Date: Sunday, Oct 25, 2026, 9am-4pm (1-hr lunch break) (CST)
Instructor: Robyn Cornelius
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Description: Create a bold, dramatic setting that’s as fierce as it is elegant! In this class, you'll learn how to fabricate talon-shaped claws—long, tapered prongs that securely hold a faceted gemstone while adding a striking sculptural edge to your design.
Explore the balance between strength and beauty as you shape and refine your setting for maximum impact and durability. This technique is perfect for showcasing larger stones or adding a powerful design element to your work.
Leave with a completed ring that makes a strong, sophisticated statement.
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 ring (Sterling silver stock, brass/bronze wire). NOTE: Students must provide their own stone.
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
- Scissors
- Chain nose pliers
- Round nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Nylon pliers
- Parallel pliers
- Side cutters (flush)
- Heavy duty side cutters
- Divider
- Scribe
- Curved burnisher
- Bench block
- Rawhide mallet or Nylon mallet
- Goldsmith hammer or ballpein hammer
- Student files
- Needle files
- Jewelers’ saw
- Saw blades (3/o)
- Fine tweezers
- Cut lube , Bur Life or bees wax
- Bench pin
- Patina LOS or Jax Max
- Polishing Compound
- Steel ring mandrel
- Ring sizer
- Flex shaft
- Flex shaft bits: 2mm hart bur, .8mm HSS drill bit
- Brass brush
- 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: Medium chip and paste.
- Third hand
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Sanding sticks
- Sand paper: 320 grit
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship Oct. 8, 2026, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until Nov. 4, 2026. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.