The facets of a diamond require the highest level of craftsmanship to create.
Crafting gemstones is an art that requires years of experience and skill. There are several types of educational programs and schools that can help novice or skilled gem craftsmen learn the art of facet making. The key is to study within the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, which are geographically based.
Gaston Gem, Mineral & Faceter's Club
The Gaston Gem, Mineral & Faceter's Club is part of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies Inc. Here, you can join the organization and take introductory courses on faceting gemstones. The club holds meetings and courses on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Gaston members also can participate in annual shows, showing off gem stones they have faceted over the year.
Midwest Faceters' Guild
The Midwest Faceter's Guild is associated with the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies. The Guild travels across Michigan educating gem stone enthusiasts on faceting. The seminars are held throughout June and August across the state. The Guild is made of up master facet craftsman and the teachers provide all the facet machines for anyone who attends the seminars.
Greater Cincinnati Lapidary & Faceting Society
The Greater Cincinnati Lapidary & Faceting Society is also part of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies. The Society offers courses on the second Monday of each month that involve faceting skills. The organization takes a seminar approach to teaching; students, novice or professional, come in to share their insights and knowledge of facet making. Other skills are also taught through the society, including beading, cabbing and wire wrapping.
Faceters Guild of Southern California
The Faceters Guild of Southern California is a professional guild in Anaheim that is is part of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Inc. All new members of the Guild must be mentored by a high ranking craftsman. Only those under the apprenticeship of the craftsman can enter the Guild. Meetings include general news, learning techniques, and showing gem stone creations from members.
Tags: Federation Mineralogical, Faceters Guild, Cincinnati Lapidary, Cincinnati Lapidary Faceting, facet making
