Try lapidary before buying equipment

Beginner lapidary classes near Philadelphia

Tuscarora Lapidary Society in Brookhaven offers two ways to start: shape rounded cabochons or learn faceting on glass. This guide compares offerings from one provider, not every class in the region.

Dates, prices and availability can change; check the linked registration page before paying.

Compare your first step

Choose the experience that fits.

Tuscarora · Brookhaven, PA

Beginning / Intermediate Cabochons

Learn to cut and polish rounded gemstones. The fall 2026 beginner series began in September; a future beginner cabbing date was not confirmed.

Who can enroll: Registrants must be 18 or older. New students are welcome and nonmembers have priority in beginning cabochon classes.

Published price: The fall series listed $140 nonmember / $100 member. Treat this as a past-course reference, not a quote for a future class.

Equipment and materials: The schedule links a class-specific supply list; confirm what the next course supplies and what to bring.

How to register: Open the current schedule and look for a future beginning cabochon course. Note its course ID and select REGISTER; if full, follow the registrar’s wait-list instructions.

Open official registration ↗View directory profile →

Tuscarora · Brookhaven, PA

Faceting Weekend Workshop

New students learn a beginner faceting pattern by cutting glass. The listed two-day workshop is December 19–20, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Who can enroll: For new and experienced students, ages 18 and up; nonmember tuition is listed.

Published price: $145 nonmember / $105 member for this workshop. Check the supply list and registration for additional costs.

Equipment and materials: Students facet glass in class; the schedule links a supply list. Confirm machine use and materials included before paying.

How to register: On the schedule, note course ID F26BFT12-19 and select REGISTER; if full, use the registrar’s wait-list instructions.

Open official registration ↗View directory profile →

After your first class

Practice access has its own rules.

Tuscarora’s fall schedule requires one TLS beginner cabbing class for open cabbing, which has separate member and nonmember fees. Open slab-saw use has different conditions: membership and slab-saw certification. Adult membership itself has additional requirements; it is not required for the beginner options above.

Ask the provider about availability, supplies to bring, accessibility and any additional fees before booking. Instruction and independent practice are separate offerings.

When you are ready

Explore a home setup at your own pace.

After trying a class, use the finder and setup guide to compare equipment and a possible setup.

Explore machines →Explore setup costs →

← National learning directory More about learning without equipment →