Jewelry 1 is a class that teaches the basics of jewelry production. Students are introduced to materials and tools of the trade. There are generally 4 projects made during the semester. This number depends on the class and/or individual student, if there is extra time where more projects can be introduced, they will be.
• Wire Pendant: This Project requires students to design a simple wire necklace piece and make it. The student will use the jewelry saw, files, various types of pliers, soldering, and shining techniques.
• Pendant with a Bezel Set Stone: This project introduces the student to the main processes and tools used in bench fabrication. The processes of stone setting, piercing, sawing, filing, polishing and soldering are taught while making this pendant. The project itself is a piece of metal that is cut into a design or has a design cut into it. It will have a round stone set in a bezel. It will also have a jump ring soldered on so that it can be hung from a necklace.
• Multi-layer project: This is when the students get to really try their wings. There are a few additional techniques and processes involved, mainly joining techniques like riveting and tab setting, but by this time the student has learned enough of the essentials that most any design could be made. There are certain criterion for this project but a considerable amount of autonomy is introduced at this point which helps students transition to Jewelry 2.
• Lost wax ring: This is a method used to make jewelry that is highly sculptural or where the manipulation of metal would be difficult and less effective. A wax model is carved and a mold is made around the model. Then the mold is placed in a kiln and the model is burnt out and the wax evaporates. That is why it is LOST wax. After the model is gone then molten metal is forced into the mold. Once the metal cools the mold is broken off the cast and the ring is then polished.
• Key Project: By this time in the semester the student will have been taught and had the opportunity to use the majority of basic jewelry techniques and tools. Since they have become familiar with these tools and techniques the Key Project will be a thematic project that will focus on designing, interpreting and creating jewelry based on a concept.
• Simple Band Project: Students will make ring bands or bracelets with wire. The purpos of this project is to help speed up poduction of jewelry making.
• Wire Pendant: This Project requires students to design a simple wire necklace piece and make it. The student will use the jewelry saw, files, various types of pliers, soldering, and shining techniques.
• Pendant with a Bezel Set Stone: This project introduces the student to the main processes and tools used in bench fabrication. The processes of stone setting, piercing, sawing, filing, polishing and soldering are taught while making this pendant. The project itself is a piece of metal that is cut into a design or has a design cut into it. It will have a round stone set in a bezel. It will also have a jump ring soldered on so that it can be hung from a necklace.
• Multi-layer project: This is when the students get to really try their wings. There are a few additional techniques and processes involved, mainly joining techniques like riveting and tab setting, but by this time the student has learned enough of the essentials that most any design could be made. There are certain criterion for this project but a considerable amount of autonomy is introduced at this point which helps students transition to Jewelry 2.
• Lost wax ring: This is a method used to make jewelry that is highly sculptural or where the manipulation of metal would be difficult and less effective. A wax model is carved and a mold is made around the model. Then the mold is placed in a kiln and the model is burnt out and the wax evaporates. That is why it is LOST wax. After the model is gone then molten metal is forced into the mold. Once the metal cools the mold is broken off the cast and the ring is then polished.
• Key Project: By this time in the semester the student will have been taught and had the opportunity to use the majority of basic jewelry techniques and tools. Since they have become familiar with these tools and techniques the Key Project will be a thematic project that will focus on designing, interpreting and creating jewelry based on a concept.
• Simple Band Project: Students will make ring bands or bracelets with wire. The purpos of this project is to help speed up poduction of jewelry making.