Date: Friday, Oct 17, 2025, 9am-4pm (CST) (1 hour lunch)
Instructor: Robyn Cornelius
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Description: Learn how to create a bold, dramatic setting for a faceted gemstone using talon shaped claws. In this class, you’ll learn how to juxtapose strength vs beauty with elegant, tapered prongs that securely hold your stone while adding a striking sculptural element to your design. Students can choose to make a pendant or a ring.
Project Completion: Students who work quickly will have enough time to finish the project during the class time.
Torch: Instructor will be demonstrating using an acetalyne torch, however, any butane torch will work.
Materials Kit: Enough material for one pendant (sterling silver wire, sterling silver sheet, Bronze wire, bearing cutter, students must supply cabochon or faceted gemstone).
Tool Kit: 2.5-3mm high speed bearing cutter.
Domestic US shipping included. (Please contact instructor directly to arrange for international or expedited shipping fees.)
(Materials kit is included in price when "Zoom/Kit combo" or "Kit only" option is selected.*)
Required Tools and Supplies:
- Sharpie
- Chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Half round pliers
- Nylon pliers
- Metal shears
- Bench block
- Rawhide mallet or Nylon mallet
- Needle files
- Jewelers’ saw
- Saw blades (3/o)
- Cut lube , Bur Life or bees wax
- Bench pin
- Patina LOS or Jax Max
- Polish Compound
- Flex shaft
- Flex shaft bits: 2.5-3mm bearing cutter
- Steel wool
- Solder pick
- Jeweler's torch of any kind
- Soldering set up: solder board, tripod with mesh, pickle, fire tweezers, quench bowl, flux, copper tongs, silver solder of any kind: Hard, Med. Easy
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Sanding sticks
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship Oct. 1, 2025, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until Oct. 29, 2025. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.