Syllabus and schedule

Introduction to Stone Setting

Spring 2015     Baltimore Jewelry Center

Jenn Parnell, Instructor

Class information:

Mondays 10am-1:30pm

January 5- March 23

Office Hours: by appointment, also most Wednesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm

Class blog: http://introstonesetting.blogspot.com/

Class Description:

         Since stone cutting began, gems and minerals of all kinds have been incorporated into the art of jewelry fabrication. Because of the diversity and distinct characteristics of gemstones, multiple setting techniques have been developed throughout the centuries to enhance each stone's brilliance and wearability. The basics of several setting techniques, including prong, bezel, and handmade basket settings are taught during this class. Through hands-on instruction students will learn to apply the proper techniques to strengthen their jewelry making capabilities. Students will complete a series of exercises that will improve their technical ability

Class Schedule:

Week 1: Jan 5

• Discussion: Stone setting and class materials
• Lesson: Flat Backed Bezel fabrication (bezel wire and sheet)
• In Class: Begin bezel fabrication
• Homework: Fabricate 2 sample bezels- one with bezel wire, one with 18-20 ga sheet. Make sure all necessary supplies are ordered.

Week 2: Jan 12

• Lesson: Seated Bezel fabrication
• Lesson: Bezel cleanup and setting prep
• Introduce Project 1
• In Class: Prepare flat backed bezels for setting, begin seated bezel fabrication

·         Homework: Fabricate a seated bezel , prepare flat backed bezels for setting

Week 3: Jan 19

• Lesson: Setting bezels, cleanup
• In Class: Discuss designs for Project 1 with Jenn
• In Class: Set flat backed bezels
• Homework: Set seated bezel

Week 4: Jan 26

• Lesson: Split bezels
• In Class: Work on project, fabricate sample split bezel
• Homework: Fabricate and set split bezel, work on project

Week 5: Feb 2

• In Class: Work on project

• Homework: Complete Project 1

Week 6: Feb 9

• In class: Project 1 Group Critique
• Introduce Project 2
• Homework: Designs for Project 2

Week 7: Feb 16

• Lesson: Sheet prongs
• Lesson: Wire prongs with gallery
• In Class: Discuss Designs for Project 2
• In Class: Begin sample sheet prong and wire prong with gallery settings
• Homework: Fabricate sample wire prongs with gallery

Week 8: Feb 23

• Lesson: Basket setting
• Lesson: Tiffany style wire prongs
• In Class: Fabricate sample basket setting, work on project
• Homework: Fabricate sample basket setting, work on project

Week 9: Mar 2

• Lesson: Setting prongs
• In Class: Set sample prong settings, work on project
• Homework: Complete sample prong settings, work on project

Week 10: Mar 9

• In class: Work time on project and any sample for the entire class
• Homework: Work on project

Week 11: Mar 16

• In Class: Work time for the entire class.
• Homework: Complete project 2 and any outstanding samples

Week 12: Mar 23

• In Class: Individual Final Critiques