Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project/Process
Prerequisite: None

What gal doesn't love a little bit of sparkle? Inspired by the fabulous work of Alexander Calder (if you don't know his work, get your google on), my strap prongs are the perfect setting to show off a chunky crystal cabochon or a twinkling drusy. Prong settings are beautiful but these are unusual; something a bit different than your everyday prong setting. This setting is something sublime! The wider bands of are reminiscent of vintage luggage straps and will give your piece an edgy, almost-industrial feel...so chic! I'm going to show you exactly how to create the look, from start to finish.

In this class I'll show you the basics of using the jeweler's saw (it's fun, I promise!) You'll cut and shape your own ring shank and, in the process, I'll cover filing, using shears, annealing, hardening and finishing. You have the option to texture your piece but I'm going to show you how to achieve a lightly textured matte look, that I love. This gives your piece the clean, modern look that's so hot, right now. We'll cover silver soldering, pickle and patina. If you've never done silver soldering before, this workshop is a great introduction to that skill.

I'll be providing one stone for each student and will have some extra stones available for sale in class for those who have time to work on more than one ring.

Kit/Materials Fee (payable to instructor at class time):

• $25 includes materials and use of tools:
• 1 stone (I'll have more available for sale, in class)
• Silver solder
• Flux
• Baking soda
• Soldering blocks
• Soldering picks
• Tweezers
• Trays
• Pliers
• Pickle and pickle pot
• Tongs
• 0000 steel wool
• Jewelers saw blades
• Torches
• Fuel
• Patina
• Gloves
• Bezel pusher/burnisher
• Safety glasses
• Paper towels
• Ring mandrel
• Texture hammers and tools
• Texturing materials
• Use of other tools and supplies

Student should bring:

• 20 gauge sterling silver sheet, approximately 1cm x 3 inches per ring (this is not the finished size)
• 14 gauge, dead soft, round sterling silver wire; 1 foot per ring.
• Chain nose jewelry pliers
• Flat nose pliers with nylon jaws
• Wrap n Tap forming pliers, large size (http://tiny.cc/8zahlx)
• Deadblow hammer or rawhide mallet
• Jewelers saw
• Bench pin (small clamps for bench pin are optional but great to have in class)
• Steel bench block
• Bench pillow (or hand towel) for use under bench block
• Metal shears (http://tiny.cc/dfy98)
• Metal file (#0 and/or #2) (http://tiny.cc/kkf9kx)
• Foam sanding block, fine grit
• Scribe or fine point Sharpie
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Battery operated work light (required)

Suggested:

• Please order sterling in advance. I recommend Thunderbird Supply Co. online. (http://tiny.cc/wru9kx)

Optional:

• Extra stones: chunky drusy or crystal stones work best
• Ring mandrel
• Needle files
• Ear plugs