SKIP - SKill  Improvement  Program is the method that TLS uses to encourage club members to improve on their Lapidary Art Skills.  Members submit work that they have finished for critique.  Work may be done during class or at home on the member's own equipment. The grades for advancement are Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master.  The judges are TLS members who have been working on perfecting their expertise for many years. The detailed critique, not only offers useful instructions on how to improve on the work submitted, but also serves as a "pat on the back" for all the effort put into the pieces.  One really feels a sense of pride upon achieving the next level.

 

The requirements and the number of pieces increase in difficulty; for example see the following from the SKIP Manual:

 

CABOCHON

Definition:

A cabochon is a polished stone with a domed surface (the top), cut freehand (not tumbled). The second surface (the back) may be flat or domed. A cabochon is normally of a size suitable to be worn as jewelry.

 

SKIP Points Required for Advancement:

Apprentice Class

Two stones are required, a 30mm x 22mm and any other oval stone, these must be submitted together.

 

Journeyman Class

Three stones are required: pillow cut, round, Keystone or oval, three different shapes. If any fail to meet the minimum required score, they may be reworked or new stones submitted. Reworked or substituted stones must be submitted together. No stones used for qualification as Apprentice may be used for this class.

 

Master Class

Four stones are required, as follows:

1. One oval cabochon, 40mm x 30mm, with one dome.
2. One free-form of any size, one dome and at least one inside curve.
3. One free-form of any size, with two domes.
4. One standard or free-form, of any size, with one or two domes, using translucent or transparent material.

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JEWELRY-SIZE INTARSIA

Definition: 

Intarsia is the making of a picture or geometric design a suitable size for jewelry, using slices of natural or synthetic stones and cutting them to align with each other creating no gaps between the pieces.

 

SKIP Points Required for Advancement:

Apprentice Class

One submittal

Size:  1 to 3 square inches approximately (any shape)

Stones:  at least 4 pieces

 

Journeyman Class

Two submittals, 2 different shapes

Size:  up to 4 square inches approximately (any shape)

Stones:  10 to 15 pieces

 

Master Class

Three submittals

Size: one greater than 15 pieces, one with any overall shape, but must contain a scene or design with inside and outside curves limited to 4 sq. inches.