Gemstone Setting: Course Outline

Tuition :$ 695 Day Class ( 35 instruction hrs.) Enroll Now

Some tools are expendable and need to be purchased.

Tool Cost: $75

Max Students : 5

Location: Murray Studio Directions

Summary:

This course is designed for the intermediate jeweler or an individual with a good understanding of basic jewelry techniques. Prospective students should be able to effectively perform the following tasks: soldering, sawing, filing, sizing, polishing, prong setting (round stones), and using the flex shaft machine.

The course will cover more advanced stone setting and metalworking techniques. Some of the projects include , 'V' tip repair, setting fabrication, and five setting styles. Students will be taught the methods and practice of bead, bright cut, burnish, channel, and prong setting. Each technique will be demonstrated and ample time given to the students to practice what they learn.

The goal of the class is to enable students to comprehend and perform an array of setting techniques. A certificate is awarded to those students who successfully complete the projects and show a good understanding of the techniques studied.

Lesson 1 : Introduction to Setting.

Topics covered include setting styles, tools used when working with gems, and proper preparation of tools and gravers. We will also discuss the precaution to take when working with gems. A brief refresher of basic round prong setting is also covered.

Lesson 2 : Multiple Prong Settings.

We will cover the steps involved in soldering multiple round prong settings in close proximity to one another. You will learn how to seat the settings into a silver ring and properly set the stones using the undercut method. A discussion on gem treatment and known pitfalls will also be covered.

The extra project will include building a round crown setting from scratch. Instructions will be given on the various ways to fabricate heads.

Lesson 3 : Prong Setting Fancy Shape Stones & Repairing 'V' tips.

Students will learn how to set a fancy shape stone in a 'V' tip setting using the undercut method. You will also be shown how to build and replace a 'V' tip prong.

The extra project will entail creating a fancy shape prong setting.

Lesson 4 : Bead Setting & Bright Cutting.

Students will learn how to properly seat a stone for bead setting. Demonstrations on how to raise and round beads will be given.

We will introduce the techniques used to make a bright cut setting. You will also be shown how to properly prepare gravers for setting.

Lesson 5 : Burnish & Channel Setting.

Burnish or flush setting will be illustrated. Students will burnish set a stone and prepare specific punches for setting work.

The extra project will include an introduction to wax working. Students can practice making a wax setting.

Lesson 6 : Channel Setting.

Various technique of channel setting will be discussed. Students will seat and set stones in a channel ring.