Rock Clubs & Jewelry Classes

One question I get asked a lot both via email and on the forum has to do with locating jewelry making classes, preferably classes that are in the person's local area. This, of course, prompted my article on finding classes, which goes in to some detail about where to look for them locally. In fact, one place I mention in this article is a national association called the American Federation of Mineralogical Society, aka a society of rock and gem clubs throughout the United States.

This site offers links to clubs all over the U.S. (and even a few to Canadian and overseas clubs), and where there are rocks there are usually jewelry makers. What else are you going to do eventually with all of those rocks?!

It has been my experience that these clubs offer all kinds of jewelry making and lapidary classes. Just in my own small club I have taken cab cutting, metalsmithing, beading, wire wrapping, lost wax casting, and metal clay. My husband has taken cab cutting, faceting, chain making, lost wax casting, and metalsmithing. Now, I think I'm pretty lucky to have a club with so many classes, but I know of other clubs that have similar classes offered. They are usually very reasonably priced, requiring a membership fee to join the club and an addition fee for each class you take. Classes are taught by fellow members, many of whom have years of experience in jewelry making techniques.

Along with getting some wonderful classes to take, members have the advantage of going in on supplies together, thus buying in bulk and cutting costs considerably on supplies such as wire and metal sheet. They also can share equipment and tools, many of which the club may own and allow members to use at little or no cost.

Obviously, I can't say enough good things about rock clubs! So while there are other places to find jewelry classes, your first stop should really be at your own local rock and gem club. You will probably be surprised at what is available in your own backyard.