Sun City club creates jewelry and more at Fairway Center

Led by David Yager, president, the Fairway Sterling and Stones Club is nestled in the heart of the Fairway Recreation Center, 10610 W. Peoria Ave. This club is a treasure trove for those passionate about crafting exquisite jewelry.

With a diverse range of materials at their disposal, including sterling silver, copper, brass and more, members can delve into various techniques such as wire wrapping and lost wax casting. The club also specializes in working with stones (lapidary), enameling, and glass fusion, offering a unique blend of traditional and innovative methods to create stunning pieces.

Club hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday and the club welcomes all RSCS cardholders with an annual membership fee of $15.

Lapidary, the art of shaping stones into polished gems for jewelry, is among the club’s highlights. With equipment for tumbling, cabbing, faceting and carving, the club is equipped for both novices and seasoned artisans. The basic essential skills class, led by Mary Brown-Martilik, and a comprehensive soldering class, ensure members are well-prepared to safely create their pieces.

The club’s lapidary class focuses on crafting cabochons, a popular and intricate art form perfect for stones like opal and turquoise. Additionally, the newly introduced glass fusion class opens up further creative avenues, alongside the enamel jewelry class, which revisits techniques dating back to ancient Egypt.

Kim Marcinek’s wire wrapping class showcases the versatility of sterling silver, copper and brass, inspiring beginners and experts alike. The club’s showroom displays an array of handcrafted jewelry, from pendants and earrings to bracelets and rings, highlighting the members’ skill and creativity. Jeanne Button, for example, makes durable glass wind chimes that are beautiful and resilient against Sun City’s weather.

Above all, the club’s welcoming atmosphere and collaborative spirit are its greatest assets. With members sharing knowledge, managing the showroom and ensuring a delightful customer experience, the sense of community is palpable.