5604. Opal Faceting & Cabbing
Class - Lapidary | This class is completed
Learn the nuances of cabbing or faceting the unique opal. This is a hands-on course that teaches not only how to cut various opals designs (cabbing or faceting) but also educates an opal buyer as to what to look for in both rough and finished stones. The instructor will have opal rough available of various qualities and varieties that can be purchased at extremely good prices and low grade opals for practice at no charge, or students may bring rough. Other supplies are included in the fee. Class open to ages 16 through adult. Masks and social distancing are required in this and all Sawtooth classes.
Brian Burdette
Brian is a retired configuration management associate and a lifelong rock hound with a degree in geology. He initially learned to cut stones as a teenager through a local gem and mineral club. Once settled into a career (non geology) he was able to buy some equipment and expand and hone his gem cutting skills. As a hobby, he occasionally custom cuts or repairs damaged faceted and cabochon gemstones for private jewelers. With 40 plus years of cutting experience Brian is happy to share his knowledge with new cutters and minimize the learning curve for this aspect of the lapidary arts.