Crater to offer workshop on wire wrapped jewelry

By Waymon Cox

  Greetings from the Crater of Diamonds! When discussing the Crater’s rocks and minerals, I find that many visitors think diamonds are the only stones we have that are used in jewelry. Though we do focus on diamonds most of the time, there are many other rocks and minerals found here that can also be used in jewelry, including agate, amethyst, conglomerate, jasper, quartz, and hematite, to name a few!

  Mining for diamonds at our park is a great way to make memories and share an exciting family adventure, but with the art of wire wrapping, just about anyone can turn our other rocks and minerals into works of art for everyone to see!

  Wire wrapping is an ancient method of jewelry-making that is still popular today. It involves the craft of manually securing gemstones in brass, copper, silver, or gold wire to create rings, pendants, bracelets, and many other forms of jewelry. Simpler pieces may be finished in a few minutes, while more elaborate designs can take hours to complete.

  Wire wrapping jewelry demands focus, practice, and patience, but it is a fairly inexpensive craft to learn and enjoy. Best of all, just about any type of stone can be used - faceted, sliced, tumble-polished, or even rough!

  On Saturday, May 22, Crater of Diamonds State Park will host a live demonstration of wire wrapping at the park’s pavilion in a workshop called Wire Wrap Jewelry: Tools & Technique. Cost is $15 per person, ages 13 and up, and attendance is limited to the first 15 people who sign up. Attendees will also receive their own wire wrapped pendants, featuring tumble-polished Crater jasper, at the conclusion of the demonstration!

  Contact Crater of Diamonds State Park at 870-285-3116 and speak with a park interpreter to sign up for this workshop and learn more about wire wrapping! The $15 registration fee may be paid by check prior to the workshop date, or at the park’s gift shop upon arrival. Join us for this fun workshop, and show off the Crater’s beauty wherever you go!

Search area last plowed: March 15, 2010

Diamond finds for March 22 - 28, 2010

March 22 - Ken Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 8 pt. white; Jacob Corcoran, Bella Vista, AR, 16 pt. brown; Katey Corcoran, Bella Vista, AR, 21 pt. brown

March 24 - Mark & Gail Willits, Fayetteville, AR, 7 pt. white; Stteven Danhof, II, Poplar Grove, IL, 10 pt. white

March 25 - Ken Shoemaker, Murfreesboro, AR, 5 pt. brown, 40 pt. white

March 26 - Linda Lester, Golden, OK, 2 pt. white; Dan Kinney, Sault St. Marie, MI, 6 pt. white

March 27 - Jeff Whittington, Lancaster, OH, 17 pt. white; Thomas Houser, Bossier City, LA, 4 pt. yellow, 5 pt. brown, 21 pt. white; Kenny & Melissa Oliver, Rosston, AR, 7 pt. brown

March 28 - Rickey & Becky Keeton, Delight, AR, 16 pt. yellow; Rodger Langford, Searcy, AR, 4 pt. brown