CLASS SCHEDULES
Space is limited. Advanced sign-up is encouraged. If, in the event you find the schedule NOT up to date, please send an email to webmaster@gem-n-i.org and check the current newsletter. (Sometimes I forget to update this page.)

Beginning Faceting - 2.5 hours

Every Tuesday (except on third Tuesdays of the month!), 7:30-10 pm
Prerequisite: None (materials only as needed)
Fee $25 Max. Students: 3-4
Pete Peterson has taught this class previously and is back at it again. For anyone who does not know him, you're missing out! Years ago he was a student of Biff Cicio a California faceter who taught in the Bay area. The class is full of fun anecdotes and pertinent information. Pete knows his gems (and rocks). Space is LIMITED. We will be covering Choice and Limits of Material, Gem Rough, Cutting Rough to Size, Pre-forming, and work on your first Round Brilliant. Contact Pete Peterson at 833-2683 to sign up.


Basic Wire -3 1/2 hours
Wednesday 6/18/08, 6:00 to 9:30 pm
Prerequisite: None ($8 materials fee + materials list)
Fee $35. Max. Students: 6
Learning to work with wire has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my life. Come join me and learn why I love the stuff so much! You will learn basic and wrapped loop-making techniques, as well as caged beads, spirals and some earring basics. We will also cover choosing and using tools, as well as different types of wire. This class is the prerequisite for all my intermediate and advanced wire and chain-making classes
Contact Eve at email at eve@infostations.com


Feldspars: The Most Common Mineral on Earth - 1.5 hours
Lecture by Nicole Myers of SSU, SRJC, and COM
Wednesday 6/25, 7-8:30 pm
Prerequisite: None
Fee $10 Max. Students: NONE
Feldspar is the most common mineral on Earth, constituting 60% of the Earth's Crust, and is found within every rock type. Feldspars differ in appearance depending on their chemical make-up, but have common elements that allow for easy identification. There are two general types of feldspars, plagioclase feldspars and potassium feldspar, and three chemical types of feldspar. Within the many varieties of feldspar, there are several extraordinary gem varieties, including amazonite, labradorite, moonstone, and sunstone. The characteristics that make these varieties standout in nature are owed to special chemical qualities of feldspar. Learn more in this workshop - of course there will be samples and pictures.


Egyptian Chain- 4 hours
Wednesday 7/16/08, 6:00 to 10:00 pm
Prerequisite: Basic Wire + materials list
Fee $40. Max. Students: 6
Spirals have shown up in the traces of most ancient cultures around the world. Learn this 4000-year-old spiraling technique as you create your own sterling silver bracelet, complete with a handmade clasp that is part of the design. We will also cover oxidizing your chain to look more like the ancient jewelry it represents. Kendra, the Santa Rosa Mineral & Gem Society webmaster and newsletter editor, has been really looking forward to this class! Come and spiral your heart out!
Contact Eve at eve@infostations.com
Register at least 10 days before date of class to ensure time to order materials.


Gems That Catch Your Eye: Optical Phenomenon and Common Inclusions - 1.5 hours
Lecture by Nicole Myers of SSU, SRJC, and COM
Wednesday 7/23, 7-8:30 pm
Prerequisite: None
Fee $10 Max. Students: NONE
Several gemstones exhibit unusual optical phenomenon that make them particularly eye-catching. These optical effects are the result of atoms within the mineral interacting with light causing iridescence, sparkles, and stars. Optical effects include color change, chatoyancy, asterism, labradorescence, and mineral inclusions. Mineral inclusions occur in a number of gemstones where small to microscopic minerals are incorporated into the structure of another mineral. Several minerals are often found as inclusions, such as micas. Come to this workshop to learn more about how light interacts with minerals and gemstones.


Sawing & Soldering- 6 hours
Saturday JULY TBA, Noon to 6:00 pm
Prerequisite: Basic Wire + materials list
Fee $60. Max. Students: 6
Join me for an introduction to essential techniques and tools for basic jewelry fabrication, including working with a jeweler's saw and butane micro torch. We will make and saw jump rings, learn to solder them closed and then into a chain, melt little ball-end head pins and touch on a sterling toggle clasp. Also covered are safety procedures, a 10-page handout and lots and lots of helpful tips.
Contact Eve ateve@infostations.com
Register at least 10 days before date of class to ensure time to order materials.



Coming Soon! Stone Setting, & Pave Setting.
Class Information

Can A Non-Member of SRMGS Take A Class?
Yes! We welcome anyone SRMGS members, friends and anyone with an interest to join us for one of our classes.

How Do I Register For A Class?
If the instructor's contact information is provided, we ask that you contact them directly. In the event that that instructor's information is not provided, you may contact Tom at Tom@Gem-N-I.org. A sign-up sheet is also available at the SRMGS Workshop.

Where Are The Classes Located?
Classes are held at the SRMGS Workshop, located at:
5690 C Old Redwood Hwy. in Santa Rosa, CA.
We are located in beautiful Sonoma County.
Click HERE to get Driving Directions.

What's the Deal With The Class Fees?
Class fees are based upon $10 an hour for class instruction by talented local artists. Small class sizes are provided to ensure each student gets the individual help needed. 30% of the class fees go to SRMGS. Class fees are due by the first day of instruction and are paid directly to the instructor.

Who Do I Talk To If I Want To Teach A Class?
You can email Tom at Tom@Gem-N-I.org. Please include information about the type of class you would like to teach and your level of experience.

Do I Have To Pay A Materials Fee?
Unless you already have confirmed with the instructor that you have all the materials required for the class, you will need to pay the additional materials fee.

My Question Is Not Listed, and It Should Be!
Do you have a question, or know of a FAQ that should be listed here pertaining to the SRMGS Classes? Please submit your suggestions to
Kendra at Editor@Gem-N-I.org. It will be reviewed for addition to SRMGS site.




Want to help?
Suggest a class
Become and Instructor
Help with class promotion
Help coordinate class schedules

Email Tom at Tom@Gem-N-I.org.


© GEM-N-I.ORG 2007
Santa Rosa Mineral and Gem Society
5690 C Old Redwood HWY, Santa Rosa, CA 95403