It may be a bit early for silver bells, but not Silversmithing. Angel Ariaz loves his new hobby and his friends and family love the results! Angel has been able to combine his love of rocks with the opportunity to create art. With a new session starting soon, you could join Angel and get a head start on your Holiday list. His friends and family have already started placing their requests. Do you know what you are going to make?

The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society through the City of Oxnard, Department of Recreation Services offers affordable classes in Silversmithing, Wire Wrap, Lapidary (rock cutting & polishing) and Opal Cutting. All of our classes meet at The Durley Parks Arts Center, 950 Hill Street in Oxnard. For more info call (805) 483-687 or visit www.oxnardgem.com.

The next session of classes begins Sept. 8 and registrations have begun.

Silversmithing

Learn to create beautiful silver jewelry. Introduced will be the hands on making of the students first project (Pendant). The student will learn soldering, bezel setting, fusing, filing, piercing, jump ring making, annealing, pickling, polishing, roll milling sheet & wire and casting.

Class meets for 8 weeks

Fee: $35 plus material fee

Class Meets: Monday, Tuesday (Night), Wednesday (Day)

Time: 7:00 9:30 PM and 9:00AM 12:00PM

To register contact: Lois Allmen (805) 483-6871

Wire Wrap

Students will learn to wire wrap a bracelet, bangle, pendant, and a ring. After which students will move on to a project of their own choosing.

Class meets for 8 weeks

Fee: $35 plus material fee

Class Meets: Saturday (Day)

Time: 9:30 AM 12:00 PM

To register contact: Dr. Kay Hara (805) 525-7634

Lapidary (Rock Cutting & Polishing)

Students will learn how to cut and polish various rocks and stones. Introduced will be the hands on making of the students first project (Cabochon). The student will learn orienting, doping, cutting and polishing techniques to create his/her first gemstone. Once completed these pieces will become part of jewelry settings and may be incorporate into other hobby items or given as gifts.

Class meets for 8 weeks

Fee: $35

Class Meets: Thursday (Night)

Time: 7:00 9:00 PM

To register contact: Dan Gealy (818) 991-3362

Lapidary for Juniors (Ages 8 -16)

This course introduces your child to the basic lapidary techniques. Young people will learn how to cut and polish cabochons from various colorful stones and then mount them into jewelry. This is a parent/child course as a parent must be present and participate in the class as needed. This is a fun, hands on class.

Class meets for 8 weeks

Fee: $35

Class meets: Friday (Night)

Time: 6:30 8:30 PM

To register contact: Dr. Kay Hara (805) 525-7634

Opal Cutting and Polishing

This is an advanced Lapidary class, focusing on precious opal. The student learns to evaluate a rough piece of opal as to the optimum cutting plane and depth to best show the fire and color of the stone. Doublet and triplet construction is taught. Introduced will be the hands on making of the students first project (Triplet). Once completed these pieces will become part of jewelry settings and may be incorporate into other hobby items or given as gifts.

Class meets for 10 weeks

Fee: $45 plus material fee

Class Meets: Saturday (Day)

Time: 9:00 AM 12:00 PM

To register contact: Dan Gealy (818) 991-3362