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    Werger.cab pendants
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    Werger.cab and setting samples and cab pendant
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    Werger.circle and oblong pendant and necklace
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    Werger.silver and gold pendant
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    Werger.two oblong pendants
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    Werger.clear stones pendants and leaf wire shapes

ARGENTIUM 3: Creation of a Pendant

Argentium 1, 2, and 3 is an in-depth, 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. 

This class, Argentium 3, is 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. This class is open to those who have previously taken Argentium 1 and 2, as well as anyone with some basic experience in Argentium fabrication and fusion.

In session 1, students 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.  In session 3, the final session for this class, Paulette will illuminate tips and tricks for clean-up and stone setting, in addition to discussion and demos for adding gold to enhance the overall appeal of completed pendants and other Argentium pieces!

Meet the instructor

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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:

  • 1 x 2x2 inches of 22ga sheet Argentium silver (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 1 ft  (minimum) of 12ga Argentium round wire (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 1 ft (minimum) of 14ga Argentium round wire (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 1 ft (minimum) of 20ga round Argentium wire (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 6 inches (minimum) of 3/16" 28ga Argentium (bezel) strip (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 2x2 inches of medium sheet argentium solder (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 1pt of purple flux (RioGrande)
     

OLD LIST

  • 1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 24g, dead soft (RioGrande)
  • 1 x 3" x Argentium® sheet - 22g, dead soft (RioGrande)
  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 16g (RioGrande)
  • 12" min. x Argentium® round wire - 18g (RioGrande)
  • 6" wire or 1" sheet x Argentium® solder - medium (RioGrande)
  • 6" x Argentium® bezel strip - 28g (RioGrande)

 

Basic Hand Tools:

Basic Home Studio:

Basic Forming Tools 

Basic Soldering/Torch Set-up:

 

Other/miscellaneous items:

  • hard work surface
  • fan and open window - or ventilation system
  • safety glasses
  • pencil, Sharpie, notebook
  • rags/towels

 

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