Silversmithing: Bolo Ties with Cabochon

In this class, you will learn essential processes and techniques that create the foundation for good studio practice. Class time will be spent learning a variety of processes that include piercing shapes from metal with a jeweler’s saw, adding texture to metal, soldering, and annealing metal with a torch. You will also learn how to bezel set a cabochon gemstone and create a stunning sterling silver bolo tie. A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished, usually with a rounded top and a flat bottom. Jewelers will often use a bezel setting as means to connect a cabochon to a piece of metal. A bezel setting is the most basic and secure setting in jewelry. Students will leave class with a stunning sterling silver bolo tie.