Level 2 – Silversmithing 5 days of 1 week

Level 2: Intermediate Silver Metalsmithing
Duration: 5 Days (1 Week)
Skill Level: Intermediate (Completion of Level 1 or equivalent experience recommended)
Goal: Build on foundational skills to create more complex silver jewelry pieces incorporating advanced techniques like bezel setting, cold connections, and texturing.

Day 1 – Advanced Metalworking Techniques
Theme: Precision & Detail in Metal

• Review of Level 1 Skills & Tools

• Advanced Measuring & Layout

• Introduction to Planishing and Raising

• Tools: Planishing hammers, raising stakes, chasing tools

• Hands-on Exercise: Raise a small silver dome or bowl form

Day 2 – Bezel Setting & Stone Preparation
Theme: Securely Setting Stones

• Review bezel types and profiles

• Measuring and cutting bezel wire to fit cabochons

• Techniques for shaping bezels and fitting stones

• Preparing and cleaning stones for setting

• Hands-on Exercise: Create and set a bezel with a cabochon

Day 3 – Cold Connections & Riveting
Theme: Joining Without Soldering

• Introduction to cold connections: rivets, tabs, and screws

• Making and finishing rivets

• Combining soldering with cold connections for design flexibility

• Hands-on Exercise: Assemble a two-part pendant or bracelet with rivets

Day 4 – Surface Decoration & Texturing
Theme: Enhancing Metal Surfaces

• Techniques: hammer textures, chasing & repoussé, roll printing

• Using stamps and patinas to add character

• Experimenting with mixed metal accents

• Hands-on Exercise: Apply textures and finishes on a practice piece

Day 5 – Complex Assembly & Finishing
Theme: Bringing It All Together

• Combining multiple techniques in a single project

• Refining joints and edges for a professional finish

• Final polishing and patina application

• Student project work: Complete a ring, pendant, or bracelet using learned techniques

• Group critique and discussion

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

• Mastered intermediate silversmithing skills (raising, bezel setting, cold connections, advanced texturing)

• Completed a complex silver jewelry piece with stone setting or multi-part construction

• Developed confidence in combining techniques for creative design