Level 2: Intermediate Silver Metalsmithing

Duration: 3 hours per session, once a week for 8 weeks
Skill Level: Intermediate — Completion of Level 1 or equivalent experience recommended
Goal: Build on foundational skills to create more complex silver jewelry pieces incorporating bezel setting, cold connections, advanced forming, and texturing.

Week 1 — Course Overview & Advanced Measuring

Theme: Precision & Detail in Metalwork

• Review of Level 1 skills and safe studio practices 
• Advanced measuring and layout for accuracy 
• Introduction to planishing and raising 
• Tools overview: planishing hammers, raising stakes, chasing tools 
• Hands-on: Begin raising a small copper or silver dome to practice hammer control 

Week 2 — Raising & Forming Complex Shapes

Theme: Depth & Dimension in Metal

• Continue raising techniques for small hollow forms or domes 
• Hammering sequences for consistent shape and thickness 
• Annealing between forming stages 
• Hands-on: Complete raised form and refine with planishing techniques 

Week 3 — Bezel Setting Foundations

Theme: Securely Setting Stones

• Review bezel types (plain, serrated, decorative) 
• Measuring & cutting bezel wire to fit cabochons precisely 
• Soldering bezels onto backplates 
• Hands-on: Create a bezel cup and prepare for stone setting 

Week 4 — Stone Setting Techniques

Theme: Fitting Stones for Longevity

• Stone preparation and cleaning 
• Shaping bezels for a snug fit 
• Bezel burnishing and securing the stone without damage 
• Hands-on: Set a cabochon into silver bezel cup 

Week 5 — Cold Connections & Riveting

Theme: Joining Without Heat

• Introduction to cold connections: rivets, tabs, screws 
• Fabricating clean and secure rivets 
• Combining cold connections with soldered elements for hybrid designs 
• Hands-on: Assemble a two-part pendant or bracelet with rivets 

Week 6 — Surface Decoration & Texture

Theme: Enhancing Metal Surfaces

• Techniques: hammer texturing, chasing & repoussé, roll printing 
• Using stamps, patterns, and patinas for character 
• Mixed metal accents for contrast 
• Hands-on: Apply texture and finish on a copper or silver sample 

Week 7 — Complex Assembly & Finishing

Theme: Bringing It All Together

• Planning multi-technique projects 
• Final assembly of components 
• Refining joints, edges, and solder seams 
• Hands-on: Complete main project — ring, pendant, or bracelet 

Week 8 — Final Finishing & Presentation

Theme: The Professional Touch

• Final polish, patina, and protective coatings 
• Group critique and discussion 
• Display and photography tips for showcasing work 
• Course wrap-up and certificate presentation 

Outcome:
By the end of Level 2, students will:

• Master intermediate silversmithing techniques (raising, bezel setting, cold connections, advanced texturing) 
• Complete a complex silver jewelry piece with stone setting or multi-part construction 
• Gain confidence in combining techniques for original designs