October 26-31, 2025

SILVER I.5: FABRICATING SETTINGS TO SHOWCASE CABOCHONS

INSTRUCTOR: DEBRA COBIA

Cabochons, gemstones that are shaped and polished with a flat back, come in many shapes, sizes, colors, degree of opacity, etc. In this class, we will explore ways to set cabochons that enhance the beauty of the stone as well as holding it securely in place. Starting with basic bezels for round and oval stones, we will progress to setting stones with points, like squares, rectangles, and triangles and those with uneven backs. Moving on, we will explore the many ways that stones can be set such as using partial bezels, a combination of bezels and prongs, prong settings, setting in frames, open back settings, and setting fragile cabs such as druzies, opals, turquoise, and crystal edged agates. Most of us have stashes of beautiful stones that we put aside for later because setting skills haven’t yet matched the complexity of our vision for the stone. Bring those with you to this class, along with the gauges of silver appropriate for the  object you wish to fabricate.

Class fee: $150 includes the materials and stones for up to six settings, a kit of burs useful for setting, and two setting tools along with any handouts and necessary consumables not furnished by the school.

Prerequisites: This class requires solid soldering skills, the ability to measure and cut with accuracy, and a willingness to step outside the traditional "bezel box.” A complete list of tools and materials will be available at debracobia.com after February 1, 2025.