Prong Settings From Start to Finish
Nancy L.T. Hamilton
Class Preview
1:45
- In-depth Instruction; over 124 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Simple Prong Setting: Tube & Prongs
28:41
Meet Nancy and get started on your first project: a simple prong setting that is actually a combination of a tube and prong setting. Nancy will walk you through the planning and measurement for your setting. See her simple jig that allows you to solder your prongs to your tube with ease and efficiency. By the end of this lesson, your setting will be ready to attach to your ring shank.
Simple Prong Setting: Preparing the Setting
13:51
See how to prepare your ring shank for the setting. Learn how to confidently solder the setting to the ring. Then clean up using a flex shaft and sanding discs for a polished. Nancy shows you how!
Simple Prong Setting: Setting the Stone
25:07
Now it's time to set your stone. Learn the basics of trimming and thinning your prongs. Also see how to create a seat, and round the prongs to securely fit your faceted stone. Nancy also shows you how to file your prongs for a clean professional look.
Simple Basket Setting: Creating the Bearing
18:07
In this lesson you'll start to create a basket setting entirely from wire. With Nancy's guidance, make perfectly sized jump rings and prongs, then use your soldering skills to assemble the bearing.
Simple Basket Setting: Preparation for Setting
20:02
Nancy will guide you through correct prong bending and placement. Your setting is really starting to take shape here. Once again, see how to file prongs and set your stone.
Traditional Basket Setting
17:20
In the last lesson, master a more advanced setting. Nancy demonstrates how you can shape and bend wire to create this elegant bearing. Learn the techniques to achieve the precision required for this sometimes fussy but elegant setting.
Experienced metalsmith Nancy L.T. Hamilton shows you how to make a prong setting and two variations in this must-have primer. You’ll begin with a simple tube-and-prong version and learn Nancy’s tips for accurately measuring your materials. Discover a jig setup that allows you to to solder prongs to a tube with ease before securely soldering your setting to a ring shank. Then, create a seat and round your prongs to set a faceted gemstone with a secure, precise fit. Next up, craft a basket setting entirely from wire, using Nancy’s tried-and-true shaping techniques. Discover valuable sizing tricks as you set your stone, and find out how to file your prongs for a professional-level finish. Finally, conquer your most advanced design yet: the traditional basket setting. By the end of class, you’ll have the confidence and the skills to add value to any design with a well-crafted setting.
Nancy L.T. Hamilton
Nancy L.T. Hamilton has been studying art and design for almost 50 years, and making jewelry for more than 20. Nancy has also taught metalsmithing for nearly 15 years at venues such as Art Is You and the Mendocino (California) Arts Center.
Bonus materials available after purchase