JEWELRY DESIGN
INSTRUCTOR: DANIELLE LOMONACO
Nature is the ultimate artist. Our challenge as jewelers is to make a wearable frame worthy of her artwork. Not to overpower or compete with the stones we feature, but to complement and enhance their unique beauty. In this class we will discuss my “Inspired by the Stone” approach to jewelry design and how it can help unlock your creativity. By considering comfort, practicality, and function we will explore what makes a truly great jewelry design. Through informative lectures and handouts, jewelry samples to help explain key concepts, class discussion, and one on one guidance through the entire process, you will learn how to create jewelry that will be treasured.
I will put together kits with the silver sheet, wire, and solder you will need for a variety of projects (pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets) and some of my favorite tools for finishing. Kits for this class will cost $150-250. I will also have stones, leather, chains, and additional silver components available for purchase.
Please plan to bring a sketch book and pencils, any special tools you prefer to work with (including design templates), stones you want to use in your designs, and any additional metal materials (if you want a mixed metals look). An Optivisor will be very useful in this class. If you don’t have one, they can be purchased or rented. Closed-toed shoes are required for all students at William Holland.
As a Bonus I will demo:
*How to make my favorite ring shanks (double half round, split shank, flared shank).
*How to fabricate bezels from sheet silver including castellated bezels.
*How to fabricate custom ends for leather necklaces and cuffs.
*Fine jewelry finishing secrets. How to achieve that perfect polish!
Class Fee: $175 (Includes instructional materials)
Estimated Materials Fee (Kits): $150-250 (Additional stones, silver components, and leather for necklaces and cuffs will be available for purchase)
Prerequisite: We will be making jewelry in this class. You should have experience soldering and be comfortable using a variety of tools (jeweler’s saw, files, forming pliers, etc.