Coin medallion: This project introduces the student to one of the most utilized tools the jeweler has, the Jeweler’s Saw. The processes of piercing, sawing, filing, polishing and soldering are taught while making this medallion. The project itself is a small coin sized piece of metal that has a design cut into it and a jump ring soldered on so that it can be hung from a necklace.
2. Bezel set stone ring; A bezel is a thin, flat wire that stands up on a base plate and wraps around a stone. The bezel wall is folded over the curvature of the stone and holds the rock in place. Students will practice and learn more soldering techniques as they work with wire and plate metal to fabricate a ring and then set a stone of their choosing in a bezel on it.
3. Multi-layer project: This is when the students get to really try their wings. There are a few additional techniques and processes involved, mainly joining techniques like riveting and tab setting, but by this time the student has learned enough of the essentials that most any design could be made. There are certain criterion for this project but a considerable amount of autonomy is introduced at this point which helps students transition to Jewelry 2.
4. Lost wax ring: This is a method used to make jewelry that is highly sculptural or where the manipulation of metal would be difficult and less effective. A wax model is carved and a mold is made around the model. Then the mold is placed in a kiln and the model is burnt out and the wax evaporates. That is why it is LOST wax. After the model is gone then molten metal is forced into the mold. Once the metal cools the mold is broken off the cast and the ring is then polished.
2. Bezel set stone ring; A bezel is a thin, flat wire that stands up on a base plate and wraps around a stone. The bezel wall is folded over the curvature of the stone and holds the rock in place. Students will practice and learn more soldering techniques as they work with wire and plate metal to fabricate a ring and then set a stone of their choosing in a bezel on it.
3. Multi-layer project: This is when the students get to really try their wings. There are a few additional techniques and processes involved, mainly joining techniques like riveting and tab setting, but by this time the student has learned enough of the essentials that most any design could be made. There are certain criterion for this project but a considerable amount of autonomy is introduced at this point which helps students transition to Jewelry 2.
4. Lost wax ring: This is a method used to make jewelry that is highly sculptural or where the manipulation of metal would be difficult and less effective. A wax model is carved and a mold is made around the model. Then the mold is placed in a kiln and the model is burnt out and the wax evaporates. That is why it is LOST wax. After the model is gone then molten metal is forced into the mold. Once the metal cools the mold is broken off the cast and the ring is then polished.