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Stone Within a Stone
Combine stones in new ways in this virtual workshop with Ryan Gardner. Students will learn how to incorporate stones into one another by carving an opening into the larger stone to accommodate a smaller stone within it (not just atop it)! Ryan will demonstrate how he fabricates and aligns the bezels so they can be soldered to the same back plate, creating a unique single element with both stones. This is a rare opportunity to elevate your stone-setting techniques and explore original combinations of materials under Ryan’s expert guidance.
In this workshop, you will:
• Discover how to carve openings into stones to nest one stone inside another.
• Learn techniques to align and fabricate bezels for multi-stone settings.
• Master how to solder bezels onto a shared back plate, creating a seamless and unified design.
• Gain insight into Ryan’s signature approach to designing one-of-a-kind, dimensional stone settings.
• Leave with a finished piece or the skills to take your stone-setting work to the next level!
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 to be redirected to a page where you can view 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 not required - observers are welcome.
Consumables and Raw Materials:
At least two cabochon stones, one smaller than the other. (Ryan recommends the smaller one be less than half the size of the larger one)
Fine Silver Bezel Wire appropriate for each stone (Rio Grande)
- Sterling Silver Sheet
Silver solder - hard, med and easy (Rio Grande)
Basic Hand Tools
1 x Flat Nose Pliers (Rio Grande)
1 x Half-Round/Flat Forming Pliers (Rio Grande)
1 x Chain Nose Pliers (Rio Grande)
1 x Tweezers (Rio Grande)
1 x Shears (Amazon)
1 x Ruler (Rio Grande)
1 x Jewelers Saw Frame (Rio Grande) and Blades (Tiny Shiny Toolworks)
1 x Separating Discs (Rio Grande) and Wide-Top Mandrel (Rio Grande)
1 x Diamond drill bits – 1 each 75mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm & 2.5mm (Lasco)
1 x Core Diamond Bit Set (Rio Grande)
1 x Cylinder diamond bits – Lasco Diamond Products (Lasco)
1 x 600 grit Grit Diamond Powder – Lasco Diamond Products (Lasco)
1 x 1,200 Grit Diamond Powder – Lasco Diamond Products (Lasco)
1 x 50,000 Grit Diamond Powder – Lasco Diamond Products (Lasco)
3 x Bullet Shape Felt Bobs – At least one for each diamond grit (Lasco)
3 x Knife Edge Felt Bobs – At least one for each diamond grit (Lasco)
1 x Flexible Shaft Machine or other rotary tool (Tiny Shiny Toolworks)
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 #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (RioGrande)
- 1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (RioGrande)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (RioGrande)
- 1 x small brush - for flux
- 1 x Shade 5 tinted safety goggles (RioGrande)
Other