A master class

 

During the week Fiona and I were fortunate to do a private master class with a renowned local silversmith. We wanted to learn the skill of bezel setting stones. 

Several months ago we had been gifted some polished opal stones. I thought it would be nice if I was able to learn the skills required to turn a couple of the stones into pendants - I thought the first one could be gifted back to the woman who gave us the stones.

You can see the outcome of this class in the opening photo. 

Process-progress images follow - starting with the original stone - about 18mm long.

Calculating the length of the flat soft silver ribbon that would encircle the stone.

Soldering the ribbon of metal to form a circle; ensuring the edges are flat; and testing it over the stone.

Cutting a piece of flat silver plate for the base - photo of Fiona cutting flat silver plate; and soldering the circle of metal to the base plate.

Trimming and then grinding and polishing the dish form that hold the stone when the edges were folded onto the stone.

Obviously there were many more process-progress steps but one forgets to get photos; and of course the professional looking outcome was achieved because of input by the teacher including soldering the ring to the top.  I'm sure Fiona will blog on her work - a ring.