MICROCLINE (variety "Amazonite") with
Quartz (variety "Smoky") , Park County, Colorado

Classes & Workshops

Open Shop

The Club's workshop is open to members every Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, and every first and third Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The shop fee is $2.00* per session.
It is advisable to bring your own materials and tools if you have them. If not, the Club has a good variety of tools you may use while at the shop. In addition, the Club has some stone rough available for your use at no charge and some jewelry-making materials available for purchase.

Drop-ins and new members welcome. Experience not necessary. Shop supervisor and club members are helpful with questions and instruction on cutting stones (making cabochons) and general jewelry-making techniques.

Ongoing Classes & Workshops

This is a list of typical ongoing classes given at Four Corners Gem & Mineral Club. Some are scheduled where others are yet to be determined. If you are interested in a particular class, contact the instructor listed for additional information and to get your name on the waiting list.

Typical class fees are stated with the individual class descriptions following. The Club reserves the right to change any class fee without prior notice. Payment for all classes is due on or before the first class session, unless otherwise noted. Contact the class instructor for payment arrangements. All classes are open to members and non-members alike. However, only members are allowed to utilize the clubhouse premises after completion of the class. Click on “Join Today” for information on how to become a member.

Beginning Silversmithing

Beginning Silversmithing is five contiguous sessions in length and teaches the basic techniques of jewelry fabrication such as layout, sawing, filing, soldering, etc. while making a pendant and split-shank ring. No previous experience is necessary. Taught on rotating basis with the intermediate classes. Cost is typically $105.00* and includes all materials. Tools are provided. Contact Bill Birza 970-247-0187 for more information.

Intermediate Jewelry Making & Silversmithing Class

This class is geared towards those students with some jewelry making experience wishing to further their skills, techniques, and knowledge. Beginning with techniques of jewelry design including sketches, layout, materials selection, and project planning we complete a jewelry piece of the student’s choice. We also explore various texturing and finishing techniques as well as tool selection that will help produce professional looking results. Cost is typically $145.00* for a five-session class meeting Wednesday evenings. Taught on a rotating basis with Beginning Silversmithing. Students to provide their own materials for their projects, however supplies and practice materials are provided. Contact Will Harjes at 970-247-9381 or wharjes@rmi.net for additional information.

Lost Wax Casting Class

This class introduces the student to the Lost Wax Casting process. The student will design and create a wax model, make a mold, cast and finish a simple piece of jewelry during this class. We cover design basics, model making, casting techniques, finishing, patinas and polishing as well as proper and safe use of equipment. All materials and supplies are provided except for the metal (preferably sterling silver) to be cast. The class is usually held over a weekend and the cost is typically $145.00*. Contact Will Harjes at 247-9272 or email wharjes@rmi.net for additional information.

Chain Making Class

There is an ongoing Chain Making class available each Tuesday night during Open Shop. It typically takes three sessions to finish a project. Cost is $2.00 shop fee each night and silver at the current silver price. Club tools are available for use at no charge. A great class for gaining soldering experience. Contact Bob Danielson 970-385-1058 for more information.

Silver Filigree Class

This class teaches how to produce professional looking fine silver filigree. Soldering experience is necessary. The first session teaches how to anneal, twist, and roll the silver to the right stage for working the wires, with two more sessions actually forming the filigree, soldering, and finishing it. Cost is $60* and includes materials. Club tools are available for use at no charge. Contact Marie Wester 970-247-9648 for more information.

Wire Wrap Class

The Wire Wrap class teaches how to wrap a cabochon in silver or gold-filled wire. Proper techniques, wire selection, and tool selection are taught. No experience necessary. Typically held on a weekend day. Cost is approximately $50* and includes silver wire and materials. Club tools are available for use at no charge. Contact Jeanne Peters at 970-799-2321 or loganberry212@gmail.com for further information.

Beading Clutch

This is a group of beaders and jewelers sharing talents and ideas with each other in a "non-class" environment. Participants will need to bring their own projects, supplies, and tools. Class time to be determined. Cost $2* regular shop use fee.

Cabochon Class

The Cabochon Class is usually held on a Saturday from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Students are taught to cut and polish a gemstone and given instructions regarding safety and the proper use of the lapidary equipment. Cost is typically $35.00* and includes materials. Contact Joel Arnold at 970-247-5140 or joelrecuerdo@frontier.net for further information.

*Please note that the cost of the classes is dependent on the cost of the supples and instructor fees. They may change without notice.