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Smart Practices in Gold and Silver
Learn how to bring the beauty of gold and silver together in thoughtful, cost-effective ways. In this dynamic workshop, Ryan will guide students through a variety of fabrication techniques that will elevate your designs without stretching your budget.
We’ll start with the basics of creating custom bezel wire in both silver and gold, then move into constructing mixed-metal bezels and gold-on-silver designs. Ryan will also demonstrate how to make tube settings for accent diamonds, and explore several approaches to ring shank construction—including his signature three-layer rings with a textured center!
Beyond stone settings and ring building, this class will cover clever connection techniques for adding clean articulation and movement to your pieces. Ryan will also share smart strategies for incorporating gold as a design element—bringing richness and contrast to your work in impactful, affordable ways.
This class is perfect for makers looking to deepen their fabrication skills and refine their aesthetic with intention and flair.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Meet the instructor
"Participation in the arts was always important to me growing up. A strong arts program in high school influenced my decision to pursue a degree in the arts. I chose the arts program at Bowling Green State University in northwest Ohio where I discovered and fell in love with metals. I was introduced to many artists, including Michael Boyd, who became an inspiration for me.
Upon graduating with my BFA in 2009 I apprenticed for Michael Boyd at his studio in Colorado. That experience turned into a nine-year adventure where it ended with Michael and I as partners in the Colorado Center for Metal Arts. It was with Michael that I learned to work with and manipulate stone, adding a new element to my love of jewelry design.
Since having started my business, Ryan Gardner Designs, in Colorado in 2010, I have moved back to Ohio and now operate my studio in my hometown. I showcase my work in galleries and shows as well as teach workshops across the country and online."
Learn more about Ryan and his work at https://www.ryangardnerjewelry.com/#/.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is encouraged but not required.
Raw Materials/Consumables:
- 2-5 x 2mm diamonds or CZs - student's choice (CZs - RioGrande)
- 1 x 3in of 22K round wire, 16ga, dead-soft (Stuller)
- 1 x 3in of18K round wire, 18ga, dead-soft (Stuller)
- 1 x 3in of 18K round wire, 20ga, dead-soft (Stuller)
- 1 x 2.5mm (outside diameter) 18k Heavy tubing, dead-soft (Stuller)
- 1 x 1 dwt of 22K plumb easy solder (Stuller)
- 1 x 1 dwt of 18K plumb medium solder (Stuller)
- 1 x 1ft of sterling silver square wire, 14ga, dead-soft (RioGrande)
- 1 x 1ft of sterling silver round wire, 14ga, dead-soft (RioGrande)
- 1 x 1ft of 1.8mm sterling silver tubing (RioGrande)
- 1 x 3x2in of sterling silver sheet, 20ga (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6in of fine silver round wire,16ga (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6in of sterling silver round wire, 18ga, dead-soft (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6in of argentium silver round wire, 20ga (RioGrande)
Basic Hand Tools:
- 1 x round nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x chain nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x flat nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x snips / flush cutters (RioGrande)
- 1 x jewelers saw (RioGrande)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (RioGrande)
- 1 x burlife / bee's wax (RioGrande)
- 1 x bench pin (RioGrande)
- 1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (RioGrande)
Basic Home Studio:
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (RioGrande)
- 1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (RioGrande)
- 1 x half round forming pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x ring clamp (RioGrande)
- 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (RioGrande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (RioGrande)
- 1 x calipers (Amazon)
Basic Forming Tools:
Basic Soldering/Torch Set-Up:
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (RioGrande)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (RioGrande)
- 1 x soldering pick (RioGrande) or
- 1 x paste flux (RioGrande)
- 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - hard (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - medium (RioGrande)
- 1 x 6” silver solder - easy (RioGrande)
- 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (RioGrande or Amazon)
- 1 x brass bristle brush (RioGrande)
- 1 x tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
- 1 x small brush - for flux
- 1 x liquid hand soap - for cleaning metal
Other/Miscellaneous Items:
- hard work surface
- fan and open window - or ventilation system
- safety glasses
- pencil, Sharpie, notebook
- rags/towels
- bench vise (HarborFreight)