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 center the ring on the 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.
Please note: Intro to Metalsmithing, Level 1 Metalsmithing, Metals 1, or equivalent is required.
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 is 8 hours with a 30 minute break for lunch. We have a mini fridge and microwave, a separate lunch 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.
Tools and Materials
Tools needed: 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 $6 (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 $2/gram. Cash or check accepted.
Last day to cancel for a full refund is July 9, 2022.
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.