Prerequisite:  Metalsmithing 1
 
Earrings are an essential jewelry making skill that every metalsmith should have in their lineup. Join us for Earring Essentials: Drops and learn how to create your own bezel-set cabochon earrings that are sure to wow everyone. 
 
TECHNIQUES COVERED INCLUDE: 
Making multiple bezels settings
Piercing skills
Forming and attaching a strong, stable ear wire
Keeping track of multiple components
Uniformity in setting multiple stones with modern professional finishing techniques
 
You are responsible for purchasing your materials and bringing them with you to the first day of class. We have a small selection of cabochons to choose from for your earrings, at an additional cost. Cabochons should be around 18 –25 mm wide or around dime to quarter-size.
 
 
MATERIALS & TOOLS
Students are responsible for bringing the following items: 
2 or more matching Cabochons: flat bottoms, dime to quarter sized, any shape (oval, round or teardrop is highly recommended)
1 foot or more plain 26 ga Fine Silver bezel, dead soft: height must match stones: need 1mm above girdle line on stone for proper fit (Rio Grande #101003, #104030, and/or #101078)
8" Sterling Silver Round Wire, 20 ga, dead soft (Rio Grande #100320)
2x3" Sterling Silver sheet, 20 gauge, dead soft (Rio Grande #100458)
Hard, Easy, Extra Easy silver wire solder, 22 ga; (bring what you have leftover from Metals 1)
6" Medium silver wire solder; this is in addition to what you have from Metals 1 (Rio Grande #101710)
Jeweler’s saw frame (4 or 5-inch) (Rio Grande #110042 or #110124)
Dozen 2/0 jeweler’s saw blades (Rio Grande #110306)
240, 320, 400, 600 grit sanding sticks; from Metals 1
Safety glasses
Beeswax/Saw blade lube (BurLife)
N95, KN95 or P95 face mask
Steel brush; bring what you have from Metals 1
Dedeco Silicone Polishing Wheel Assortment and 1/6" screw mandrels; bring what you have from Metals 1
OPTIONAL
Stepped Wrap-and-Tap Forming Pliers (Rio Grande #111106)
1.3 mm cup bur (Rio Grande #342250)
Center punch/Scribe (Rio Grande #118117)
Jeweler’s ruler (6-inch) (Otto Frei #135.511)
1 each flat nose, round nose, and chain nose pliers (available in set) (Rio Grande #111813 or Otto Frei #146.657)
Flush cutting Wire Cutters (Rio Grande #111260 or #111290)
Half-round Habilis file, cut #00 (Otto Frei #133.822)
Half-round round needle file and round needle file, cut 0 (Rio Grande #114258)
Bezel roller (not a burnisher) (Rio Grande #113079)
Parallel-action pliers with nylon jaws (Rio Grande #111370)
Apron
Fine Tip Sharpie marker
1-inch wide painter's tape or masking tape
Wite-Out Correction Fluid
Piece of soft leather or suede (approx 4x6)
1 ¾" T-Pins
Small container for silver scraps
 
16 Contact Hours | Studio fee is included in your tuition