Dates: Saturday & Sunday, May 15 - 16, from 10 am to 4 pm
Fee: $ 225/discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Sessions: 2
Instructor: Tamara Kelly
Location: Schack Art Center, Metalsmithing Studio
Turn your hand-cut gemstones into beautiful, custom sterling silver jewelry! This two-day workshop is designed for students who already have experience cutting and shaping stones and want to learn how to create their own professional-quality jewelry settings.
Under the guidance of jeweler Tamara Kelly, you'll learn how to design and fabricate custom settings that fit your stones, including techniques for working with unusual shapes, adding decorative details, and creating sturdy, finished pieces. You'll also learn how to safely set your gemstones while protecting their polished surfaces.
What You'll Learn
Create custom settings for uniquely shaped gemstones.
Fabricate sterling silver backplates, ring bands, and pendant details.
Use saw-piercing to add decorative openings and showcase your stones.
Build layered settings and integrated bails.
Safely set gemstones without damaging their edges or polished surfaces.
What You'll Create
Choose your own project based on your stones and design ideas! You may create a sterling silver pendant, ring, cuff, or another custom jewelry piece with guidance from the instructor.
Materials & Supplies
Please bring:
Gemstones: Two to three of your own hand-cut cabochons.
Any additional stones you'd like to incorporate into your design.
Any preferred metal you'd like to work with.
Inspiration photos or design ideas.
A sketchbook or notebook for planning your projects.
An apron.
The instructor will also have gemstones and metal available for purchase at market prices during class. Payment accepted by Venmo or check.