Betty James
167 Florence Circle
Florence, MS 39073

601-914-6747

mineralid@comcast.net

Betty James joined the Mississippi Gem & Mineral Society in 1983 and immediately became active in their lapidary class in progress under Billy Scruggs, where she learned to make cabochons. The next year she entered a competitive exhibit of cabochons in the Jackson, Mississippi Show. At that time she began to demonstrate cabochon cutting in the show and to teach at their local workshop. In 2003, she was asked to fill in for a William Holland instructor who had to cancel. She returned in 2004 and has been teaching there since that time.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The class will begin with each student becoming proficient on the 40X60 oval and progressing through round, square, rectangular, flat surface, and free form, each at his own pace. At the end of the week, each student should be able to take their knowledge and perfect their cabochon cutting simply by practice. Each student proceeds at his own pace with emphasis on quality of workmanship rather than quantity of stones completed.

The main emphasis of the class is care, cleaning, and maintenance of the machines.

LAB FEE: $20.00 which covers my booklet including all-important care of the saws and equipment, and other beginning supplies such as nitrile gloves, masks, etc. After learning basics, the student may wish to use their own slabs (if they are suitable for the student's level) but I will have a quantity of slabs belonging to my society for sale. These range from $.50 up to $30.00 per slab according to the rarity and quality o the stones.

Maximum No. of Students: 6

Pre-requisite: None