Prerequisite: Metalsmithing 1
Metalsmithing 2: Rings
Build on your skills from Metalsmithing 1 by learning how to make two styles of cabochon stone rings in a fun and fast-paced two-day workshop. This is an excellent workshop for anyone wanting to dive head-first into the world of ring-making.
TECHNIQUES COVERED INCLUDE:
- Make multiple pieces at the same time, and how to keep track of multiple components
- Measure and size a traditional ring band
- Measure and size a C-shaped ring band
- Attach a bezel to different styles of bands
- Set stones on a ring band
- Use a vibratory tumbler to polish
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 rings, or you may bring your own. Cabochons should be no smaller than a dime (18mm) and no larger than a 30x40mm oval, and not have any sharp corners or points.
MATERIAL & TOOL LIST
- 2 Cabochons, flat bottoms, nickel to quarter sized, any shape, no sharp corners
- Bezel wire: 2 feet or more plain 26ga Fine Silver bezel, dead soft, for cabs (height must match stones: need 1mm above girdle line on stone for proper fit, we will check them all first morning)
- 2x2" Sterling Silver sheet, 20 gauge, dead soft (if you get larger stones, you might want a 2x3")
- 6" of Sterling Silver Rectangle Wire, 4x1.63mm, dead soft
- 6" of Sterling Silver Half-Round Wire, 6ga, dead soft
- H, E, M, XE silver wire solder, 22 ga (bring what you have from Metals 1)
- Dozen 2/0 jeweler’s saw blades and beeswax/blade lube
- Sandpaper 220, 320, 40, 600 grit
- Slotted Mandrel
- N95, KN95 or P95 face mask
- Steel brush
- Dedeco Silicone Polishing Wheel Assortment (Rio Grande #332579)
- 1/6" screw mandrels for Dedeco Wheels (Rio Grande #333108 or #333105)
- 3/4" Natural Bristle brushes, Medium (Rio Grande #338512)
- 1 pair close-fitting disposable gloves for polishing (nitrile or latex)
OPTIONAL
- Flat Nose Pliers with Nylon Jaws (Rio Grande #111606)
- Center punch/Scribe
- Jeweler’s saw frame (4 or 5-inch)
- Nylon-head mallet, 5 oz. (Rio Grande #119327)
- Jeweler’s ruler (6-inch)
- 14 mm looping pliers (also called wrap n tap pliers, made by Eurotool)
- 1 each flat nose, round nose, and chain nose pliers (available in set)
- Flushcut Wire Cutters
- Half-round Habilis file, cut #00
- Half-round round needle file and round needle file, cut 0 (or get the set here)
- Bezel roller (not a burnisher)
- Safety glasses
- Fine Tip Sharpie marker
- Brass texture plate (pattern for ring band)
- Apron
- Ring sizer set (metal or plastic)
- small roll of 1 inch masking tape
- whiteout with brush
- Old tea towel or t-shirt for polishing on
- Piece of soft leather or suede (approx 4x6)
- 1 ¾" T-Pins
- Small container for silver scraps
16 Contact Hours | Studio Fee included in tuition ($10 value)
Metalsmithing 2: Rings: Sat & Sun Feb. 8-9, 2025
Metalsmithing 1