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Beginner & Advanced Classes

Beginner Lapidary & Silversmithing Classes

Beginner classes introduce students to cutting and polishing stones, along with foundational silversmithing skills to create finished jewelry.

Schedule:

Wednesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM

Saturdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Length: 6-week session

Cost: $200 per 6-week session (materials & silver not included)

Capacity: 8 students

Membership: Required

Registration Process

    1. Become a member of the Vista Gem & Mineral Society. Beginner class registration is only available to active members. Be sure to provide your correct email address and make “info@vistarocks.org” a safe sender.
    2. Emails announcing the opening of registration for the beginner class are sent approximately 60–90 days before the start of each class session. Only active members will receive the registration announcement email.
    3. The registration announcement email will contain a link to register for the upcoming class session.
    4. Registration is first-come, first-served and classes are limited to 8 students.
    5. To reserve your spot, complete the registration process using the link provided in the email.
    6. If the registration link does not work, displays no available times, or indicates that registration is unavailable, the class has already filled and no additional spots are available.
    7. We do not maintain a waitlist for beginner classes. Members who are unable to secure a spot will need to wait for registration to open for a future session.
    8. If you are not a member when registration announcement emails are sent, you will not receive this email and will not be eligible to register for that session.

Important: Membership must be active before registration announcement emails are sent. Due to high demand and limited class capacity, we are unable to add students once a class is full.

Upcoming 2026 Beginner Classes

Registration not yet open

Wednesday Sessions (6:00–9:00 PM)

  • Apr 15 – May 20 (FULL)

  • Jun 3 – Jul 15 (no class July 4 week) (FULL)

  • Sept 16 – Oct 21

  • Nov 4 – Dec 16 (no class Thanksgiving week)

Saturday Session (9:00 AM–1:00 PM)

  • Aug 1 – Sept 5    (FULL)

Advanced Lapidary & Silversmithing Classes

Advanced classes are for students who have completed the beginner class. There is no set curriculum — students are free to use the equipment in the shop to work on their own projects with at least one instructor present to help as needed.

Schedule:

Mondays, 6:00–9:00 PM

Tuesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM

Cost: $85 per 6-week session

Drop-In: $20 per class (space permitting)

Membership: Required

Eligibility: Students must have completed the VGMS beginner class or be checked out by an instructor.

  • To register for the full 6-week session for Monday or Tuesday, come to the shop for the first class of the session. See beginner class schedule for session dates — all classes are on the same 6-week schedule.
  • If you cannot attend the full 6 weeks, drop-in attendance is available for $20 per session, provided there is enough space in the class that day. Students who have registered for the full session are guaranteed space for that class.
  • Our silver shop is open during advanced class hours so you can buy supplies and tools when you need them!

Get More Information

Want to learn more about Vista Gem & Mineral Society, sign up for a class, or have a question?

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