HGMS Class Descriptions
Updated December 22, 2007

Membership in HGMS is required to take a class. All classes are held in the HGMS Clubhouse, 10805 Brooklet at Rockley. The class schedule is subject to change based on expected attendance and instructor availability. Call (to be announced) if you wish to take a particular class or for more information. When enough students request the class you want, you will be contacted. A $25 advance nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a spot in a scheduled class. Send your name, e‑mail address, telephone number, and a list of your classes of interest to classes@hgms.org.

to display the class schedules.

As photos are taken of projects produced in the various classes, you can see them by clicking on the button marked with the class name. At the moment, only the Jewelry Fabrication, Enameling, and Gem Stone Carving classes have such photos available. It is the goal of this site to have photos showing the finished products of each HGMS class.

Cutting Cabochons: Cut and polish one oval cabochon in class. One Sunday 2‑5 p.m., $30; class is limited to four students.

Jewelry Fabrication: (Weekend or evening classes) Learn and practice skills for professional jewelry making at beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels. Evening classes: Two week nights per week for 6½ weeks, 7‑10 p.m., thirteen 3‑hour classes, $390. Saturday classes:  12-5 p.m., five 5-hour classes, $250. Classes are limited to 8 students.

Silver Bracelet Fabrication: Learn to fabricate a silver bracelet. This is an advanced class, and prior experience in silver fabrication is required. The Saturday class is from 12-5 p.m. and costs $60. The class is limited to 8 students.

Silver Chain Fabrication: Learn to fabricate three different chains. This is an advanced class, and prior experience in silver fabrication is required. The Saturday class is from 12-5 p.m. and costs $60. The class is limited to 8 students.

Chasing and Repoussé: Learn how to make chasing and repoussé tools using tool steel which you will shape, harden, and temper. The tools will belong to the students. The class also includes instruction in use of the tools by working on copper. Repoussé is the technique of using steel punches driven by a hammer to create shapes and forms by stretching metal outward into the pitch material supporting it. Chasing is the technique of working on the front side of the metal to refine the shape, form, and texture of the object. Tool steel and copper is supplied by HGMS. Six Sundays 1 -4 p.m., $180. The class is limited to 6 students.

Wax Modeling and Casting: Work with different types of waxes and modeling techniques and cast the prepared wax models. Six Sundays 1-4 p.m., $180. The class is limited to 6 students.

Ad Hoc Casting:  Consists of two sessions. This program is set up for members who already have casting knowledge and experience. This is not a teaching program. For the first session, bring the wax patterns you wish to prepare for casting. HGMS provides flasks and the investment required. You provide the silver, gold, or bronze metal. During the second session, you complete the actual casting of the prepared flasks. The cost is set at $10.00 per flask. Two Sundays 1-4 p.m. Please contact David Hawkins, the Education Chairperson, at 281-879-5717 to let him know of your interest.

Wire Wrapping: Beginning and advanced levels produce bracelets, cabochon pendants, and rings. Three Sundays, 2‑5 p.m., or one week night 7–10 p.m. for three weeks, $90. The class is limited to 8 students.

Wire Wrap Ring or Bracelet: Two different classes, each consisting of one session from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday. The students learn how to make wire rings or a bracelet. This program is for members who already have wire wrapping knowledge and experience. The cost is $60, and the class is limited to 6 students.
Precious Metal Clay^® (PMC): PMC consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder and creates a material similar to clay. PMC is worked with simple tools to create jewelry pieces. When heated in a kiln, it forms solid metal that can be worked with conventional tools. Students will learn basic techniques and will complete four pieces of jewelry. One Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $120. The class is limited to 12 students.

PMC Ring Class: Students will learn to make PMC rings. Unlock the mystery of sizing. One Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $120, and the class is limited to 8 students.

PMC Custom Link Bracelet: Learn the technique to create an awesome custom wide link bracelet. Create your own custom stamp using photopolymer plate. One Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The class is limited to 8 students, and the cost is $165.

PMC Link Bracelet: Students will learn to make a PMC bracelet. Create your own exquisite link bracelet using great textures to create your amazing one-of-a-kind piece. Learn the techniques that will allow you to make this beauty with a single firing. One Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost is $160, and the class is limited to 8 students.

Stone Setting 1-2-3-4: Students can pick any class.
Class 1: Working on a round setting with 4 or 6 prongs
Class 2: Setting an oval and an an emerald cut stone
Class 3: Setting a pear and a marquise
Class 4: Channel setting on both flat and round rings.
Each class meets only one Saturday 12-5 p.m. The cost of each class is $60, and the class is limited to 8 students.

Enameling 1 & 2: Learn and practice enameling techniques at the beginning or intermediate level. The beginning course introduces the student to fundamental techniques used in vitreous enameling (the firing of glass on metal). The student will learn the basics of metal preparation, enamel selection, and application. The enameled pieces created in this class will be kiln fired. Students will learn proper kiln management. Prior jewelry fabrication experience is helpful but not required. The intermediate course moves the student on to cloisonné technique. The cloisonné student will make two enamel pieces that can be bezel set into a mounting in the same manner as a cabochon. Six Sundays, 1–4 p.m., $180. The class is limited to six students.

Gem Stone Carving 1-2-3
Gem Stone Carving 1: Students will learn flute carving
Gem Stone Carving 2: Students will learn pierce carving.
Gem Stone Carving 3: Students will learn relief (removing material around a raised area) and intaglio (the opposite of relief in that a lip surrounds a depressed area).

In all gemstone carving classes, students will be using a carving box, carving tools, lexan disks, flex shaft, and associated tools. Lexan disks prepared in class will belong to the student. Students will work with tiger eye, moss agate, jasper, or jade that is free of cracks, flaws, pits, and vugs. All tools, materials, and carving boxes are provided. Two Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., $100; the class is limited to five students.

Casting: Students will learn lost wax casting, making patterns by wax injection, and preparing a flask and investment, burnout, and cleaning and polishing cast items. Students can bring their own patterns. The students must supply their own metal for casting. Three classes--Saturday, Sunday, and Sunday 12-3 p.m. The cost is $90, and the class is limited to 5 students.

Prices are subject to change due to the cost of material.