Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9am-1pm (CDT)
Instructor: Laura Stamper
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced
Pre-requisite: Students should be proficient in soldering techniques and fabrication.
Class Description: Unlock the artistry of silversmithing in our immersive workshop focused on crafting heavy wall bezels for stones. This hands-on course delves into the intricate process of creating stunning settings that showcase your chosen gemstones with elegance and precision. In this workshop, participants will learn the essential techniques for measuring stones to craft a secure seat within a heavy wall bezel. While a cabochon bullet will be included in the kit, the class will explore the possibilities of working with other types of stones, encouraging students to experiment with different shapes and sizes.
Torch: Instructor will be demonstrating using an oxy/acetelyne torch, however an oxy/propane or butane torch will also work.
Project Completion: students will have enough class time to finish the project.
Materials Kit: Silver stock, amethyst bullet cabochon.
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:
- Scissors
- Sharpie
- Nylon pliers
- Round nose
- Flat nose pliers
- Ring bending pliers
- Digital calipers
- Fine tweezers
- Metal shears
- Divider
- Brass brush
- Metal ruler 6”
- Bench block
- Chasing hammer
- Goldsmith hammer or ballpein hammer
- Rawhide mallet or Nylon mallet
- Needle files
- Jewelers’ saw
- Saw blades (2/o)
- Cut lube or bees wax
- Bench pin
- Steel ring mandrel
- Double sided bezel mandrel
- Square bezel mandrel
- Vice
- Third hand
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Fine tweezers
- Patina LOS or Jax Max
- Polish - tripoli
- Flex shaft
- Flex shaft bits: 2&3mm round setting bur, knife edge polishing wheels, sanding discs, 1mm (#56) HSS drill bit, 2 & 3mm cylinder burs, setting hammer (optional),
- abrasive mini fiber wheels, med, fine,x-fine, and/or tumbler.
- Solder pick
- Gentec, Smith Little, butane, acetylene or propane torch.
- Soldering set up: solder board, tripod with mesh, pickle, fire tweezers, quench bowl, flux, copper tongs, silver solder paste: Hard, Medium, Easy.
- Texture hammers or stamps
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship April 3, 2024, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until May 1, 2024. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.