In this 4-credit course students will learn how to cut slabs from rough natural stones and create cabochons to then use in projects created in brass, copper, and sterling silver. The safe and proper use of lapidary equipment will be covered including but not limited to a slab saw, trim saw, flat lapping machine, and cabochon machine. In addition, students will learn foundational metalsmithing skills to create projects that will incorporate their cabochons. These skills include: drilling, sawing, cold connections, high temperature torch soldering, forming, and polishing techniques.
Reading materials will supplement technical demonstrations, provide information on the gemstone trade industry, and the historical and contemporary context of precious and semiprecious stones that are commonly used as cabochons. Students will participate in class discussions and a final peer critique.
Students will receive a kit with all the metals and stones necessary to create the required projects.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4 - Fine Metals: Lapidary
Registration
Academic Details
Metalsmithing, studio arts, and 3D fabrication
$170 fee covers materials needed for assignments ($120) and a required studio fee ($50).