Students will learn the basic principles of design (color, texture, form, etc.), about different types of gemstones and their hardness (MOH scale) and how to set them in a classic bezel setting. Ring examples will be provided of different band styles and students will be shown how to accurately measure for a ring size. The Instructor will demo creating a bezel, different seat options for the stone, adding the band and then setting the stone. Students will then design and create their own rings using a gemstone of their choice and sterling silver.
This is an Intermediate level class, students must have taken a beginning jewelry making class and know how to file, saw, sand and solder
Materials Fee Covers:
- Sterling Silver Materials: Bezel, Sheet, Wire
- Semi precious gemstone x 1
- Silver Sheet Solder: Easy, Medium and Hard
- Saw blades 2 or 2/0 x 1pk (1 dozen)
- Sandpaper - 1 piece of each grit: 220, 320, 400, 600
Studio Fee Covers:
- studio equipment
- studio tools
- studio torch and abrasive consumables
Class Requirements:
- Class Requirements Ages 14+ Welcome
- Intermediate to Advanced Students Welcome
- Required attire: Close toes shoes Natural fiber clothing
Sample Class Format:
Week 1 - Discussion about stones, principles of design and looking at examples as a group. (examples are out and shared of finished rings and loose stones) different types of bands: thin band, double band, wide band. Sheet back, open back. round, oval, points. Types of stone cuts, types of stones and properties (MOH scale)
Week 2 - Discussion on the science of ring sizing. Students vote on two stones that instructor will be making for the demos: One round/oval, one with a point. Group design together: break the class into two, have them each design a demo ring (what kind of band? texture, finish). Share and the instructor will begin the Demo: building bezels for the two stones.
Week 3 - Demos continued: Open back ring, and sheet back ring. Demo adding the bands, Demo: setting a round stone, setting a stone with points.
Week 4 - Final project proposals from students, once approved getting started
Week 5 - Working on final projects: building bezels, ring shanks and soldering
Week 6 - Final projects: setting, polishing. Shared critique. All materials will be provided by Instructor and is included in the materials fee.
