• Image

Stone Setting: From Bezels to Prongs

This course is currently full. Spaces do occasionally open up so if you would like to be put on the wait list please call our office at 781-891-3854 or email [email protected].(Please include your name, phone number, and email address).

From bezels to prongs, this class is a great opportunity to develop stone setting, fabrication, and soldering skills through a series of technical projects. Open back bezels, bezels made from tubing, flush settings, prong settings, tab and freeform settings will all be demonstrated. Practice small scale soldering, learn to hammer-set stones with a custom tool made in class, and discover some strategies for using assorted grinding and deburring wheels with the flex shaft.

There are several assigned technique-based projects but students who have their own stone setting needs and wish to have access to an instructor for help and guidance are also welcome to join. Planned projects will be done in sterling silver and include a ring with a tube bezel setting, a band ring with 1-3 flush-set stones, and a final project that can be a combination of techniques learned or focus on one technique such as a pendant with an open back bezel or ring with a prong setting.

This class is 8 sessions long. Each class meets for 3 hours. If a make-up session is necessary, it will be held on June 11.

Meet the instructor

photo of

Joy Raskin has been a silversmith since 1984 and has exhibits throughout the United States, Ireland and New Zealand, showcasing both her jewelry and flatware designs. Joy is a native of New Hampshire, having attended public schools in Manchester and Concord and was accepted as a member of the League of NH Craftsmen while still in high school. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and her MFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Joy is an instructor at Metalwerx in Waltham, MA, The Craft Center in NH, Sharon Art Center, and many other schools.

Joy has received many awards for her work. She was commissioned by the NH State Council on the Arts to create the Cultural Access Award for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts in 2001. Her work is included in many collections, including the White House and Smithsonian Institution. Joy's work is found in multiple galleries throughout New England, including the League of NH Craftsmen Galleries, Boston Society of Arts & Crafts, Guilford Art Center, Millbrook Gallery, and others.

 

 

Materials & Tools

The $50 materials fee covers the cost of metals, wire, solder, and other basic supplies needed for class projects.

In addition to the materials fee, the instructor will provide flush setting kits for students to buy at $12 each (available in different stone sizes). Each kit has a ball bur, stonesetting bur, hart bur, drill bit and 2 CZs needed to practice the technique. Each kit comes in 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, and 3.5mm.

Students should bring
  • A sketchbook for taking notes
  • Personal hand tools, such as files, pliers, and Optivisors or magnifying lenses.
  • Any loose stones, both cab and faceted, you already have and might like to set.
  • Metal is provided in the kit, but students can bring any silver tubing, bezel, wire and sheet, they already have.
 

Stay Connected