History CWFG

The origin of the Columbia-Willamette Faceters’ Guild goes back to a nucleus of individuals who were charter members of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society.

• In 1970, seventeen members of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society established a study group for faceters. From this group arose the Columbia-Willamette Faceters’ Guild.
• In 1973, the group received its charter. Since that time, we have grown to an organization with both domestic and foreign membership.
• In 1974, the Guild’s monthly newsletter FACETS was created. This communication link to all members provides the current events of the guild, technical articles, faceting diagrams and helpful hints. FACETS is distributed and read throughout the world.
• In 1978, the first annual Northwest Faceters’ Conference sponsored by the Guild was held. This conference has become a semi-annual event.
• In the 1980’s, the Guild began an active public educational program in Gemology and Faceting. The programs were designed for all ages and levels of skill. Some are offered to the general public and others are to local high school students.
• In 1999, direct faceting training was added to the curriculum. The faceting machines and supplies are provided and maintained by the Guild.
• In 2002, the Guild in cooperation with the Rice Northwest Museum, began offering beginning and intermediate faceting classes to the public.
• In 2004, the Guild began demonstrating faceting techniques at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

Other CWFG affiliations to check out are the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies and American Federation of Mineralogical Societies