LAPIDARY COURSES
at
The Cheshire Lapidary Workshop
These courses are designed for complete beginners and are run as either one-to-one, or two person, workshops.
Meet the Team!
Hello, we are Helen and John Hilton (and Pepper) and we would like to welcome you to our Cheshire Lapidary Workshop.
If you think you might recognise us, you probably do! We traded for many years as Manchester Minerals Ltd. with shops all over the North West, supplying minerals, gemstones, jewellery making tools and lapidary equipment to the trade and to the public. We finally retired Manchester Minerals after 50 years of trading. I was only there for 30ish of those years—you’ll notice I’m younger than John!
John and I are both experienced lapidaries but it is primarily myself that will be conducting the courses; although John will be popping his head around the door from time to time, to chat and offer advice. (He can’t resist!)
About the Course.
Courses run from 10.00am until 4.00pm with a half hour break for lunch. We’ll run through all the safety aspects first and then you’ll be given safety goggles and an apron.
We have two diamond trim saws, an Ameritool flat lap and a fantastic Cabking—my personal favourite.
After a demonstration, you’ll choose from our huge selection of rough rock and I’ll take you through each stage until you complete your very first, polished cabochon.
You’ll be learning how to cut a calibrated stone (which means a specific standard size) with the option of setting it in a commercially produced piece of silver jewellery to take away.
We’ll be having a lunch break at about 12.30pm so bring a packed lunch. I’ll be providing you with plenty of drinks and biscuits throughout the day so no need to bring a flask.
I’ll also be showing you how to cut a round cabochon and a flat cabochon, so by the end of the day you should be going away with, a possible, three stones and a head full of knowledge.
We are easy to find, based in Beeston, Cheshire. We have good parking and are wheelchair accessible. We do have cats and dogs, so allergy sufferers need to bear this in mind. The animals are not allowed in the workshop and can be kept away for those who are not keen on them, just let us know. (They’ll be heart broken but they’ll get over it!)
Prices:
One person £195.00
Two people £340.00
(£40 deposit secures your place with the balance of the payment taken on the day)
Do I need to be artistic?
No. With expert guidance everyone who attends will be able to cut their own, jewellery grade gemstone cabochon (which means a flat back and domed top).
Is it dangerous?
You will be shown how to use all the equipment safely. When guidelines are followed it’s perfectly safe. However due to the nature of the equipment, the course is only available to those over 16 years.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, definitely! The courses are designed for either one person alone or two people together. With such a well equipped workshop, you will both be using different machines simultaneously meaning no waiting around.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We can accommodate one or two wheelchair users together and we have good parking.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, a packed lunch. Everything else is provided. You will have a huge selection of rock material to choose from and an option to purchase a commercially made jewellery setting in which to glue one of your beautiful, hand cut gemstones. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available all day.
What if I live too far away?
There are very few places in the country where you can learn how to cut a stone, so if you find you are having to travel a long way, why not make a holiday of it?
We are situated near the City of Chester where there is so much to see. The Roman amphitheatre and museum are both worth a visit, not to mention the impressive city walls that take you on a tour around the whole of Chester centre, ending right back where you started.
The famous Chester Zoo is also nearby where you can discover animals that you never knew existed! This Zoo specialises in endangered species and runs many essential breeding programs that help boost world populations.
We want you to have a great experience with us, so if there’s anything else you’d like to know, please, don’t hesitate to ask!