Jewelry Workshop - make your own ring!

Welcome to my workshop on creating a stunning sterling silver ring with a gemstone cabochon! This 5-hour course is tailored for beginners, guided by an experienced goldsmith. You will learn the fundamentals of jewelry making, including metalworking and gemstone setting, resulting in a unique ring crafted by you.

Throughout the course, we will cover the essentials of tool use, safety, and design principles, ensuring you have a thorough understanding of each process. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a beautiful ring and a solid foundation in jewelry making.

Course Schedule and Outline

1. Introduction and Basics (20-30 minutes)

• Overview of Tools and Materials:
• Introduction to the tools used in jewelry making, such as saws, files, torches, and polishing equipment. Learn about the properties of sterling silver and gemstone cabochons.
• Safety Protocols:
• Safety measures for handling tools, using torches, and working with chemicals.
• Basic Techniques:
• Introduction to measuring, cutting, forming, soldering, and finishing.

2. Ring Design and Planning (20-30 minutes)

• Design Session:
• Plan and sketch your ring design. Discuss the choice of band style, gemstone, and other design elements.
• Material Selection:
• Choose your sterling silver and gemstone cabochon, considering the design and aesthetic preferences.
• 10-minute breaks to rest and refresh.

3. Ring Band Creation (1-1.5 hours)

• Measuring and Cutting:
• Measure the required length of silver and cut it accordingly for your ring band.
• Forming the Band:
• Shape the silver strip into a round band using a ring mandrel.
• Soldering the Band:
• Learn to solder the ends of the band, ensuring a clean and secure joint.
• Pickling and Cleaning:
• Clean the ring in a pickle solution to remove oxidation and flux residues.

6. Breaks ( A 40-minute snack break to relax and recharge)

• A variety of food and refreshment will be available ( please notify allergy and food preferences 1 week before the course)

4. Gemstone Setting (1-1.5 hours)

• Creating the Bezel:
• Craft a bezel setting to fit your gemstone cabochon.
• Soldering the Bezel to the Band:
• Attach the bezel to the ring band.
• Setting the Stone:
• Place the gemstone into the bezel and secure it.
• 10-minute breaks to rest and refresh.

5. Finishing Touches (1-1.5 hours)

• Polishing:
• Polish your ring to achieve the desired finish, whether matte, satin, or high gloss.
• Final Inspection:
• Inspect your ring for any final adjustments or touch-ups needed.

7. Final Touches and Q&A (20-30 minutes)

• Q&A Session:
• Address any questions or concerns, review techniques, and discuss next steps in jewelry making.
• Course Conclusion:
• Recap the skills learned and celebrate the completion of your ring.

Total Course Duration: 5 hours

What You Will Learn:

• Basics of jewelry design and material selection
• Techniques for forming and soldering a sterling silver band
• How to create and set a bezel for a gemstone cabochon
• Finishing techniques for a professional-quality piece

Materials Provided:

• Sterling silver sheet/wire
• Selection of gemstone cabochons
• Solder, flux, pickle solution (for metal cleaning), and polishing compounds

Tools Provided:

• Full set of jewelry-making tools, including mandrels, mallets, torches, and more

What to Bring:

• Creativity and enthusiasm!