Course outline: In this class with Christine Woollacott, students will make simple and stylish sterling silver stacking rings with colourful gemstone accents. The class will focus on simple tricks for making rings with sterling silver wire, and will go over the basics of stone setting using pre-formed fine silver bezels. The class will go over texturing and finishing techniques such as how to achieve a high polish, hammer texture, or satin finish to the ring. This is an excellent course for people who are interested in taking the first step in learning how to bezel set gemstones.
Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate
Prerequisite: Comfortable soldering with a torch
Technique: Students will make a simple sterling silver stacking ring with a 4mm gemstone using soldering techniques. The class will focus on fine finishing of metal, and will go over simple stone setting techniques.
Bring to class:
- 14 Gauge Sterling silver wire (~1.6mm). A single ring will take around 2.5-3 inches depending on size.
- We will NOT be constructing custom bezels during this class, but will instead be using premade bezel cups. If you would like to create a stacking ring with a set gemstone, 4mm calibrated gemstones will be available for purchase (bezel cup included in price) during the class. See below for prices.
- Bring any personal metalwork tools including: Ring bending pliers (Half round pliers will work), Fine-tip tweezers for placing solder, Ring clamp, Cross-locking tweezers, Burnisher (metal or agate) and bezel pusher and any necessary magnification. NOTE: All metalworking tools listed are readily available for use in the BeadFX studio if you do not already own your own set.
- Please bring a lunch. Coffee, cold drinks and tea will be available.
Gemstones for your rings: The following is a list of the 4mm calibrated gemstones I have available for purchase. The gemstones come with a 4mm fine silver setting. Before the class, students should inform me of which gemstones they are interested in by email at wchristi47@gmail.com. My gemstone stock is somewhat limited – I have 6-8 stones of each type in my inventory.
Almandine Garnet Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$6 |
Amethyst (African) Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$9 |
Aquamarine (milky) Cabochon 4mm Round |
$15 |
Carnelian Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$10 |
Chrysoprase Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$10 |
Citrine Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$9 |
Iolite Cabochon 4mm Rose Cut Round |
$11 |
Kyanite Cabochon 4mm Round |
$20 |
Labradorite Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$7 |
London Blue Topaz Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm round |
$14 |
Melanite Garnet Cabochon 4mm Rose Cut Round |
$10 |
Peridot Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$12 |
Pink Tourmaline Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$20 |
Prehnite Cabochon 4mm Round |
$6 |
Rainbow Moonstone Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$10 |
Rose Quartz Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$7 |
Sky Blue Topaz Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$15 |
Smoky Quartz Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$5 |
White Topaz Rose Cut Cabochon 4mm Round |
$6 |
Of special note: the class patterns and instructions from our classes are for your personal use only. Please respect the intellectual property of our artists/instructors by not sharing, selling, or teaching the patterns you receive from the classes you take.
How to Register and Cancellation Policy: see details below.