Jewelry: Fabrication
Adult Summer Class | This program is completed
Explore the fundamentals of fabrication in metal with the focus on jewelry design. Learn the basic jewelry making techniques such as forming and forging, stone setting, soldering, and brazing using various materials. Learn from instructor demos about the design and fabrication of pendants, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, rings, belt buckles and other creative accessories, as well as art objects such as containers, ornaments, and small-scale sculptures. The instructor will also provide plenty of individual feedback with each student’s project. This class is designed for students with some prior experience. Bring your creative ideas and take home beautiful jewelry pieces of your own design.
What you will learn:
1. Learn and improve your soldering skills
2. Fabricating and fitting parts and pieces together
3. Understanding of mechanical properties of locking systems and fabricating of findings
4. Introduction to stone setting
This is a 5-session class. Fleisher will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Note that this classroom is accessible by stairs only; please contact Fleisher for more information.
Suggested Shopping Locations:
• T.B. Hagstoz – 709 Sansom Street, #1, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-922-1627
• Rio Grande Jewelry Supply – riogrande.com
Students will receive a materials list one week prior to class with specific catalog numbers if purchasing supplies online.
For the first day of class (all levels):
• Pencils for drawing and design work
• 2 dozen 3/0 saw blades
• 1 foot each, hard, medium, and easy silver wire solder
• 1 sheet each, 320, 400, and 600 grit silicone carbide wet/dry sandpaper
• Sketch pad
• Tracing paper
• 3 paint sticks
For beginners: Initial Assigned Project: Band Ring With Pre Made Setting and Calibrated Gemstone.
Materials (for the first class):
• 3 inches 5mm 18 guage rectangular sterling silver wire
• 1 6mm premade fine silver bezel setting
Suggested Second Project: Band Ring With Hand Made Setting.
Materials (can be purchased later in term):
• 3 inch x 1 inch 18 guage sterling silver sheet
• 6 inches 26 guage fine silver 6mm bezel wire
• 1 inch x 1 inch 22 guage sterling silver sheet (measurement must cover the base of the gemstone that is purchased)
• 1 round or oval cabochon cut gemstone no smaller than ½ inch length or width. Some gemstones are available for purchase in class.
Additional Beginner Projects: Students will be introduced to designing jewelry based on picture references of jewelry or other visual inspiration, nature, architecture, sculpture etc. Required materials to purchase will be based on each student’s project requirements.
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Students: Independent projects will be based on students’ designs, inspiration and experience level. Any additional materials needed to purchase will be based on project specifications.
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