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Stone Settings without Prongs

This live, virtual course will focus on two distinct stone setting processes - the first being bead setting and the second being hammer setting on a thick walled tube. Starting with bead setting, the first session will guide students on how to expertly hold and use each unique tool, on top of learning the process for this delicate stone setting technique, which allows for the inclusion of smaller, less expensive stones to act as highlights on nearly any design surface.

The second session will show students how to first measure out and then fabricate a thick walled tube, before moving on to cutting a seat and hammer setting a round faceted stone. This type of setting is ideal for custom engagement and wedding rings as the thick wall provides a clean visual frame and emboldens the stone to act as a focal point, while giving the piece a secure and structurally sturdy setting suitable for daily wear. 

Please read the Materials & Tools tab! 

Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frame. A link to the Zoom room will be sent via email. 

Each session will be recorded and you will receive a password protected link to the recordings that expire after 30 days.

Meet the instructor

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Jim Dailing became passionate about jewelry in college in 1977 after watching a friend skillfully cut an opal. He knew then that he had found his creative outlet. Jim spent the next 10 years furthering his education and gaining experience in a variety of metalsmithing techniques. His enthusiasm and genuine love of the craft is evident in every piece created.

 

 

To see some of Jim's work, please visit his website or Instagram page

 

 

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 (in red) 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 strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.

Students should come to class with 2 completed satin finish ring bands if they wish to complete workshop objectives:

  • 2 x 14g ring bands - flat profile - 6mm wide - copper is fine
  • 6 x 2.5mm CZ (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x 5.0mm CZ (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x 18g sterling strip - 5mm wide x 15.5mm long (Rio Grande)
  • small amount of easy and hard solder (Rio Grande)

A soldering setup:

  • 1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheet will work (Amazon)
  • 1 x Solderite™ pad or fire bricks (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x torch - Smith mini or Silversmith (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
  • 1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x 3rd arm (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x paste flux (Rio Grande)
  • 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
  • silver solder - hard, medium, easy (Rio Grande)
  • pickle - for non-ferrous metals (Rio Grande)
  • crock pot or tempered glass container - for pickle (Amazon)
  • tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
  • small brush - for flux

Hand tools:

Forming tools:

You will need a flat ended punch for hammer setting. The instructor will demo how to make one using a 4" x 1/8"-1/4" piece of tools steel square stock, files, and a torch to heat treat the steel, so you can make your own or purchase one. 

  • 1 x flat ended punch or W1 tool steel (Otto Frei or McMaster)
  • files for using on steel
Students should bring

In addition to the above items, you will want to have the following items available: 

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

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