Lapidary Arts for the Modern Craftsman

Precision Gemstone Cutting Classes with Nolan Sponsler

Master the art of precision gemstone cutting with personalized in-person training at our Deep River, CT showroom & workshop.

Refine your skills in gemstone cutting with exclusive 3-day hands-on courses tailored to your experience level. Whether you're just starting or looking to master advanced techniques, these immersive classes provide expert guidance in a private or small-group setting. Nolan has taught multiple AGTA Spectrum Award winning artists.

In-Person Class Offerings

  • Perfect for those new to gemstone cutting.

    You’ll learn:
    ✅ Basics of faceting & angles
    ✅ Evaluating rough material
    ✅ Tools & techniques for precision cutting
    💎 Expect to cut 1-2 finished gems

  • For students with basic faceting experience.

    You’ll learn:
    ✅ Designing custom gemstone patterns in CAD
    ✅ Advanced cutting/concave techniques
    ✅ Optimizing brilliance & performance
    💎 Expect to cut 1-3 gems

  • For experienced gemstone cutters looking to push boundaries.

    You’ll learn:
    ✅ Freeform & fantasy gemstone design
    ✅ Integrating CAD for unique patterns
    ✅ Specialized tools & techniques for artistic cuts
    💎 Expect to cut 1-3 gems

  • Completely custom class built around your desired areas of focus.

Level I | Intro to Precision Faceting

Perfect for those new to gemstone cutting. Learn:
✅ Basics of faceting & angles
✅ Evaluating rough material
✅ Tools & techniques for precision cutting
💎 Expect to cut 1-2 finished gems

Level II | Advanced Gemstone Design & Faceting

For students with basic faceting experience. Learn:
✅ Designing custom gemstone patterns in CAD
✅ Advanced cutting/concave techniques
✅ Optimizing brilliance & performance
💎 Expect to cut 1-3 gems

Level III | Fantasy Cutting

For experienced gemstone cutters looking to push boundaries. Learn:
✅ Freeform & fantasy gemstone design
✅ Integrating CAD for unique patterns
✅ Specialized tools & techniques for artistic cuts
💎 Expect to cut 1-3 gems

Class Formats

  • 1-on-1 Private Classes – Personalized instruction with Nolan

  • Small Group Classes (2 students) – Learn alongside a friend or colleague. We will match you with another applicant (based on skill level) if no pre-selected partner.

📍 Location: Deep River Jewelry Studio, 381 Main St., Deep River, CT 06417


📆 Duration: 3 Days, 10am - 4pm

✈️ Local Airports:

  • Hartford, CT - Bradley (BDL)

  • New Haven, CT - Tweed (HVN)

  • Providence, RI - T.F. Green (PVD)

🏡 Lodging Recommendations:

  • Airbnbs or local Bed & Breakfasts in Deep River, Essex, Chester, & Old Saybrook (we will supply a recommendations list upon booking).

96 Ct Congo Tourmaline

What students are saying…

  • Steven Tyler, AGTA Award Winner

    @steventylerthedesigner


    What can I say! Nolan is a fantastic stone cutter and teacher. We met in 2019, and he graciously offered to teach me faceting when I asked him how he learned. We did a 5 day class together, where I learned beginner to advanced skills of stone faceting, gem design, and fantasy cutting. He was easy to understand, patient with my many questions, and helped me learn from my early mistakes. His willingness to share information is easily the most helpful part of the process. It was a 10/10 experience that I would recommend to anyone interested.

    Since learning from Nolan, I have gone on to cut hundreds of gemstones, both for clients and my own jewelry work, as well as recently winning 2 AGTA Spectrum awards in Innovative Faceting. Big thanks to Nolan for all the assistance in starting this chapter of the journey!

  • Ginger Emmons

    @spicygingergems


    When I first stepped into the lapidary world, I had been experimenting with a faceting machine and cabbing wheels but was making little progress. Then, I had the life-changing opportunity to spend time with Nolan.

    He sat me down at his machine and patiently walked me through the fundamentals of faceting, step by step. For several hours, he sat beside me, checking my progress, answering my questions, and offering endless encouragement.

    Learning a new skill—especially one as intricate as faceting—can be challenging, but having Nolan by your side makes all the difference. As a master of the craft and a truly generous teacher, his guidance is invaluable. The first stone I cut that day with him sold to Harry Roa Gallery and was later set into a beautiful ring. That moment was the beginning of my now-successful career, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without Nolan’s help and friendship.

    For anyone lucky enough to learn from him, his enthusiasm and care will be transformative. I cannot recommend his classes highly enough!

  • Ruben Lerma, Jewelry & Faceting Instructor

    @thestudio26llc


    It is an incredible honor to learn from Master Nolan, a true master of his craft whose expertise and passion for faceting are unparalleled. His precision, artistry, and deep understanding of gemstone cutting are truly inspiring, and his willingness to share his knowledge with patience and generosity is a gift to all who have the privilege of learning from him. Every lesson with Master Nolan is an opportunity to refine technical skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and discipline behind the craft. I am profoundly grateful for his mentorship and the wisdom he imparts, which has undoubtedly shaped my journey in faceting for years to come.

  • Justin Boddington, Goldsmith

    @hyphaejewelry

    I couldn’t be happier with my time spent with Nolan. He is a storehouse of knowledge and skills. Not only that but he is excited and passionate about teaching and sharing his craft. I went into his class with some basic fantasy cutting skills using some rudimentary equipment and left with the confidence to go and purchase an ultra tech fantasy machine knowing I could use the skills learned from him to make the investment worthwhile.

    If you’re looking to get into faceting, fantasy cutting or just wanting to refine your skills I can’t recommend taking a class with Nolan enough. It was not only very informative but inspiring aswell. Thank you again Nolan!

Apply Now

Student Spotlight: Finished Stones

  • Steven Tyler, Fantasy Cut Oregon Sunstone

    [33 ct] AGTA Award Winning - Honorable Mention
    Source: @steventylerthedesigner

  • Zac Casler, Fantasy Cut Oregon Sunstone

    [8.2 ct] Cut in-house during lesson

  • Steven Tyler, Fantasy Cut

    [10ct] Tanzanite
    Source: @steventylerthedesigner

  • Zac Casler, Fantasy Cut Oregon Susntone

    [13.65 ct] Cut in-house during lesson.

  • Zac Casler, Fantasy Cut Oregon Sunstone

    [7 ct] Cut in-house during lesson.

  • Zac Casler, Fantasy Cut Oregon Sunstone

    [2.9 ct] Cut in-house during lesson.

  • Ginger Emmons, Faceted Montana Sapphire

    Source: @spicygingergems

  • Ginger Emmons, Faceted Sapphire

    Cut for the Somewhere In The Rainbow & AGTA Show in Tucson, Arizona.
    Source: @spicygingergems

  • Ruben Lerma, Faceted Blue Topaz

    Source: @thestudio26llc

  • Ruben Lerma, Faceted Blue Topaz

    Source: @thestudio26llc

  • Ruben Lerma, Faceted Pink Garnet

    Source: @thestudio26llc

  • Ruben Lerma, Faceted Sunstone

    Source: @thestudio26llc

  • Mikey D, Fantasy Cut Brazilian Amethyst

    Source: @mikeyd.gallery

  • Mikey D, Fantasy Cut Sunstone

    Source: @mikeyd.gallery

Investment Level

Tier 2

$4500

1-on-1 Private Classes (3 days) Personalized instruction with Nolan over your shoulder.

Tier 1

$2400 pp

Small Group Classes (2 students x 3 days) Learn alongside a friend or colleague.

We will match you with another applicant (based on skill level) if no pre-selected partner.

APPLY FOR A CLASS

Complete the form below to reserve your spot.

Classes are limited to maintain an intimate learning environment. Secure your place now and start your journey into the world of precision gemstone cutting.