Bling in a Blink with Carrie Story 2-4-27 Tucson

Class Description

Setting stones doesn't have to be intimidating or take hours of meticulous bench work. In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, you will dive straight into the foundational mechanics of utilizing pre-made sterling silver prong settings. We will demystify the specialized tools of the trade, teaching you how to select, handle, and utilize the correct pliers and setting instruments to achieve a secure, professional finish. Over the course of 1 to 2 hours, you will explore alternative tool options that fit any home studio setup, learn how to properly seat a stone so it sits perfectly level, and practice the precise physics of tightening prongs without scratching your metal or fracturing your gems. You will choose your own stone sizes and craft a pair of stud earrings and a pendant, with the flexibility to customize your project mix or even upgrade with additional pieces if time permits.

What You Will Learn

• Setting Mechanics: How to properly align, level, and seat faceted stones into pre-made prong settings.
• Tool Mastery: The correct use of stone-setting pliers and tightening tools, plus accessible alternatives for your home studio.
• Troubleshooting: How to fix uneven stones and avoid common pitfalls like over-tightening or marring the silver.
• Project Flexibility: Techniques for working with various stone sizes and configuring different jewelry styles like studs and pendants.

Why Take This Class

If you have ever wanted to add brilliant, faceted gemstones to your jewelry designs but felt held back by complex setting techniques, this class is your perfect gateway. It strips away the frustration and gives you instant gratification, allowing you to walk away with gorgeous, retail-ready jewelry after just a quick, fun afternoon at the bench. It is fast, highly rewarding, and equips you with a foundational skill you can immediately use to add serious sparkle to your personal collection or product line.

Prerequisite Level

This is a beginner-level class, and no prior jewelry-making or stone-setting experience is required.

About the Instructor

Carrie Story is a professional jeweler and seasoned instructor known for her practical, approachable guidance at the bench. With years of experience helping students navigate the nuances of jewelry design, Carrie focuses on breaking down complex techniques into accessible, repeatable skills. Her teaching style emphasizes precision, efficiency, and empowering students to walk away with beautiful, confident results.

I'm ready whenever you want to drop the details for the next class!