Foundations in Silversmithing

Description Gain the skills to confidently craft silver jewelry, with trade secrets from Rio Grande’s Mark Nelson! You’ll learn best practices for silversmithing jewelry, from expert soldering setup to heat control, torch use, stone-setting and finishing techniques. First, find out how to cut, solder and shape a perfectly fit silver bezel. Then, learn sizing and forming techniques as you sweat-solder two sterling ring shanks together for a dynamic, double-banded design. Practice proper solder placement as you securely attach a handmade backplate to your bezel, and pick up Mark’s expert tips for sawing, filing, and embellishing a decorative brass or copper element. Discover simple techniques that deliver professional-level results – and enjoy a ring that showcases your new skills!

• Class Preview
• Design & Solder a Bezel
• Forming the Ring Shank
• Soldering the Backing
• Decorative Elements: Mixing Metals
• How Soldering Works
• First Finish
• Setting the Stone