Beyond Basics: Fancy Bezels & Decoration
A 6-hour, 2-student max workshop for metalsmiths ready for complexity. Near Richmond, VA.
About this workshop
If you're familiar with basic metalsmithing and you're ready to up your jewelry game, this class is designed for you. In this 6-hour intermediate metalsmithing workshop at my studio in Ashland, Virginia, a short drive north of Richmond, you'll build on your existing skills and learn the techniques that add real sophistication to a finished piece. Working in fine and sterling silver, you'll create a fancy bezel setting using gallery wire, solder decorative embellishments onto your design, and develop the kind of soldering control that lets you manage multiple elements with confidence. The focus is on expanding what you can do at the bench while making something you're genuinely proud of. We'll start with design planning so you go into your bench work with a clear picture of what you're building. From there, we'll move into bezel construction, fitting your stone precisely before soldering everything in place. You'll learn how to create and attach decorative embellishments, and we'll cover multiple soldering techniques for working with more complex assemblies. Filing, finishing, and polishing bring it all together at the end. With just 2 students per class, this is close to private instruction. I'll guide you through each step and troubleshoot alongside you when things get complicated, because with more elements in play there's more to navigate, and that's exactly what I'm here for. WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR: Students with prior metalsmithing experience who are ready to work with more complexity and intention. If you can handle a torch and basic soldering, you're ready. (Brand new to metalsmithing? Start with my beginner class and come back for this one.) WHAT'S INCLUDED: All tools and equipment, plus a standard amount of sterling silver and a selection of stones to choose from. Want to make something a little more ambitious? Additional silver and upgraded stones are available for an extra fee. WHAT YOU'LL TAKE HOME: A finished silver piece set with a stone and decorated with your own embellishments. SCHEDULING: This class has flexible scheduling and accommodates up to 2 students. Use the "Request to Book" button to arrange a mutually agreeable class time.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Workshops have limited spots. Before booking, ensure dates and content are suitable, as refunds are not available if you are unable to attend. Exceptions include: • Rescheduling: If AJ Newell Studio reschedules the workshop and you cannot attend the new dates, • Instructor Unavailability: Due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the instructor, • Weather Conditions: Severe weather or natural disasters making it unsafe to conduct the workshop, • Facility Issues: Problems with the venue such as power outages, maintenance issues, or other disruptions, • Health and Safety Concerns: Any situation posing a risk to the health and safety of participants or staff, • Government Restrictions: Compliance with new laws, regulations, or directives necessitating cancellation. To request a refund, proof of cancellation reason is required, and a $25 admin fee will be deducted from the refund. If unable to attend, you may transfer your booking to someone else by notifying us promptly with the new attendee's name and email. If absent without notifying the Studio, no refund will be issued. Please call (804) 467-2550 if unable to attend or running late. Health and Safety Rules: Participants deemed unfit for safe participation due to alcohol, drugs, ill-health, or fatigue will be excluded from workshops without refund. We reserve the right to exclude any student posing a risk to themselves or others. Our workshops involve potentially hazardous activities such as hot work (kilns and/or gas torches), chemicals, and heavy tools. Dress appropriately with closed-toe shoes and avoid loose, flammable clothing, dangling sleeves, scarves, and unrestrained long hair. Aprons are provided, but wear clothes that can that can get dirty. Protective goggles and masks are mandatory for certain activities. Adhere strictly to all health and safety rules. Failure to arrive in appropriate attire may prevent participation in specific activities for safety reasons. Cancellation by AJ Newell Studio: In the rare event of workshop cancellation, alternatives or refunds will be offered. We aim to provide ample notice but are not liable for travel or accommodation costs. Disclaimer: Content on our website is for general use and information only. We retain the right to change content at any time. AJ Newell Studio holds no liability for website use, reliance on content, or website unavailability.
Contact Details
804-467-2550
aj@ajnewellstudio.com
12058 Haley Farm Rd, Ashland, VA, USA