'Molten'  Setting Stones directly into molten metal.
Tutor: Tracy Hills
Day: Saturday afternoon
Date: 9th August  (fully booked)
Date: 30th August (1 space left)
Price: £130.00 
Time: 12.30 - 4.30. ​The course runs for 4 hours, but can on occasion run over to allow students to complete  their project.
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Any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Tracy
[email protected] (please provide a phone number)
​07814 883 443
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For those between the ages of 16-18 you will need written consent from a parent.
Skill Level: 
Intermediate/Advanced. Must be proficient with a torch

About this class:
Learn how to directly set stones into molten sterling silver.
Please note: This is a completely different method from sand casting with gemstones. (We teach various methods of casting.)
https://www.metalandflame.co.uk/casting.html 

​This method does not require moulds, nor sand and flasks. 

For those who love organic shapes in your jewellery, then this introductory molten metal class, will suit you.

During this workshop, we will cover two different techniques of setting  gemstones directly into molten silver. This organic style will allow you to seamlessly incorporate gemstones in your work, without having to do flush, tube or bezel settings.

1) Pebble Charm
We will start the day, by melting some silver directly onto your block and then pressing your sapphires directly into the molten metal, creating a little pebble with a gemstone in the middle.  Each piece will be a uniquely different shape. This little pebble can then be soldered onto a ring shank, or a jump ring added so it can be turned into a small pendant or a charm. 

2) Molten Bezel
The second method you will be shown is melting tube settings around your gemstone - a Tamara Gomez signature method. Tamara took part in series one of the BBC TV Show “All That Glitters”.

During this class you will be provided with an allocation of silver tube and a piece of silver to create you jewellery piece.  We will have some heat resistant zirconias to practice with, but you will also receive a sapphires to do your final piece with. 

You are welcome to bring along your own scrap silver to use on the day, and you will also be able to purchase more silver and sapphires on the day.
​​​Outline: 
  • Shape and form your silver using a bezel/collet forming block
  • Prepare your mould using a charcoal block
  • Practice torch control as you melt your silver bezel around your stones
  • Melt silver grain into a molten metal before pressing gemstones into it
  • Turn your molten settings into a stunning and unique piece of jewellery, applying the skills and techniques you have mastered throughout the course.  You can then turn your creations into pendants, charms or a ring.
Materials provided:
All tools and charcoal block provided.
  • Cubic zirconias to practice with.
  • 1 x genuine sapphire gemstone (I do have more sapphires which can be purchased on the day.
  • Sterling silver tube (enough for two settings - More can be purchased on the day.
  • Allocation of silver - to melt for your pebble  setting.
  • 2 x sterling silver jump rings

Please feel free to bring your own silver tube settings and and heat resistant gemstones with you. Tracy will have plenty of materials on hand, should you wish to purchase more on the day.
What to Bring:
​This is a workshop environment, so your well being and safety is important to us. To ensure this is a safe - but fun environment for you to learn in; we ask that you please:

  • Wear comfortable old clothing, or bring an apron. Safety glasses are provided.
  • Long hair to be tied back. 
  • No loose flowing scarves, long sleeves or jewellery to be worn. 
  • Closed flat shoes - no sandals allowed.
  • Spectacles, if needed for close up work.
  • Notebook and pencil. 

​Refreshments:
Tea, Coffee and biscuits provided.
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More information or queries:
Terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions
​Contact
Email: [email protected] - Please note, if you email me, please include a phone number, as some of my replies land in your spam folders