Cold Connections and Simple Prongs

This class is for beginning jewelers ready to start their own torch-less home studio practice. Students learn how to marry mixed metals together with rivets and set gemstones with simple prongs. This class reviews several types of rivets and how to create turtle prongs. Turtle prongs is a technique used to connect cabochons, enameled works, etc. to a designed piece of metal without a torch; they are named “turtle” because the animal it resembles before the prongs are bent upwards to hold the gemstone; there are many possible variations for shape. This class also reviews textures and finishing techniques.

Students will complete exercises to assist them in understanding how to connect metal to metal and add gemstones to the metal without the need for a torch.

Materials and Required Tools:

The following can be ordered separately through your instructor or purchased online:

Cabochon gemstone

-18 gauge copper

– 20 gauge copper

Optional: Students are welcome to bring a cabochon gemstone and metal of their

choice to class

The following must be ordered by participants prior to the start of the class:

– sawblades

– sandpaper (320, 400 &; 600 grits)

-3m micron pads

– sunshine polishing cloth

– Bench pin

– bench block

– saw frame

– bur life

– prong pusher

– burnisher

– round nose and flat nose pliers

– planishing hammer

– needle files

Prerequisites: This class is open to all levels, including beginning students. Basic sawing knowledge is helpful.

Dates and Access:

Tuesdays; 1/27/21 – 2/17/21. Participants will receive a link via email to access the live class.