Take your ring designs to a new level by learning how to make statement rings with your favorite cabochons! One of the challenges in stone ring is learning how to create a custom bezel, center the bezel on the ring band, and to securely set the stone.
At the end of class, you will have completed a sterling silver ring with a stone of your choice that is centered and securely-set in a custom-made bezel.
We will cover:
- Bezel sizing and fitting
- Bezel soldering
- Sweat soldering
- Texturing metal
- Ring sizing
- Stone setting on a ring
- Polish and finish work
Class Duration: 8 hours with a 30 minute break for lunch
We have a mini fridge and microwave, a separate conference room and a deck with a mountain view where you can relax on your break. We also have Nespresso coffee, tea, and snacks available for purchase.
Prerequisite: Intro to Metalsmithing, Level 1 Metalsmithing, Metals 1, or equivalent is required.
Last day to cancel for a full refund or class transfer is February 18, 2023. After this date, no refunds or transfers will be given. Please review our FAQ page for directions and dress code. By registering for the class you agree to our policies and dress code.
Tools and Materials
For ring band, please bring your own pre-made sterling silver ring band from Metals 1: Intro to Metals or you can purchase one for $20.
You will need to bring your own KN95 or N95 mask to use while polishing. If you do not have one, we have them for sale for $5 (limit 1 per person).
Materials fee will depend on the stones selected and the amount of silver used. A selection of stones will be available for purchase at the beginning of class or you can bring your own stone. Silver will be charged at $1.50/gram.
Cash, Venmo, or check accepted.
About the instructor, Chris Weston
Chris Weston graduated from Haywood Community College in North Carolina with an A.A.S. degree in Professional Crafts/Jewelry. He also has a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in TESL/Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico. He has taken workshops around the country from notable jewelry artists that include Charles Lewton-Brain, Carrie Adell, Julia Turner, Chris Darway, and Sarah Obrecht, among others. In 2000, he attended The Istituto Pietro Selvatico, in Padova, Italy, where he studied goldsmithing with Graziano Visintin.He began his teaching career in Japan in 1985, and eventually transitioned from teaching English as a foreign language to teaching high school art in 2001, when he became a high school art teacher for Las Cruces Public Schools. While in Las Cruces, he also started teaching adult jewelry classes in the continuing education program for Dona Ana Community College.
Since moving to Colorado in 2016, he has taught jewelry workshops for Boulder Metalsmithing Association and Lifelong Learning. He is currently teaching specialty workshops at Silver Peak Studio.