OPEN DAY SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2023

FROM 9AM TIL 3PM

FREE EVENT – ALL WELCOME

WHERE: GOLD COAST LAPIDARY CLUB, 80 PACIFIC AVENUE, MIAMI (NEXT TO PIZZEY AQUATIC CENTRE)

What is Lapidary?

Lapidary (from the Latin lapidarius) is the practice of shaping stone, minerals, or gemstones into decorative items such as cabochons, engraved gems (including cameos), and faceted designs. A person who practices lapidary is known as a lapidarist. A lapidarist uses the lapidary techniques of cutting, grinding, and polishing. Hardstone carving requires specialized carving techniques.

By extension, the term lapidary has sometimes been applied to collectors of and dealers in gems, or to anyone who is knowledgeable in precious stones.

This explanation of lapidary is from Wikipedia.

The Gold Coast Lapidary Club

The Gold Coast Lapidary Club was established in 1965 and is an incorporated non-profit organisation. We are a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils. 

The club provides members with a large range of workshops, including jewellery making, silversmithing, casting, cabbing and faceting, as well as well equipped lapidary and workshops where newcomers can learn our skills.

Workshops

Workshops are held regularly for members (subject to waiting lists).

Cabbing

Cabbing is a stonecutting method which involves grinding wheels to polish & sculpt gemstones into beautiful shapes.

Silversmithing

Silversmithing is a very popular hobby among our members. Learn how to create your own piece of jewellery.​

Faceting

A facet is a gemstone that has been carefully cut and polished by a special machine to look like a diamond.​

Casting​

In jewellery casting, a wax pattern is made into a jewellery mould, which is then filled with molten metal or silver.​

Opal Polishing

This workshop gives you the chance to discover Australian opals and release the fire within them.
Resources:

The club maintains ‘The Joan Cardwell Library’ which includes extensive reference material related to lapidary and also a photo history of the Gold Coast Lapidary Club.

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