Thursday, May 26, 2022   
6:00 - 8:00 pm PDT
Alternative Stone Setting Series 

Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse

Zoom link and instructions for joining the call will be emailed 1 day prior to class.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

This class will be recorded, and the recording will be available for students to access through their Little Metal Foxes accounts for a full month after the live class.

The versatile pedestal setting allows you to create some height that allows for faceted stones and a greater profile and stability in a stone setting. It works well for cabs, unusual shape stones and objects, enamels, and faceted stones. If you've taken the beginning class and want to improve on your skills then this course is for you! Students will be able to hone their soldering, fabrication, and finishing skills while learning a few new stone-setting techniques. We will cover how to create a pedestal setting and various prong settings from wire for setting faceted or cabochon stones as well as unusual stone shapes and found objects. Jennifer will share tips and tricks for soldering that not only work for stone setting but help you find great solutions for other soldering needs. You will also learn great ways to use the flex shaft for setting, finishing, and more! Because this class is online, ideally students will have their own studio set up. However, students wishing to just observe and learn are welcome to join!

Prerequisite: Beginning Jewelry/Metals and ability to solder independently.

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Registered Little Metal Foxes students can access the Rio for Schools program for significant savings (discounts and flat-rate shipping). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Recommended Materials:

• Round sterling half-hard wire: a foot or two of 18g, 16g, & 20g will give you a lot to work with.
• 6” of 1x3” rectangle wire
• 6” of 16g square Sterling wire
• 6” of Half-round wire
• A variety of cabochon and or faceted cut stones: oval, round, teardrop, square, freeform cabochon stones will all work. Also, small found objects, beach glass or stones, and enameled elements can potentially be used.

Recommended Tools

Soldering tools:

• Soldering surface
  • 6" x 6" solderite pad
  • Soft charcoal block
• Flux
• Solder
  • Easy, medium, and hard, minimum 3" each
  • Paste solder
• Solder pick
• Tweezers
• A heat source capable of soldering sterling, brass, and copper (ie, butane torch, propane torch)
• Pickle.  A good pickle substitute is “Ph Down” (aka sodium bi-sulfate) available for purchase at local spa and pool suppliers or at Home Depot in the spa supplies section. You can also use vinegar and salt, or citric acid.)

Supplies from the hardware or craft store:

• Safety glasses
• Emery paper
• Center punch or tapered tool
• Little paintbrush for flux
• Note-taking and drawing tools

Tool Kit:

• Jeweler saw & 4/0 blades / 2/0 blades
• Small hammer
• Small rawhide mallet
• Drill of some kind, pendant drill, flex-shaft, hand drill
• Center punch/scribe
• Bezel mandrels
• Forming pliers
• Pin vise
• Bench pin
• Needle files
• 6" half-round file
• Ring clamp
• Flush wire cutters
• Magnifiers
• Krause bur (or small cylinder bur about 1mm)