SILVER II – PIERCING, HOLLOW FORM, FUSING AND STONE SETTING WITH HEIDI MANDICH

SILVER II – PIERCING, HOLLOW FORM, FUSING AND STONE SETTING 

INSTRUCTOR:  HEIDI MANDICH 

In Silver II, students will build on the foundational skills from Silver I, strengthening sawing and soldering techniques while exploring new design possibilities with Argentium Sterling Silver (940). This class focuses on refining craftsmanship and introducing more advanced methods to expand your creative toolbox. 

We’ll begin by creating a pair of matched earrings using a jeweler’s saw to cut intricate pierced designs.  Next, students will explore the unique fusing properties of Argentium Sterling Silver while creating a fused pendant or pair of earrings, learning how to achieve elegant joints and smooth finishes without solder. We’ll also construct a hollow form pendant, exploring variations that can become signature design elements in your jewelry work.  Students will then design and create their own project, with the individual guidance of the instructor, incorporating these new techniques. Along the way, we’ll include stone settings beyond the basic bezel set-such as prong or tab settings, or creative combinations that work with unique stone shapes.  The class emphasizes confidence, precision, and creativity, helping you take your silversmithing to the next level. 

Please wear closed toed shoes and bring eye protection (glasses or readers or safety glasses). Long hair needs to be tied back for safety. 

Class fees include printed materials for techniques, step by step detailed instructions for class projects, along with consumables plus use of specialty tools and equipment provided by the instructor. It will also include Argentium Sterling Silver (940) for the first two projects.  Additional Argentium 940 Silver will be available to purchase for hollow form project at the same school pricing for Sterling Silver, along with some stones, accent metals and materials for hollow form project (sheet, wire and tubing) 

Class Fee: $225 (includes Argentium for matched earrings and fused pendant or earrings projects) 

Est Materials Fee: $150-$250  

Prerequisite: Silver I (student needs to be comfortable with basic sawing using a jewelers saw and soldering multiple joins)