The Leith Lapidary Club runs regular workshops on enamelling, silver work and stone polishing for beginners and intermediate skills level. If you would like book a space or for more information about our workshops please email the club leithlapidaryclub@gmail.com.
Please note: the workshops are open to members and non-members. It is essential for members wishing to do lapidary to complete the Lapidary workshop.
Brief Details of LLC Workshops – Spring Session 2025
Silver Enamelling with Option of Cloisonne – 12th April- £60
The technique of preparing the silver and transparent enamels to get the best effect for jewellery will be taught. There will also be the opportunity for students to learn the art of cloisonne if they so wish. Cloisonne is the use of flat silver wire to create cells that can be filled with coloured enamels, to make a unique design. Silver blanks or discs will be available to buy at approximately £10 each. The enamels and fine silver wire will be included in the workshop price.
Introduction to Flush Setting a Faceted Stone – 26th April -£60
In this workshop students will learn the basics of how to flush set round faceted stones and gain the knowledge and confidence to take this forward. Students will learn about the tools and processes required to set 3mm cubic zirconia into prefabricated copper rings. After this Workshop students will leave with a sparkling test piece. Students should bring their own rotary tool (Dremel etc), optivisors or loupe and ring clamp. Other tools will be provided, and materials sold at cost price.
Silver Casting – 3rd May- £60
This Workshop will cover sand casting with silver using wooden and aluminium moulds. No prior experience is necessary, and the tools will be provided. It is expected that students will bring their own scrap or casting silver, though there will be a small amount of casting silver for sale.
Fold Forming Copper – 17th May– £55
This Workshop will teach students how to fold form pieces of copper to make 3D forms. This technique can create items such as plates, leaves, cuff bangles or even works of art, although this workshop will be starting with more modest ambitions. Suitable copper pieces will be available to buy at cost.
Wire Woven Pendant – 24th May– £55
In this workshop, students will be taught beginner-level wire weaving techniques that will enable them to make a wire-wrapped pendant in class, which could lead to other wire-wrapped jewellery in the future.
Enamelled copper wire of various colours and a choice of 40cm x 30cm dyed agate beads will be available for a £5 fee, however students are welcome to bring their own. The central bead needs to be round, teardrop or oval, vertically drilled and at least 35 to 40mm. The weaving wire needs to be 3mm wide and at least 3 metres.in length. The base wire needs to be 8 or 9 mm and at least one metre or more in length. It would be appreciated if the students could bring a large plastic spool or bobbin.
Lapidary – by arrangement- £60
This Workshop is for people with no Lapidary experience. The tutors will teach the lapidary
skills required to prepare a flat or cabochon stone, using saws and grinders and laps, then
polishing it using laps. The stone will be provided. The aim is for students to leave with a
finished stone. This will be arranged on a one-to-one basis with a Tutor.
Follow the link or more detail on the Lapidary workshop
Workshop participants must be aged 16 or over. If juniors aged 12-15 wish to attend any workshops then permission must be obtained from the person taking the workshop and a responsible adult must attend with them.
If you have experience in silverwork or enamelling and are interested in become a member, check our membership page, or email the club to arrange a visit leithlapidaryclub@gmail.com.