Gene Tipton
513 Scenic Drive
Clinton, TN 37716

865-457-0438

Rocks, gems and minerals have been Mr. Tipton's hobby since 1967. He took classes in gem cutting with Rene' Fafard(professional gem cutter) in 1969. He has attended a number of workshops and classes in lapidary and silversmithing. As well as teaching cabochon cutting for twelve years at Anderson County Vocational School, Gene has taught classes in silversmith, cabochon cutting and faceting gem stones to members of the Knoxville Gem and Mineral Society.

In early 1980, Gene was privileged to be the only person from Tennessee commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute to cut and polish material native to Tennessee. The stones Gene chose were Feldspar in Magnetite from Unicol County and Horse Mountain Agate from Wartrace. Most of the stones that Mr. Tipton cuts and polishes have been found by the Tipton's from Maine to Oregon, the Southwest to the West. Gene began attending craft shows and has been a dealer at Gem and Mineral Shows across the country for 14 years.

Gene and his wife, Louise, are charter members of the Knoxville Gem and Mineral Society. They helped organize the club in 1969. Gene served as president for three terms, was field trip leader for 8 years and has held most of the other offices.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Students that know nothing about silversmith need not worry. Gene will teach you how to use a torch, file, grind, solder and adorn your mounting. He will take you from the very beginning basics to a beautiful finished piece of either a pendant mounting or bolo tie. In addition, Mr. Tipton will teach the students how to creat free form mountings as well as mountings for calibrated stones. Your finished project will be limited only by your imagination.

Everyone can learn - it's easy, it's fun - so try it, you'll like it!!

LAB FEE: $25.00 will include a stone and silver wire/sheet/bezel. Students should bring with them, if available, their jewelry tools, optivisor, cabs, etc. Addtional supplies will be available from the instructor at a nominal price.

Maximum No. of Students: 8-10

Pre-requisite: None