Working with Gold-Filled Basics

This 1-day weekend workshop will focus on an introduction to essential jewelry and metalsmithing techniques, tools, and design used to create jewelry using gold-filled wire. Students will learn by practicing the techniques demonstrated, by using wire to construct pieces that can be used for all kinds of jewelry & wearable art. The focus will be on the essentials of soldering, forming and construction of gold-filled wire as well as the proper use of tools and equipment, studio safety, metals, tube stone setting, design, and finishing techniques specific for gold-fill. Project demos will include making gold-fill rings, making flux paste for gold & gold-fill, and using small tube settings.  

Prerequisites:

• Basic metal working skills required.

Students Must Bring:

• -A wide variety of gold-filled shapes and gauges of wire are available, bring a selection
  -14k medium gold solder
  -Jeweler saw blades 2/0-4/0 blades (available in studio store)

Students May Bring:

• -24-18 gauge single or double clad gold-filled, or sterling silver can be helpful to create some interesting looks
  -A selection of beads, and found objects, is not only fun, but provides punch to your design ideas. Your selection of unique objects and colors make your work interesting and different
  -Center punch/scribe
  -Pin vise
  -Needle files
  -6” half round file
  -Emery paper, 200/400/600
  -Small pack of drill bits
  -Small tweezers
  -Ring clamp
  -Side/wire cutters
  -Optivisors
  -Jewelry pliers
  -Paper and pencils
  -Safety glasses