Precious Metal Facts
There will be a thorough discussion of the unique traits of various precious metals and their compositions. The student will be taught government regulations concerning quality marks. The student will practice testing various precious metals for identification.
Jewelry Cleaning
Several cleaning methods will be demonstrated, as well as the prevention and removal of oxidation and tarnish.
Introduction to the Torch
Installation, safety, and usage of the torch system will be explained. The student will practice adjusting his/her torch to a reducing, oxidizing, and neutral flame.
Soldering
Prior to soldering, an article will be prepared and set up for soldering. Flux and anti-flux will be explained. Through repetition, the student will master the tweezer and pick-up method.
Hand Tools
The student will learn the correct techniques for filing, sawing, and shaping of metals and begin forming good habits through practice.
Ring Assembly
The student will build two types of rings by forming flat wire into shanks and soldering heads in place. In practice the student will use a recessed head and a peg head in preparation for diamond setting. Further explanation covers four and six prong tiffany style head and shank assembly, expansion shanks and guards.
Ring Sizing, Stretching and Shank Repair
The proper techniques for sizing, repair, and stretching of sterling silver, white and yellow gold and platinum are explained. The student is given ample time to practice sizing rings up and down. The student will learn tricks of the trade to size worn shanks find invisible solder joints, and stretch bands many sizes.
Jewelry Supplies
Jewelry findings and tools are explained, and the student will become familiar with them in preparation for diamond setting.
Diamond Setting
The student is taught correct methods of setting diamonds in several of the most common ring styles. He/she will practice setting 1ct. synthetic stones in the previously prepared ring.
Pin Point Diamond Setting
Setting a smaller stone provides a new challenge as the student practices a 5pt. stone in an illusion top using a beading tool.
Buffing and Polishing
Achieving a superior luster is the final stage to a professional job. It is accomplished by the student with guidance in the proper selection of compounds and correct techniques of buffing, lapping, and polishing.
Removing and Tightening Gemstones
Several methods of safely removing and tightening diamonds and other gemstones are taught. The student then practices the removal, resetting, and the victorial method of tightening a stone.
Prong Repair
Building up and replacing prongs is made simple after the correct techniques are shown. The student practices all types of prong repair, from full prong replacement to retipping.
Annealing
The student learns how to soften gold to make it more workable and return the gold to its original hardness.
Sweat Soldering
Once again the student practices his/her soldering techniques. This time a new method is introduced, called sweat soldering.
Bezel Setting and Fabrication
With the new skill of sweat soldering, the student learns to fabricate a bezel mounting. The student finishes his/her project by bezel setting a cabachon stone.
Chain Repair
The precision techniques of chain repair becomes second nature after proper instruction. The student practices weaving and butting techniques used when repairing serpentine, herringbone, and hollow chain. Also included, is instruction on kink removal and special buffing techniques.
Changing Wiregauge
The student is instructed on the usage of the rolling mill and draw plate to form wire and change gauge. The student practices drawing wire and also learns a valuable technique for sizing rings when the proper sizing stock is not on hand.
Popular Texturing
The student will learn how each of the popular finishes are created. "Diamonds Cuts", florentine, satin, and stone finishes are just a few of what will be demonstrated.
Hollow Jewelry
Many of the beautiful pieces of jewelry today are hollow. While beautiful, they require special techniques to repair them. It is these techniques that will be taught.
Rhodium and Gold Electroplating
Beautiful, rich color is often obtained through the art of electroplating. The student learns the process for two-toning, vermeil, rhodium plating, and gold plating. |
