The SDMG offers a range of classes and field trips for all ages, abilities, and interests. From the lapidary arts, to jewelry making, to mineralogy - there’s something fun for every rockhound!
The array of classes at the SDMG is quite impressive, but do be aware that classes, terms, and availability can change. So please confirm with the museum’s educational programs directly about availability when you find the class that’s right for you!
Cabochon Cutting & Polishing
These classes are the first step to creating beautiful cabochons. You’ll learn basic shaping and polishing skills in this hands-on workshop.
Not only will students learn how to cut and sand their cabochon, they’ll also learn about different minerals, gems, and rocks while selecting materials for cutting. It’s your introduction to the lapidary arts and the prerequisite class for ALL other SDMG classes.
Faceting
You’ll create flat, angled surfaces perfect for jewelry setting in this class. The art of cutting gemstones, or faceting, will have students rough-cutting gems, mounting them, and finally arranging and polishing the facets.
Students will learn how to create facets that will allow their stones to display unique colors to their fullest. Advanced students “graduate” to learning how to make intricate cuts on more valuable stones.
Metals Fabrication & Casting
These beginning, intermediate and advanced metal classes allow students to create setting for their polished stones in order to create custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces!
Beginners learn how to solder and saw, while more advanced students go deeper into basic metalsmithing and how to add depth to metal pieces. Lost Wax Casting classes teach students how to create wax models for silver and gold work.
Wire Wrapping
ewelry making doesn’t always require torching, soldering, or drilling! The art of wire wrapping can secure your cabochon in an intricate and secure piece.
In this class, students will also learn how to create rings, bracelets, pendants, and more with wires made in copper, silver, and other metals in a variety of colors and gauges.
Rock Carving
Students learn how to use a variety of tools to carve, chisel, and polish stone. They can expect to first learn how to carve a textured peanut and leaf, before moving on to pieces of their choosing.
Students will also learn how to create and work on a wet carving station.
Sphere Making
In the sphere making class, what begins as a stone cube will be cut and have its corners ground down and rounded. Students will then place their stone into a sphere machine to create their polished spheres.
Junior Division
Students hone their skills in the lapidary arts in the Cabochon Cutting & Polishing class. As they progress, the students will learn to solder, wire wrap, and more.
The Junior Division also gets to join in on field trips and events, plus gets a chance to exhibit their work at the San Diego County Fair.
Prerequisites
All students must be SDMG members in order to take part in classes. Juniors, 17 and younger, are welcome to join in the Saturday Junior Division classes. Juniors 11 and younger are welcome to join after instructor approval.
Be aware, students must also register for classes ahead of time. Classes are normally paid in advance via cash or check, however, individual classes and instructors may require different payment schedules.
Field Trips
If you love precious stones, jewelry making, or are inspired to learn how to carve your own gems, not only can you partake in workshops and classes, members also can join field trips to gemstone mines and more.