My question is this. Where can you get an education (hands on) about refining? I took courses at GIA about gemstones and the jewelry industry and graduated as a GG. But when I talked to IMPI and other knowledgeable people (who the kind people at IMPI) referred to me. They said there is no where to take classes in refining. Wouldn't it be great if we held a small convention and taught some courses. LaserSteve's tutorials and DVD's are fantastic. Harold's advise is priceless as is all the other commenters on this forum. But wouldn't it be great to get together on a yearly basis somewhere. Maybe at the gem show in the southwest.