Shop Corner:
Our Lapidary shop is currently closed and should opend soon.
This is our shop corner. Our instructors and shop foreman(s) will occasionally post class calendar(s). Occasionally also, we will add “how to documents” for your classes if required for the class. Our safety documents will be posted here here. Click on the Lapidary Classes tab for class details and descriptions and sign up. For insurance purposes, our shop is open to club members with paid-up dues only.
Shop Location
Our Lapidary shop is currrenly closed
Welcome to our state-of-the-art Lapidary Arts Workshop, where creativity and craftsmanship come together to transform raw stones into stunning works of art. Our facility is equipped with the latest tools and technology to support every step of the lapidary process, from cutting and shaping to polishing and setting. Whether you're an experienced artisan or just beginning your journey in the world of gemstones, our workshop offers a fully supportive environment for learning and growth. We are proud to provide a space where artists can refine their skills, explore new techniques, and create exceptional pieces that reflect both their vision and the natural beauty of the stones they work with. Join us and experience the art of lapidary in a place where precision meets passion. The workshop is equipped with the following lapidary equipment.
Shop Equipment
| Equipment Type | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| 3–6" Wheel Cabbing Machines | Diamond Pacific Titan |
| 2–6" Wheel Cabbing Machines | Graves / Polishing Wheel |
| Faceting Machines (2025) | Graves Mark IV |
| Flat Lap | Hi-Tech |
| 10" Auto Slab Saws | Gesswein, Panther |
Lapidary Workshop Classes:
The Florida Gold Coast Gem and Mineral Society offers the following classes. For insurance reasons a person be be a member in good standing to to be to register for lapidary classes.
Cabochon (Cabbing) Classes
Learn the art of cabbing—shaping and polishing stones into smooth, polished gems ready for custom or pre-made jewelry settings. This hands-on course is perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
Over the course of multiple sessions, you will complete four cabochons while learning proper techniques, tool handling, and stone selection.
Course Overview
- First Stone: Round or oval shape
- Second Stone: Square or rectangular shape
- Third Stone: Template-based design
- Fourth Stone: Freeform or abstract (your custom design)
What You’ll Learn
- Equipment use, maintenance, and safety
- Sawing, grinding, and polishing techniques
- Stone handling and care
- How to select suitable materials for cabbing
Throughout the course, you'll receive personalized instruction and guidance tailored to your skill level.
Pricing & Registration
$100 per session or $300 full course (multiple sessions to complete your stones).
Go to our event calendar for any cheduled classed that month. Or contact Don Titman or Lucas Bush for cabbing class information.
Join a Class
Faceting Classes
Faceting is the art of cutting and shaping gemstones so that light reflects and refracts off the facets, revealing their natural beauty. Once faceted, the stone can be mounted in your desired jewelry design. In this course, you will learn how to cut and polish a gemstone into a round brilliant cut, as well as how to evaluate and select faceting rough. These classes must be taken consecutively to ensure proper progression. Additionally, once the stone is set on the equipment it should not be moved, and you'll see why as you advance.
Over the course of multiple sessions, you will complete four cabochons while learning proper techniques, tool handling, and stone selection.
What You’ll Learn
- Equipment use, maintenance, and safety
- Sawing, grinding, and polishing techniques
- Angles
- Stone handling, transfering and care
- How to select suitable materials for faceting
- Students learn to cut standard designs (e.g., Round Brilliant)
Throughout the course, you'll receive personalized instruction and guidance tailored to your skill level.
Pricing & Registration
Contact Instructor or Event Calender (multiple sessions to complete your stones).
Join a Class
Wirewrapping
Wire wrapping classes teach foundational techniques for creating jewelry by securing stones, shells, beads, and crystals with wire, rather than heat, culminating in finished projects like pendants, earrings, or bracelets.
What You’ll Learn
- Mastering tools
- Wire Gauges
- Weaving, Coiling, and structural wrapping techniques
- Make you stone in our shop or bring your stone for wrapping)
Throughout the course, you'll receive personalized instruction and guidance tailored to your skill level.
Pricing & Registration
$75-$100 per session or $ (multiple sessions to complete your stones).
Contact Beverly Norona for cabbing class information.
Join a Class
Other Potential Classes
Club members are welcome to bring in their own rough rocks or slabs to shape and polish using our club's lapidary tools. Alternatively, shop instructors may suggest certain rocks and minerals from our selection for beginners to start with.
- Pearls
- Coral
- Bone
- Wood
- Shells
- Shark Teeth
- Fossils
What You’ll Learn
- Equipment use, maintenance, and safety
- The art of wrapping, cutting, shaping etc. you materials
Throughout the course, you'll receive personalized instruction and guidance tailored to your skill level.
Pricing & Registration
Contract instructor for prices or event calender
Join a Class