Jewelry: Fabrication
Adult Summer Class | FULL
Explore the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication with a focus on design. This course will cover basic jewelry making techniques such as pattern making, forming, stone setting and soldering. This class will include demonstrations in silver soldering operations and cabochon bezel settings for makers of all levels. Beginning artists will use these skills to create rings and small pendants. Intermediate students can apply these to a variety of projects including earrings, brooches and more. Advanced students are welcome and encouraged to bring their own projects. The instructor will also provide plenty of individual feedback and additional demos in response to student projects.
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. Learn and improve your level of metal forming both hollow and forging
5. Introduction to stone setting
6. Introduction of working in wax, carving, and building in hard and soft waxes
Note that this classroom is accessible by stairs only; please contact Fleisher for more information.
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: Silver Band Ring with Hand Made Setting and Calibrated Gemstone.
Materials (can be purchased later in term):
• 6mm-10mm round or oval cabochon cut gemstone (1-3 suggested, will discuss options in first class)
• 3 inch x 1 inch 18 gauge sterling silver sheet
• 6-8 inches 26 gauge fine silver 6mm bezel wire
• 1 inch x 1 inch 22-gauge sterling silver sheet (measurement must cover the base of the gemstones that are purchased)"
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.
Suggested Shopping Locations:
• T.B. Hagstoz – 709 Sansom Street, #1, Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-922-1627
• Rio Grande Jewelry Supply – riogrande.com
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