How can I learn how to make silver rings and jewelry out of silver?

Question

I have this ring and it's a one of a kind bought at an artisans crafts place. Anyway, I think it would look awesome with a couple of tiny diamonds in it. Is there a such thing as a sodering (spelling) gun that I can melt part of it and stick a diamond into it? Pardon my ignorance about jewelry making, but I really have no clue! Does anyone make silver rings? Also, where is a good place on the web to buy supplies for something like this and to make other unique jewelry? Thank you!

Answer 1

Diamonds are faceted stones; they sparkle because light shines through it. If you place them into metal and cover the back, they really won't shine. If you look at jewelry with gems in it, they are done in what is called a "prong" setting, so that light will go through it.

If you are serious about wanting to learn, take some night classes in jewelry making/metalsmithing. I took them as electives in college and had a blast. You will learn how to work metals correctly so you don't ruin the stuff you bought. Either that, or take it to a professional who can work with your jewelry.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your question has several parts to it. I have been studying jewellery design in Italy for 2 years, so I hope I can help you with some of the answers.

Jewellery making and stone setting, at least over here, are two separate fields. One of my instructors has been working for over 20 years as a goldsmith, but does not do stone setting, for example. This could be different where you are, however.

Soldering is done with gas/air, but it's used to 'glue' pieces together or to melt different metals together to make an alloy. A soldering gun will not work, as the heat (flame) must be hot enough to weld pieces together.

To put a diamond into a ring requires a setting, like the previous writer explained, so the light can shine through, giving the diamond it's sparkle. Because of it's hardness, diamonds are one of a very few stones that can handle the heat; other stones will break when a flame is put to it.

The equipment and materials are expensive, but if you are serious about studying, I would recommend taking a course for hands-on experience. They should provide the larger tools needed, like a laminator, which flattens the metal, benches, drills, gas, etc.as well as tools you need to start out. The school that I am attending provides us with silver and stones, but not all may do that.

I hope this has helped!