JOGS Gem Show Class in Tucson, AZ

Solder, Hammer & Fringe: Create Gemstone Earrings with Movement

Saturday, September 5th | 10:00–11:30 PM
JOGS Gem & Jewelry Show — Tucson Expo Center
3750 E. Irvington Rd.
Tucson, AZ 86714
Class Size: 6 students

Create a pair of sterling silver gemstone fringe earrings while learning foundational metalsmithing skills in this hands-on 90-minute workshop.

You'll start by choosing a pair of gemstones from a selection of cabochons I'll have available in class. But since you'll be at JOGS, I encourage you to explore the gem show and shop for a stone that really speaks to you! If you find something you love, you're welcome to bring your own pair of 10mm round cabochons to use for your earrings. From there, you'll learn how to use a torch to solder your earrings, a hammer to create fun textured fringe, and a bezel rocker to set your stones.

During this workshop, you'll learn and practice:

• Soldering sterling silver

• Hammering and texturing sterling silver fringe

• Setting cabochon gemstones

• Assembling and finishing your earrings

You'll also receive my Soldering Tip Guide and Metal Buying Guide to take home, so you'll have helpful resources to reference as you continue your metalsmithing journey after class.

No previous metalsmithing experience is necessary. This workshop is beginner-friendly, and you'll leave with a finished pair of sterling silver gemstone fringe earrings made by you.

All tools, sterling silver, gemstones, and materials are included.

This class is taught by Skyler Dunfey, the owner and artist behind SkyJune Designs, a jewelry studio based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Inspired by the landscapes of the Southwest and a love of adventure, she creates handcrafted sterling silver jewelry designed to be both comfortable and durable enough for everyday wear. In addition to creating her own collections, Skyler teaches metalsmithing classes out of her studio in Flagstaff and is passionate about helping students build confidence in their metalsmithing skills. Skyler is thrilled to be teaching at the JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show and looks forward to sharing her passion for metalsmithing with the gem and jewelry community.

*A note about close-up work: We'll be working with small jewelry components throughout the class, so please bring your reading glasses or any other magnification you typically use for detailed, up-close work.