Intro to Jewelry Repair: Part 1
Jewelry repair involves the restoration, fixing, or alteration of damaged, broken, or worn-out jewelry pieces to return them to their original condition or improve their appearance and functionality. Skilled jewelers utilize various techniques to address issues that spring up over the lifespan of a piece of jewelry.
In Part 1 of this virtual two-part series on introduction to jewelry repair, students will learn the art of resizing rings, repair-focused soldering approaches, polishing techniques for a exceptional high shine, and will dive into the ever-important world of jewelry repair terminology, equipping themselves with essential skills to revive and rejuvenate precious pieces with confidence.
This class is Part 1 of a two-part series. You can take one or both! Sign up for Intro to Jewelry Repair: Part 2 here.
This class is sponsored by Rio Grande and a limited number of scholarships are available. Apply now!
Meet the instructor
![photo of](https://metalwerx.com/civicrm/contact/imagefile?photo=InstructorWebsiteBioImage_Nashef_16fcc2618252127f8f9d4f464d471718.jpg&image_styles=thumbnail)
Michael Nashef has earned his M.F.A in Metals/Jewelry Design from Bowling Green State University. Born in war torn Lebanon and moved to the United States in 1998, Nashef has managed a jewelry store, worked as a CAD designer, launched his fine jewelry company Intersecting Hearts, and invented few tools that are used in the jewelry industry. He worked as the area coordinator and lecturer at Towson University in Maryland, and currently is an instructor at Western Michigan University. Nashef has an extensive record of exhibition and awards won, including solo and international shows. He is also published in books such as JaMs and New Bracelets.
View Michael's work at www.nashefdesigns.com!
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.
Please note, the following are basic studio supplies that will be used during the workshop, but jewelry repair utilizes dozens of items depending on the job - there may be items not covered on this list that will be discussed during the workshop. It is recommended students wait until after the first class if they wish to order supplies.
Metal/raw materials (NOTE both part 1 and part 2 share the following supplies):
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1-2 x copper ring band - size 7 (Rio Grande)
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1-2ft x sterling rope chain - 1.6mm (Rio Granda)
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1 x cabochon ring - 6mm (Rio Grande)
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6" x sterling round wire - 0.09" (Rio Grande)
Torch setup:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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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 6” silver solder - hard (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6” silver solder - medium (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6” silver solder - easy (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x small brush - for flux
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1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
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 scribe (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 chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
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1 x sanding sticks (Rio Grande)
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1 x ring mandrel (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack sanding discs - fine (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack sanding discs - medium (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack sanding discs - course (Rio Grande)
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2-3 x snap-on mandrel (Rio Grande)
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1 x polishing compound - such as Rouge
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1 x polishing compound - such as Tripoli
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