Topics Covered in One week courses and the 24 Trade Jeweler Course

Getting Acquainted with the Bench

(available as a stand alone one week class)...................................................................... 1 week

This basic jewelry-making class is designed for students who have never been in the jewelry workshop environment. Students will be introduced to the basic tools used at a jeweler’s bench as well as gain an understanding of the uses and techniques for each tool. After that, students will complete some basic jewelry-making projects using techniques taught in the course, such as fabrication, casting, forging, and stone setting. The student will learn to manufacture a variety of finished pieces.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home, including bead earrings.

 There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
 

Basic Bench Skills Taught 
  

• Tool identification and uses
• Using files, sandpaper, and sanding sticks
• Flex shaft and rotary tools
• Introduction to using the jeweler’s torch
• Chemicals at the bench
• Shop safety practices

Projects 

• Domed earrings
• Bezel pendant

Intermediate Jewelry Making

(available as a stand alone one week class)............................................................................... 1 week

 After completing BB-101 (Basic Jewelry Making) or acquiring instructor’s approval, students will build on the skills introduced in the Basic Jewelry Making course. Students will complete more complex projects that emphasize refining stone setting and finishing techniques. In this class, students will learn the basic techniques for setting stones, including cutting and shaping prongs and setting stones in bezel settings.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.


Skills Taught 
 

• Toll making and modification
• Stone setting: prongs and bezel  
• Jewelry component assembly

• Soldering, welding and fusing 

•  Satin, sandblasting and other textures

•  Forging

   Projects 

• Pierced and textured pin/pendant  
• Prong-set ring 

Drilling, Saw Piercing and Detailing.......................................................................................................... 1 week

In this class, students concentrate on the techniques of drilling, saw piercing, and detailing metal jewelry components. Emphasis is placed on detailed filigree style piercing, cutting metal to accurate dimensions and giving these components a crisp clean surface.
The student should have a basic understanding of bench tools and their functions. Some basic torch techniques will also be covered.
Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Skills Taught  

• Multi textures  
• Piercing fitted pieces  
• Micro polishing techniques

• Hairline graver detailing 

• Basic hand engraved details  

Projects  

• Pierced earrings  
• Ring band with multiple finishes  
• Pierced and burnished ring 

Cold Connections and Forging ............................................................................... 1 week  

Students will learn the principles of mechanical bonding using rivets, pins, and screws, which allows jewelers to create a variety of pieces using non-traditional materials. While soldering and annealing techniques with a torch are also used in metal preparation and covered in this course, this class is recommended for those artisans who do not use a torch. Stone setting and some gemstone material inlay techniques will be covered.
Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.
There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.

Skills Taught  

• Torch annealing  
• Piercing and filing techniques  
• Rivets, pins, and screws  
• Hinges and folds  
• Hammering and bending techniques  

Projects  

• Rivet ring  
• Framed brooch with screw and rivets  
• Cold-forged bracelet  
• Forged hoop earrings

Basic Jewelry Fabrication...................................................................................................... 2 weeks

After building a foundation from one or more of the Basic Bench (BB-101 to BB-104) courses, the student will learn methods for fabricating jewelry from a variety of components. Cutting, soldering, welding, and metal forming will be taught. This course is designed for the individual who aspires to be a bench jeweler.
Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.
There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Skills Taught  

• Foundation tool and bench skills  
• Tool prep and modification  
• Filing and fitting components  
• Measurement and layout  
• Soldering and welding  
• Basic stone setting  
• Soldering different metals together  
• Multiple step-soldering  

Projects  

• Basic box clasp  
• Fabricating a locket  
• Fabricating a head  
• Various fabrication challenges 

Ring Fabrication................................................................................................................ 2 Weeks  

This course builds on the techniques taught in Basic Jewelry Fabrication and applies them to the structure of rings, both in accuracy of sizing and setting of stones. Filing pieces for a tight fit and more precise solder techniques are employed here. Some settings will be fabricated.
Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.
There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Skills Taught  

• Measurements and tolerances  
• Use of heat syncs and resists  
• Sizing and measuring the customer  

Projects  

• Fabricating cathedral ring  
• Fabricating split-shank ring  
• Fabricating hollow gypsy ring

Gallery and Setting Fabrication............................................................................................. 1 week
Gallery and Setting Fabrication

Clasp and Hinge Fabrication.................................................................................................. 1 week



Complex Assembly and Fitting.............................................................................................. 1 week

Kinetic Fabrication: Moving Components............................................................................. 1 week

JR-101 Basic Jewelry Repair................................................................................................ 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing jewelry, including cutting, soldering, welding, and stone setting.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.


JR-102 Ring Sizing and Shank Repair.................................................................................. 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for sizing rings and repairing ring shanks. Cutting, soldering, and welding will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.



JR-103 Bracelet and Chain Repair........................................................................................ 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing bracelets and chains. Cutting, soldering, and welding will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.


JR-104 Prong Repair and re tipping..................................................................................... 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing and re tipping prongs. Soldering, and welding will be covered. 

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.  

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.

Setting Reconstruction and Repair....................................................................................... 1 week

Remounts and Resetting Stones............................................................................................ 1 week

Structural Reinforcement and Repair..................................................................................... 1 week

Complex and Delicate Repair.................................................................................................. 1 week

Tool Making and Modification................................................................................................ 1 week

Stone Setting, Prongs and Pinpoints: Rounds.

(available as a stand alone one week class)........................................................................ 1 week

Stone Setting, Prongs: Fancy Shapes ................................................................................. 1 week

Stone Setting, Channel........................................................................................................... 1 week

Stone Setting, Flush and Bezel: Faceted Stones................................................................ 1 week



Stone Setting, Bead and Pavé .......................................................................................... 3-4 weeks



Odd Stone Shapes and Odd Prong Styles............................................................................ 1 week



Complex Pavé Layouts............................................................................................................. 1 week



Hybrid Setting Styles .............................................................................................................. 1 week

Square and Rectangular Stone Setting.................................................................................. 1 week



Fragile Stones and Complex Setting Projects....................................................................... 1 week



Ornamental Hand Engraving

(available as a stand alone one week class)........................................................................... 1 week



Lettering and Monogram Hand Engraving

(available as a stand alone one week class)........................................................................... 1 week


 

Basic Wax Carving

(available as a stand alone one week class).......................................................................... 1 week  

This class is an introduction to carving wax models for casting into jewelry items. Tool selection, preparation and use are covered along with a series of techniques for creating many of the shapes and contours in jewelry. Learn through live demonstrations, handouts and hands-on studio time. 

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.  

There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students. 

Skills Taught  

• Tool modification and customization 
• Use of flex shaft and rotary tools  
• Casting demonstration  
• Soft wax forming  
• Hand files and specialized wax tools  
• Wax polishing & finishing  
• Basic Casting  

Projects  

• Symmetrical pendant  
• Matching earrings  
• Free form ring  
• Animal brooch/pin  
• Free form pendant (optional)  
• Signet ring (optional)  

Jeweler’s benches, wax carving tools and carving wax will be available for use during the class. You keep your wax carving projects and exercises.

Sterling silver and gold casting metal may be ordered for casting your project into a raw jewelry casting. You can finish the item yourself or have a jeweler finish it for you after the class. Textbooks are not needed as demonstrations and handouts will be provided. Useful book titles will be suggested.