Gemstone bezel setting- One Day class
1st March 2025 10am-4pm
Available spots
Course Description
Gemstones have been used for jewellery making for thousands of years. In this course you will enter the world of working with beautiful semi-precious gemstones, working with bezel setting in fine and 925 Sterling silver. In this stimulating, day course you will learn how make rings, earrings or pendants, using processes that exploit the metal’s outstanding physical, chemical, and aesthetic properties. Through a set of teacher led projects, you will create a couple of pieces of jewellery with cabochons gemstones. You will also learn piercing with a jewellery saw, soldering, filing and polishing. This course aims to make you feel safe and confident in the workshop and have a good understanding of how to safely use the various pieces of equipment. Learning outcomes: To combine theoretical understanding, sequenced practical activities to develop skills in making a series of jewellery in semi-precious gemstones. Including the basic techniques of cutting, filing, soldering and polishing, bezel stone setting, and shape forming. Develop skills in making jewellery with rub over bezels gemstone settings. Recognise and handle silversmithing tools safely. Develop skills in forming, annealing and pickling metal. Prepare silver prior to soldering or polishing Experiment with methods for adding texture and different finishing techniques You will be led by Liz in making certain pieces, although there will be opportunities for individual interpretations, to suit your own tastes. All silver and a choice of small-medium gemstones for this course are supplied, however you are able to purchase extra silver or alternative gemstones on the day, should you wish to customise pieces or make additional. Tools will be provided but if you have any, feel free to bring your own. On completion of this course, you may want to enrol in the Beginners' Silver jewellery course or attend 'returners' sessions on an on-going basis. Some manual dexterity is needed, but individual needs can usually be accommodated. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss your particular requirements. Please be aware the learning studio is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your booking within 14 days of confirming your place without charge (provided your course hasn't started).
About the Tutor
My name is Liz Taylor
I am the owner of The Silver Bird, an artisan, handmade jewellery business based in a semi-rural village in Cambridgeshire. I specialising in bespoke commissions, and customisable pieces, as well as teaching traditional jewellery making techniques.
I have recently retired from an18 year career as a secondary DT teacher, over which time, I have taught hundreds of young people how to design and make novel, beautiful products, by exploring material properties and generating unique forms. I have completed a Masters of Education at Cambridge University, focusing on creative idea generation and development. This gave me a particular passion for biomimicry; using and replicating the nature through product design to make unique textures and forms.
I teach silver jewellery making at evening classes in several schools local to Cambridge and have designed my own teaching room to accommodate up to four aspiring silver-smiths.
Jewellery making with silver is easily the most addictive thing I have ever done. And that's before we talk about the enchanting world of gemstones! Whether you are into contemporary or classic pieces, you are learning for pleasure or you want your own career change, I can help you fall in love with the processes and achieve your jewellery-making potential.
Contact me for an informal chat if you'd like more information of what I can offer. I look forward to making with you.
