Sawing and piercing are super useful skills for any metalsmith to have on hand.
Whether you’re just getting started or your sawing feels a little rusty, practicing piercing
is a great way to build confidence and improve your technique.

If you’re new to metalsmithing and not sure where to begin, making pierced earrings is
an easy, approachable way to get familiar with the tools and materials. In Pierced
Earrings, you’ll learn a range of techniques including stamping and hammer texturing,
bench ergonomics, sawing and piercing techniques, cleaning up your interior cuts, and
shaping and finishing your pieces.
 
MATERIAL & TOOL LIST
6”x6” - Copper or brass sheet, 22 ga, typically sold in 6x12’ sheets (Rio Grande #132122 or 130122)
6 inches - Sterling Silver Round Wire, 20 ga, dead soft (Rio Grande #100554)
Saw blades: One dozen of the 2/0 jeweler’s saw blades
Wet/Dry Sandpaper: 1 sheet each of the following grits - 220 or 240, 320, 400, and 600 grit (set available in our office for purchase)
4 sanding stick blanks (set available in our office for purchase)
N95, KN95 or P95 face mask
 
OPTIONAL
Jeweler’s ruler (6-inch) (Otto Frei #135.511)
Center punch/Scribe (Rio Grande #118117)
Jeweler’s saw frame; 4 or 5-inch (Rio Grande #110043)
Half-round Habilis file, cut #00 (Otto Frei # 133.822)
Needle file set, cut #0 (Rio Grande #114258)
Safety glasses
Apron
Fine Tip Sharpie marker
 
12 Contact Hours  |  Studio Fee included in tuition