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ARGENTIUM 3: Creation of a Pendant
Argentium 1, 2, and 3 is an in-depth, three-course series that is designed to introduce makers to the benefits of working with the silver alloy known as Argentium. Three separate class topics will focus on different techniques, tools, key attributes, and approaches using Argentium to develop confidence and mastery of this versatile material.
Argentium 3 – the third of a three-part series – will be a three-session virtual class that builds on the knowledge and techniques garnered in the previous two classes by combining fabrication, fusion, and simple stone setting in the creation a dazzling gemstone pendant. Techniques such as granulation, bezel fusion, bail fabrication, and pendant design will be thoroughly covered, leaving students with a deep reservoir of possibilities for creative application within their own artistic practice.
Session 1 will focus on making granules, choosing a stone, bezel fusion, and design and layout. In session 2, students will continue to create the pendant, combining roll printing, fusing bezels and granules to backing sheet, and delving into order of operations for fusing and soldering. the 3rd and final session for this course will illuminate tips and tricks for clean-up and stone setting, in addition to discussion and demos for adding gold to enhance the over all appeal of your jewelry pieces!
Meet the instructor
Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 24g, dead soft (Rio Grande)
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1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 22g, dead soft (Rio Grande)
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12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g (Rio Grande)
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12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 18g (Rio Grande)
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6" wire or 1" sheet x Argentium® solder - medium (Rio Grande)
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6" x Argentium® bezel strip - 28g (Rio Grande)
Basic Hand Tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round forming pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring clamp (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x calipers - mm (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
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1 x planishing hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x ball peen hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring mandrel (Rio Grande)
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1 x bezel mandrel - 1mm to 5mm (Rio Grande)
Basic Soldering/Torch Set-up:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x compressed charcoal block - hard (Rio Grande)
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1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
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1 x 3rd arm (Rio Grande)
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1 x paste flux (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x Ronda's purple flux (Rio Grande)
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1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
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1 x small brush - for flux
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1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Other/miscellaneous items:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window - or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels