lapidary and writes instructional articles and how-to projects for Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine. John has a Facebook page called Gemologist John Heusler where he sells cabochons and other jewelry related items.
John lives in the Southern High Desert of California and enjoys photography, fly fishing and hiking, among other things. Wild bobcats recently made their way into his garage and had a litter of kits. This is the third generation to do so. John doesn't feed or give them water, just the use of the garage as long as they need it! They are completely wild.
Prerequisites
None
Students may bring their own slab/rough to cut (optional)
Materials kit (provided by instructor)* $15
* Materials kit purchase is required for all our workshops. The kit insures all students have the same tools and materials required to learn the technique and allows the instructor and the students to focus on the technique rather than the materials.
Number of Seats
Maximum five students. All participants will be required to sign a waiver.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Students may cancel up to 10 business days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $10 processing.
- Cancellations 5-10 business days prior to the start of the class are eligible for a 50% refund.
- Cancellations occurring less than 5 business days prior to the start date will not be refunded,
- In the event we have to cancel a class, students will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
Registration Open Now