Precious metal clay: setting stones

About this course

The course introduces metal clay jewellery design, beginning with work-area setup, equipment safety and the properties of different clays. Demonstrations cover rolling, piercing, texturing, firing and polishing, followed by practical exploration of stone-setting methods. Participants investigate both sinking stones directly into the clay and constructing settings from it, including the use of pre-cast settings. Design ideas are tested and refined before being developed into metal clay pieces. Teaching combines demonstrations, guided practical work, advice, technical notes and group discussion.

What you'll learn

• Identify the properties of different types of metal clay and handle them appropriately
• Use tools and equipment to shape metal clay jewellery
• Create holes and surface textures in metal clay
• Fire a metal clay piece with a hand torch
• Set stones using simple settings, including settings made from clay
• Sand and polish metal clay pieces

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for complete beginners, experienced jewellers, bead makers and clay artists. Learners should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and health and safety information, take part in group discussion, and use simple measurements and calculations.

• Suitable for learners ranging from complete novices to experienced jewellers
• Includes group discussion alongside individual practical work
• Requires the ability to follow basic instructions and carry out simple measurements

Before you go

• General tools and equipment, polymer clay for practice pieces, 10g of metal clay, metal clay slip and stones are supplied.
• Bring an apron, an empty film case or clean pill bottle, playing cards, a notebook, pencils and cheap fine-tipped paint brushes.
• Sensible footwear is required. Sandals, open shoes and small pumps are not permitted in the studio.
• Optional items include clay shapers, badger balm, small biscuit cutters, texturing materials and previously fired metal clay pieces.
• Extra metal clay may be purchased separately.