Silversmithing: Silver Ring with a Natural Stone */**

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Instructor: Eilve Manglus

This is an intensive two-day workshop where you will learn to design and craft a personalized sterling silver ring. The unique feature of this class is that you will also cut and polish your own natural gemstone to set in the ring! This workshop is ideal for both beginners and anyone wanting to advance their jewelry-making skills.

An experienced goldsmith will guide you through every step of the process to create a unique 925 sterling silver ring featuring a securely bezel-set natural stone.

Day 1: Design and Stone Preparation. You will begin by sketching and finalizing the design for your ring and deciding on the cut of your stone. Next, you will learn basic lapidary, the rewarding process of cutting, shaping, and polishing a rough natural stone until it is the perfect size and shape for your custom ring setting.

Day 2: Ring Construction and Stone Setting. You will learn fundamental goldsmithing skills, including sawing, filing, soldering, and final metal polishing, as you construct the ring band and the specialized "box" (the bezel setting) that will hold your gem. Finally, you will securely set your custom-polished stone into the silver bezel, completing your signature piece of jewelry.

The workshop fee includes full access to professional jewelry tools. You will gain a solid foundation in using basic goldsmithing tools and techniques, giving you skills for future projects.

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Please note that the fee includes all necessary materials except for the 925 sterling silver, which costs approximately €25 extra.

You are welcome to bring your own raw natural stone to cut, or you may choose one provided by the instructor.

This workshop is suitable for beginners, but basic manual dexterity is helpful. For sharp vision while working on small details, please bring a pair of suitable glasses.

Meet the instructor

Eilve Manglus is a skilled jeweler and educator with a Master’s degree in Jewellery Art from the Estonian Academy of Arts. Currently, she serves as a Program Manager and Lecturer in Estonian Native Metalwork at UT Viljandi Culture Academy. Beyond her academic pursuits, Eilve is an active artist, regularly participating in various art projects and exhibitions. Her work seamlessly blends traditional Estonian metalwork techniques with contemporary design.