Beginning Silversmithing Class

Did you know that silversmithing is a classic American art form that you can learn in just one weekend? It is—and you can! This is a two-day, 12-hour beginning silversmithing class where you will learn how to make a sterling or fine silver pendant. You will discover how to solder a bezel, set a cabochon, decorate your project with embellishments (some of which you will create yourself), and polish the finished piece to a lustrous sparkle.

You will create a contemporary or Southwestern-style pendant similar to the examples shown, and a pair of earrings if time permits.

You will learn the silver soldering techniques that contemporary silversmiths and Native American artisans have used successfully for over a hundred years. These techniques allow you to use an inexpensive butane torch and a minimum of tools—many of which you may already own. Wouldn't it be great to say "I made this" about beautiful pendants like the ones shown? The soldering techniques taught in this class are also used in many other types of contemporary jewelry and silversmithing styles.

What Your Class Includes

All supplies needed to complete your first jewelry project are provided. A materials kit fee of $40–$90 will be collected in class (depending on silver spot price and design selected).

• Cabochon stone
• Sterling silver wire
• Fine silver sheet
• Embellishment findings
• Tools to use in class (no need to bring your own)
• Access to a documentation website for this beginning silversmithing class, including a slideshow of the soldering process
• An e-Book on jewelry selling techniques with links to shows and expos where you can sell your work

Skills You Will Learn

• The basics of silversmithing for jewelry making
• How to solder sterling and fine silver
• The differences between easy, medium, and hard solder
• How an inexpensive torch (under $60) can help you create sellable jewelry worth thousands of dollars
• How and why to use spray-on flux when silver soldering
• Using flux as an indicator to know when to start soldering
• The purpose of flux and how it prepares the metal
• When to use sheet, strip, wire, and paste solders
• Flame control techniques to avoid messes that require long polishing times
• Why repairs are less profitable
• Why using a jeweler's saw is often less profitable
• Why not to use rouge
• Why fire coat (fire scale) matters when soldering
• How to make exceptional bezels the fast and easy way (no pallions required)
• Why serrated bezels are best and easiest to use
• How to close a plain bezel without wrinkling
• How to make and attach embellishments
• The secret to avoiding returns for polishing

We Will Also Discuss

• Types of silver jewelry that are easiest to make and sell
• Methods for selling your silver jewelry
• Tools and materials needed to become an artisan in Southwestern-style silver jewelry
• Metallurgical reasons why solder flows and creates seamless joints

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Instructor

David Smith is a metalworker with over 35 years of experience. He has been selling jewelry and teaching jewelry creation for the past 12 years and is a member of the Society of American Silversmiths.

"I will teach you the basics of creating stunning silver jewelry and get you started on the road to becoming a profitable silversmith." — David Smith

Class Details

• Cost: $399.00 (North Bend, Oregon studio) or $499.99 (Henderson, Nevada near Las Vegas) plus materials fee of $40–$90 collected on class day (depending on silver spot price and pendant design selected)
• Duration: 12 hours over 2 consecutive days
• Class Size: Limited to 5 students

Intermediate Silversmithing Classes

This intermediate class is available to any student who has attended our Beginning Silversmithing Class. We may also accept students with previous silversmithing experience. The class includes creating several bezel-set pendants using hard solder.

Students who have attended Beginning Silversmithing with Don Norris, Joe Silvera, or Chad Parker are welcome. If you haven't taken a class with any of us but have relevant experience, please call to discuss your skill level before signing up. My number is 916-548-7361.

If you have previously purchased my Intermediate Video Series DVD, I will extend a $50 credit toward the price of materials.

Intermediate Silversmithing Bracelets Class

In this class you will create a three-quarter oval bracelet with formed ends that allow a mounted bead, step-mounted cabochon, bezel-mounted cabochon, or charm to be easily fastened into place, completing the oval shape.

Projects Include:

• Stepped Bezel Cabochon Mount
  A bezel that does not require backing or padding. The cabochon must be uniform in shape. The mount is sized specifically for the bracelet.
• Universal Link Mount
  This mount allows designers to create theme-based bracelets without sculpting a unique piece for each one. Thousands of unique charms are available from many suppliers.

Bring your own cabochons or choose from dozens available in class.

Bracelet-Making Skills You Will Learn:

• Forming a bracelet using a tapered bracelet mandrel
• Internal step bezel soldering
• Quick bezel creation using step bezels
• Proper burnishing tool technique
• Creating identifying marks on metal projects
• Work-hardening a bracelet
• Determining total bracelet length from wrist measurement
• Creating a universal mount
• Using a ring holder to assist polishing
• Placing embellishments in front of cabochons

Materials (bring your own or purchase in class):

• Cabochon or fused glass
• Sterling wire
• Soldering-ready cabochon mount (if you want to finish more than one focal point)
• Cabochon for interchangeable focal point (maximum width 1.5 inches)

You Will Also Receive (bring your own or purchase in class):

• Streaming class instructions (equivalent to a 6-DVD full-screen video series plus bonuses)
• Size tables for interchangeable cuff bracelets and focal points

Intermediate Silversmithing Rings Class

In this class you will create a Dual Band Ring with V-shaped attaching point. The main challenge is achieving a clean solder joint where the ring shank meets the cabochon base, minimizing polishing in hard-to-reach areas.

You are expected to have some soldering ability. I enthusiastically recommend bringing a bezel cup or bezel plate and stone that reflects your unique style. If you can't bring your own, I have about 20 cabochons with 13x18 mm bezel cups available (larger stones are also welcome).

Because some students' soldering skills may be rusty, I will provide a one-hour demo on safety and fundamentals. Within two hours you will be creating your ring. Most students complete at least one ring; some may finish two depending on skill level.

Ring-Making Skills You Will Learn:

• Forming a ring shank using ring bending pliers
• Using a jeweler's saw and selecting blade size
• Proper burnishing tool technique
• Work-hardening a ring
• Using a ring clamp and mandrel for polishing
• Aligning ring band to top
• Quick polishing of the inside of a ring band
• No-solder-cleanup joint where band meets top
• Placing embellishments in front of mounted cabochons
• Rapid product fabrication techniques
• Creating a hammered surface on silver
• Using a tumble polisher with steel shot

Materials (included or available in class):

• Bezel cup or bezel plate with cabochon
• Cast sterling embellishments (optional)
• Pattern wire (optional)
• Twisted wire (optional)
• Solder and expendables (included in materials fee)
• Cabochons
• Dual half-round sterling wire (included in materials fee)

You Will Also Receive:

• A link to the documentation website for my Beginning Silversmithing class, including a slideshow of the soldering process and an e-Book on jewelry selling techniques with links to shows and expos

"I will teach you the basics of creating stunning silver jewelry and get you started on the road to becoming a profitable Silversmith." — David Smith

Class Details

• Cost: $399.00 plus materials fee of $60–$150 (collected on class day, depending on silver spot price and design selected)
• Duration: 12 hours over 2 consecutive days
• Class Size: Limited to 5 students

Bracelet Retreat on the Lake

With Beginning Silversmithing Option
No experience necessary!

Not a beginner? No problem! We'll have you work on a different project the first day while we bring beginners up to speed.

I am thrilled to offer this all-inclusive retreat (details at bottom) in my home studio. It is 5 intense days of fun, learning, and creating.

On Saturday we start with our Beginning Silversmithing Class, where you will learn the fundamentals of silver soldering and create a fabulous contemporary or Southwestern-style pendant or single-band ring. (Experienced students will begin a different project.)

On Sunday we consult as a group to determine which projects are most important to each participant and sequence them for the remaining days.

Projects (time permitting)

Typical projects include (videos below):

• 3-Wire Heavy Bracelet
• 5-Wire Freeform Wave Cuff
• Cuff with Stone or Pearl Embellishment
• Cuttlefish Bone Cuff with Cabochon
• Straw Cast Bracelet
• Pine Needle or Straw Cast Pendant
• Interchangeable Bracelet
• Special Projects – something you want to make but don't see listed (call to discuss feasibility)

For more information, call Dave at 916-548-7361.

All tools are provided, so there is no need to bring any. If you have previously taken our Beginning Class, a special price is available that excludes tools – please call to discuss.

You will gain access to our 22-hour streaming video series: Beginning Silversmithing and Intermediate Rings and Bracelets. Videos are viewable on Kindle, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and any web browser.

You will also receive a new set of silversmithing tools to take home and continue your work. The tools, DVDs, and online streaming access are valued at $1,052.00.

Approximately $300 in materials will be required (purchased in class). We suggest bringing a few special cabochons for your bracelets. Contact me with any questions.

Maximum of 5 students. Sign up here or call Dave at 916-548-7361.

Featured Projects & Videos

Three-Wire Bracelet

The Three-Wire Bracelet uses 10-gauge square wire with a cabochon mount. It can incorporate twisted square, triangle, or half-round wire. Style can be contemporary or Southwestern depending on embellishments. Highly popular and often a strong seller with thoughtful cabochon choices.

Labradorite Asymmetrical Sterling Silver Three-Wire Cuff Bracelet

Freeform Wave Wire Bracelet

The Freeform Wave Bracelet is a challenging project with many possibilities for focal points. Mastering correct heat application is key to soldering the wire ends without melting them. These bracelets always turn out beautiful and draw admiration.

Freeform Wave Sterling Silver Wire Bracelet

Cultured Pearl or Mounted Cabochon Cuff

This heavyweight 20-gauge sterling cuff involves hammering, folding, edge coining, and crushing techniques. Cultured pearls work well due to their thin profile, but other stones are available. No two are ever alike.

Heavy Sterling Silver Cuff with Pearl and Arrow Embellishment

Cuttlefish Bone Casting – Walking Liberty Silver Dollar

Carve your bracelet band shape into cuttlefish bone and pour molten silver. Create two matching side bands (may require attempts), then solder to a silver coin focal point. Many .999 silver bullion coins (~$35) are available at Kitco (Chinese Zodiac, Darth Vader, Maple Leaf, Kangaroo, etc.). Coordinate with me if I should supply the coin.

Cuttlefish Bone Cast Bracelet with Walking Liberty Silver Dollar

Pine Needle or Straw Cast Pendant

Create 3+ ounces of fine silver casting. Results vary – remelt and repour until satisfied. Embed crystal points, cubic zirconia, or add stones later. Can also be used for bracelets, rings, or earrings.

Straw Cast Bracelet

This challenging piece requires multiple silver pours and puzzle-style assembly. It can support a crystal, cabochon, or other focal point. Uses 2–4 ounces of fine silver and extensive soldering.

Organic Straw Cast Silver Bracelet

Retreat Details & Cost

Cost: $3,499.00 (all-inclusive: local transportation, food, and housing)

Accommodations at The Itty Bitty Inn or local Airbnb. Includes continental breakfast, soup/sandwich lunch, and catered dinner. Transportation provided as needed.

Airport: Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (OTH), North Bend, Oregon. Shuttle service available. For a scenic road trip, consider flying into Eugene (EUG) and renting a car.

Questions? Call Dave at 916-548-7361 or email Dave@SilverSmithingClass.com.

Jewelry Business Seminar: Start or Expand Your Handmade Jewelry Business

Quickly learn the secrets to start or expand your jewelry business! Discover what to sell, how to write compelling copy, create stunning product images, and keep your jewelry moving out the door—with profits going into your pocket.

This one-day, high-energy seminar will get you on the right path and show you how to stay there. You will learn where to sell, how to build a profitable home-based business, and how to participate in shows and exhibitions on a shoestring budget. You can run your own jewelry business from home—and earn money!

What You Will Learn

This training makes it easy to launch or grow your jewelry business both online and offline. With this seminar, you will quickly learn:

• How to build an online and offline store that customers return to again and again
• How to find the best shows, exhibitions, and marketplaces for your jewelry
• How to write copy that gets noticed by buyers
• The three key words to include in every auction listing to maximize bids
• The best (and worst) times to start and end auctions
• Why you need your own website (not just Etsy or eBay) and how to create one in just a few hours
• How to automate your auction business (re-listing, shipping, repeat auctions)
• A top-secret research technique to find the hottest-selling items on eBay—and how to use it for your own profits
• Tools to analyze Etsy and other platform sales
• How to create stunning product photos that significantly increase bids and sales
• Essential tools that remove heavy lifting from the sales process (including one that pays for itself 10 times over on first use)

This seminar includes step-by-step guides, proven shortcuts, and much more to help you succeed quickly.

Seminar Sessions

Session #1 – Product Development

• Product-inspired designs and copyright considerations
• How to choose, design, and draw inspiration for new pieces
• Where to find fresh ideas
• Diversified pricing strategies
• How to research if an item is selling elsewhere
• Testing marketability
• Where not to test
• Controlling costs effectively

Session #2 – Marketing Your Jewelry

• Building your own brand
• Selling on eBay, Etsy, Pinterest, and Instagram
• Craft shows and expos
• Sales funnels
• Creating and managing your own website
• How to choose the right venues and work a show for maximum profit

Session #3 – Photography

• Consistently photographing your jewelry
• Best cameras (digital or smartphone)
• Lighting essentials: control, light boxes, and key factors
• Props and backdrops to set the perfect atmosphere
• Software options (free and paid)
• When and where to use video
• Publishing on YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, and more

Session #4 – Long-Term Success

• Keeping sales flowing
• Follow-up strategies and email campaigns
• Staying top-of-mind with customers
• Social media: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Flickr, Blogs, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Accounting and tracking: manual or automated ledgers

Included Materials

• Step-by-step seminar manual
• Seminar CD with all materials and online references
• Easy-to-use spreadsheet for calculating materials costs and sales pricing
• Cost-of-business calculator to factor in overhead
• Additional articles and e-books, including 50 Jewelry Selling Techniques by David Weiman

About Your Presenter – David Smith

David Smith has designed, published, and marketed websites that generated over $1,000,000 in annual sales for more than seven years. With over 34 years as a multifaceted business owner, he has sold products across industries including automotive services, insurance, real estate, IT, health services, internet, education, beading supplies, and jewelry.

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with internet certification since 1996, David created the world's first online 3D store, placed over 6,000 products online, and published 20 newsletters with more than 1,500 issues delivered.

He founded AdvantageNet, Embryo, Appsynthesis, Digital Nervous Systems, Beads Amore', and SilverSmithingClass.com.

"Come join us for a day of learning and enlightenment." — David Smith

"I will teach you the basics of selling your jewelry and get you started on the road to becoming a profitable silversmith." — David Smith

Seminar Details

• Location: SilverSmithingClass.com Studio at Saunders Lake, North Bend, Oregon
• What to Bring: WiFi-enabled laptop, iPad, or other web-enabled device (to build your website during the seminar)
• Cost: $195.00
• Duration: 7 hours (1 day)
• Class Size: Limited to 10 students

Hammered Fine Silver Earring Class

In this 4-hour class, you will learn how to make 4 pairs of fine silver earrings and create your own sterling silver ear wires.

This is a beginner class. No jewelry-making experience is required.

All tools will be furnished in class (you will use ours).

Materials are included!

While making these earrings, you will also learn how to make professional ear wires from scratch.

Tools You Will Learn to Use

• Straight Metal Shears
• Curved Metal Shears
• Chasing Hammer
• Bench Block
• Helix Hole Punch (or handheld hole punch pliers)
• Files
• Looping Pliers
• Memory Wire Cutters

Class Details

• Class Size: Limited to 5 students
• Charity Contribution: 25% of your class fee will go to the Artist Loft Gallery in Coos Bay
• Location: David Smith's workshop at SilversmithingClass.com
  70214 Lakewood Rd.
  North Bend, OR 97459
• Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

"Come ready to create beautiful hammered fine silver earrings and take home professional skills you can use forever." — David Smith