Learning how to set stones?

[meladori]

I’ve been lurking here for a few months and I’m not sure where to ask this question. I’d like to learn how to set my own stones and make my own settings and work primarily in silver. I’m not looking to do this professionally and I have a day job, so I can only learn this at night or on the weekends. I live in NYC. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to learn or where to start?

 

[Michael_E]

I'd Google "Jewelry Schools NY" and see what pops up. Make a few phone calls and see who offers evening or weekend classes and you're good to go. You might also look around for a rock and gem club that offers instruction to newbies. At the very least you could get a good book on silver jewelry making, a torch, some files and other tools and just start fiddling around with it. If you get stuck on something you can always ask on a jewelry making, or gemology forum, (send me an e-mail if nothing else), there's always someone who'll help you out.

Silver work is really not too difficult. I'm doing some work now for a small manufacturer of low cost goods selling on Etsy. The owner and most of the employees are women with little experience and they are all learning to do this sort of thing quite rapidly. All it takes is an interest and the willingness to just jump right in and play with it.

 

[meladori]

thanks Michael! I've checked out a few Youtube tutorials and will order a few books. the only experience with soldering I have is soldering circuit boards when I was in electrical engineering, so hopefully it won't be too much of a learning curve. thank you again!