7 & 8 October / Introduction to Silversmithing Course

This weekend workshop is aimed at those interested in learning basic silversmithing skills. You will be introduced to key jewellery design concepts and the basic techniques for working in metal including piercing, sawing, filing, drilling, annealing, soldering and polishing. In this workshop, you will walk away with a finished ring set with a cabochon gemstone. This workshop runs from 10am-3pm on both days.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Day One 

• Safety in the workshop 
• Using a jewellers saw & file
• Shaping metal using hammers, pliers and hands
• Texturing metal using hammers, stamps & punches
• Introduction to the hand held mini torches / Smith torch demonstration
• Soldering and appropriate solder choice
• Selecting your cabochon & creating a bezel
• Shaping up a bezel & soldering it ready for next week’s lesson

PLEASE NOTE: if you have your own cabochon (flat backed gem stone NOT a faceted gemstone) please bring it to class as we will be creating a setting for it on day one. We also have quite a large range of gemstones & silver available for purchase on the day. 

Day Two

•  Ring sizing (jewellery math)
•  Shaping your ring
•  Soldering your bezel to your backplate
•  Soldering your ring to your backplate
•  Setting your cabochon
•  Polishing and finishing techniques

WHAT TO BRING

• Visual journal and pencil / any design ideas you may have  
• A cabochon (we also have some available for purchase on the day) 
• Water bottle / packed lunch 
• Please wear closed in shoes and have long hair tied back 
• Feel free to bring an apron or wear old clothes