I was introduced to jewelry making waaaaay back in high school, when there were such things as elective classes. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I took it up again many years after I graduated. I have taken short term classes from time to time, and learned from books. I work in sterling silver, occasionally copper, and various stones, in cabochon form. My work is mostly stone-driven. I learned to cut cabs myself several years ago, but I will still buy them if they are fantastic and affordable. I sell my jewelry, but it is mostly a hobby for me. I get digests from a couple of related Yahoo groups and enjoy reading the posts. I would call myself an intermediate-level craftsperson.