SILVER II: ALTERNATIVE STONE SETTING TECHNIQUES, HOLLOW FORMS, ARGENTIUM FUSING TECHNIQUES WITH GOLD
INSTRUCTOR: VAUGHN MILLNER
In this information-intensive course with demos throughout, students will explore alternative stone setting techniques including prongs for irregular shaped stones in a pendant of their own design. Other stone setting techniques will include flush setting and tube setting in a pendant or ring. In addition, students will apply basic metal manipulation techniques such as creating hollow forms to create dimension in their designs. Finally, students will create an argentium piece applying touches of gold. Students will design their projects and combine techniques to create a pendant and ring, earrings, and an argentium pendant and chain. The class fee includes argentium wire for chain, solder, flux, saw blades, finishing wheels, use of the instructor’s specialty tools, and handouts. Tools are provided, but students may bring their own tools. The cost of the silver and gold will be determined by current market prices. Students may bring their own flat and round/oval shaped gemstones or purchase them from the instructor. Small stones for flush setting and tube setting will be available for purchase. OptiVisor and safety glasses are suggested. Close-toed shoes are required. Expected learned skills from this class include comfort in designing and developing a construction plan for jewelry; competency in fabricating hollow form pieces of jewelry; competency in applying several different stone setting techniques; and proficiency in fusing argentium and applying gold to argentium.
Class Fee: $150 (includes cost of argentium wire)
Est Materials Fee: $150 - $350
Prerequisite: Intermediate soldering and torch skills