Learn the beautiful technique of Gypsy stone setting with Melanie Ihnen in this, the latest addition to our stone setting workshops.
Gypsy setting, also known as a flush mount setting, is a valuable setting technique to add to your repertoire. This two-day workshop is perfect for intermediate students who want to add to their skillset and learn an additional technique for adding colour, texture and sparkle to their work and how to choose and make the tools to achieve this.
This workshop includes a beautiful tapered sterling silver ring pre-ordered in your size which you will set with many colourful sparkling gemstones.
At A Glance
- $495 inc GST
- Materials and Take Home Tools Included | presented twice a year (February and September in 2023)
- Weekend | 10 am - 4pm
This course was enjoyable, informative, and the class size was perfect. The facilities in the studio were also great. Mel was an excellent teacher who generously shared her knowledge and created a really fun and positive work environment. I’ll certainly come back for another course.
Nicola Knackstredt - 2021ABOUT THE COURSE
Our 2 day Gypsy setting workshop is a perfect introduction to setting small gemstones flush to the metal. Intermediate level skills are needed for this workshop and it is a great opportunity to build up your jewellery making repertoire.
The aim of this workshop is to provide students with the confidence and skills to understand the process and requirements to securely Gypsy set smaller gemstones into beautifully finished jewellery and carry these skills on into their practice.
Over the weekend you will learn how to make your own setting tool from recycled burs and learn how to accurately measure and choose the tools for preparing a seat for your stones. You will practice Gypsy setting on a copper sample piece before setting multiple stones of various colours and sizes into your ring. You will learn to clean up your Gypsy set ring ready to wear. Some students will have time to work on a second jewellery piece such as a pendant or earrings.
Students will learn how to make some of the tools required to Gypsy set the stones and will be provided with a take home kit containing drill bits, burs and the tools required to continue the practice after completion of the workshop.
What To Expect
What you Will Learn
Build upon your existing jewellery making skills, practice accurate measuring techniques, learn to make useful tools and ultimately, learn the technique of Gypsy setting.
How to Gypsy set a gemstone including how to
- Make a needle burnishing tool and attach a graver handle
- Make a wax stick to easily handle your gems
- Use a beading tool to add texture to metal
- Drill and use setting burs to create a seat for your gemstone
- Burnish the metal to set gemstones
- Finish the piece after setting
What You Will Make
A sample of Gypsy set and beading tool textured copper.
A sterling silver Gypsy set ring band
Some students, if time permits, will start or complete a second small project such as a charm, pendant or earrings.
Class Size
Small Class Size. To ensure an excellent learning experience for all students this class is capped at 8 students.
Practicalities
What is Included
Materials included to take home;
- A sterling silver ring band.
- On enrolment, you will be asked for an Australian standard ring size. If no size is been specified, a medium size ring will be supplied.
- Enrolments later than 10 days prior to the start date can’t be guaranteed their requested size. If not, a medium will be supplied.
- Cubic Zirconias, a selection of sizes and colours will be available to choose from.
- Burnishing tool (you make) and a graver handle to attach it to
- Wax, dowel and charcoal, to make a tool for holding stones
- Drill bits
- Setting Burs
In the Studio
- All the consumables you need to make your projects (ie saw blades and emery paper) as well as all the hand tools and equipment required to complete your pieces.
- A selection of teas, coffee and biscuits
Available to Purchase
- Additional stones
- 3mm sterling silver sheet various sized for a second project
What to Bring
- A notebook and pen/pencil
- An apron
- Your ideas and creativity
- Lunch
You may choose to bring your own 3mm sterling silver sheet for a second project if you have it. The dimension must be at least 10mm x 10mm to allow space for setting.
More detailed information is provided on enrolment.
Safety
- We take safety very seriously at SquarePeg.
- All students must wear proper enclosed shoes (no sandals or thongs), long pants or skirts and have long hair tied back.
- We provide safety equipment and training on how to use all relevant equipment.
Payment Options
- Enrol below – you can secure your place on the spot!
- Enrol early and take advantage of our payment by instalments option to spread the payments out over three payments.
- 40% deposit followed by a 30% payment six weeks out from your course, and the final 30% payment three weeks ahead of the course start date. This option is offered at check out.
Is the date you would like to join sold out?
Please send us an email to register your interest and to go on a waitlist. mail@squarepegstudios.com.au
Wonderful studio with everything you need to make jewellery. The space has also been carefully reimagined to cater for social distancing, with spacious work spaces set up with individual tool racks.
Nicole Redenbach, 2020Our Tutors
Why choose a jewellery making course at SquarePeg Studios?
Our courses are taught by highly experienced and passionate teachers who are practising contemporary jewellers. This is the closest to an accredited course – without the assignments, stress and cost – that Sydney has to offer. Students not only gain the satisfaction of designing and hand-making their own piece of jewellery they also have the opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at a contemporary professional jewellery studio while learning great new skills in jewellery techniques and design.
Melanie Ihnen
