Perfect Prong Settings
In this unique demo-focused virtual course, students will join master fabrication artisan Joanna Gollberg as she teaches how to fabricate custom prong settings to perfection using a torch with two direct gases (oxygen/acetylene or oxygen/propane) and how to then perfectly prong-set their stones with efficiency and accuracy.
Strong emphasis will be placed on torch temperature control, as well as flame placement. Students can expect to gain knowledge, strategies, and confidence to make both calibrated and free-form prong settings in this technical workshop.
Meet the instructor

Joanna received her A.A.S. in Jewelry Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1997. She has been a self-employed studio jeweler for 20 years, selling her work at craft & jewelry galleries and fine craft shows in the US. She has authored four books on making jewelry (all published by Lark Books), and her work been included in numerous publications, such as Metalsmith Magazine, Ornament Magazine, 20th Century Jewelers, and 500 Wedding Rings. She teaches jewelry making for metalsmithing groups, Craftsy.com, and craft schools, such as Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont, and Haystack Craft School.
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 find 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 (NOTE sterling silver can be purchased from any metal distributor of your choosing but if choosing to participate on class objectives between course sessions, metal will need to be cut into the follow parameters):
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1 x 6"x4" Kaiser Lee board (Kaiser Lee)
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2ft x 16g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
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2ft x 18g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
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2ft x 20g straightened silver wire - cut to 8" lengths
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3ft x easy solder - drawn to 0.5mm - cut to 3" lengths
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3ft x hard solder - drawn to 0.5mm - cut to 3" lengths
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1 x small jar of high temp black flux
Torch setup (dual-gas torch is needed for course objectives):
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1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon)
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1 x torch - oxy/acetylene or oxy/propane (Rio Grande or 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 cross lock tweezers with wooden handle (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - for non-ferrous metals (Rio Grande)
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1 x crock pot or tempered glass container with lid (Amazon)
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1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
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1 x small brush with natural bristles (Michaels)
Hand tools:
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (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 1/16" screw mandrel - 3/32" shank (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack polishing wheels - flat edge - black (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack polishing wheels - knife edge - black (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack pumice wheels - flat edge - green (Rio Grande)
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1 x variety of round mandrels - optional (Harbor Freight)
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1 x millimeter ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x dividers - optional (Rio Grande or 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)
Other/miscellaneous items (Joanna will answer stone questions in class and welcomes you to bring part of your collections, but listed below is a good standard size range):
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stones - any shape - 3mm to 10mm work well (others can be discussed)
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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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fine Sharpie
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rags/towels