Description
Introductory to gem cutting workshop, by Cole Thynne
Next available workshop Hosted: April 27-28 2024 ( Please select a date that works best for you above, you can email and request a date that I have not already listed.)
Course Overview:
Welcome to the two day “Introduction to Gem Cutting” workshop, where you will embark on a captivating journey into the world of gemology and acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the art of gem cutting. Led by experienced cutting expert Cole Thynne, this course is designed for beginners and enthusiasts eager to explore the beauty and intricacies of gemstones, and cut and polish their own gemstone.
Course Essentials:
Everything essential to gem cutting will be provided during the course. You will have access to your own faceting machine, one piece of facet grade gemstone rough (Choose: amethyst, peridot, aquamarine, citrine, or garnet) and all the necessary accessories needed to facet a gemstone.
Day 1 (6 hours) : Introduction to Lapidary Arts
-Introduction to Gem Cutting Tools and Equipment
-Overview of Traditional and Modern Cutting Techniques
-Proper Tool Handling and Maintenance
-Safety Protocols in Gem Cutting
-Q&A Session: Addressing Common Challenges
-Pre-forming a gemstone
-Cutting the pavilion (bottom half of your gemstone)
Day 2: Hands-On Lab
-Cutting and polishing the crown (top half) of of your gemstone
Throughout the course, Cole Thynne will provide personalized guidance, encouraging a hands-on and interactive learning experience. Join on this exciting exploration of the art and science of gem cutting, where you’ll gain the skills and confidence to create your own stunning gemstone masterpieces.
NO experience is requires to attend, ages 14 +
Everyone leaves with a polished gemstone:
Day(s) Time Location (exact address will be provided)
Saturday, Sunday 9:00Am- 3:00Pm London, On
Hours: 12
Fee: 497$CAD
Ryan (verified owner) –
I had been interested in gem cutting for some time but investing in the proper tools and equipment without knowing if I would enjoy it seemed a bit too risky for me.
This class is just what I have been looking for!
Cole showed me and my classmate the basics we would need to get started cutting on the machines he provided and answered any questions or concerns we had a long the way, guiding me as best he could.
I got to cut a small peridot and the experience was great. Pre-forming and doing my first cuts was simple but as I added more facets and they became smaller with my little stone I was in for a fun challenge to get things right.
I can now say I have cut my first gemstone. I made so many mistakes (so much re-cutting, accidental facets, missed polish) but I think my gem is fantastic. Gem cutting is something that definitely takes time to master.
I won’t be winning any awards but I have a stone I can look back on and see where my journey started. This gemstone and the things I have learned make this class for me worth every penny!
Thank you so much Cole for sharing your knowledge, patience and time. I am looking forwards to getting my own machine and cutting more gems in the future!
Fabian (verified owner) –
I was trying to learn the fundamentals about gem cutting first but I was missing the practical part of faceting a rough gemstone from the beginning to the end . Cole help me to understand the all process in a simple way.
I cut my first stone(topaz) under his supervision and it wasn’t complicated . The only difficult task for me was being focus all the time . I did some mistakes because I didn’t pay enough attention.
Cole is going to help you in order to succeed with your first gemstone and at the same time have fun doing it.
This is the beginning of a long journey of learning and having fun at the same time . Thanks Cole . It was a big time !
Fabian Curto
Grant Montgomery (verified owner) –
I have had an interest in rocks & minerals since I was seven years old (now fifty six). In my twenties I became an accredited Gemmologist. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to learn how to facet gemstones. Now that I have the money and as retirement is approaching I determined the time was right. I reached out on a Facebook faceting site to find out if there was any place to learn how to facet with hands on instruction as opposed to watching YouTube videos. Cole found me at the perfect time as my faceting machine is set to arrive today. I flew from Winnipeg, MB to London, ON for the two day Introduction to Faceting course that Cole offers. He is extremely passionate about faceting, very knowledgeable and he has the patience and understanding that makes him a gifted instructor. It was a pleasure meeting him and working with him to learn how my brand new Ultra Tec V5 machine will work. The garnet that I cut turned out fantastic (for a beginner anyway). I look forward to cutting many many more stones over the next twenty or thirty years, building on the basics that I’ve learned from Cole. Do yourself a favour. If you’ve ever thought about turning a rough gemstone into a beautiful polished gem as a hobby or possibly as a business, reach out to Cole to teach you. You’ll be glad you did!