
Stone Setting with Machi de Waard
Machi is a very experienced and intuitive silversmith and jeweller and will adapt her teaching and style to ensure you achieve as much development as possible across the 3 days. You will be square setting: learning how to use rectangular wire to fabricate a square the correct size for a square faceted stone; and how to use files and burrs to create a seat for the stone, resulting in a finished mount for a square stone.
Then you will go onto square setting using square tube: learning how to use square tube to create a bezel mount for a square stone and how to finesse it so the stone sits correctly for setting.
Pulling all these mount settings together, you will learn how to set the stone in both settings using a hammer and punch. This includes learning about how to hold the stone for setting with either thermolock, setters cement or polymorph.
Rough outline of the course:
Day 1:
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Introductions and outline of the course (all of the below activities will start with a demonstration by Machi, and then you will undertake your own making, with Machi providing 121 support)
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Discussion of what rectangular wire to use depending on the square stone
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How to make a square from the rectangular wire the correct size for the stone
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How to solder the square
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How to file the beginning of the seat
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How to use the pendant motor with burr to finalise the seat
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Discussion about using the mount as a pendant or ring – then students make it into one or the other
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Discussion about polishing – various options for the order of fabrication
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Demo of how to put the item into thermolock (may roll into day 2)
Day 2:
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Finish items and complete putting them into thermolock
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Demonstrate how to cool thermolock
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How to start the setting with a pusher (also discussion about pusher types, sizes and making pushers)
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How to use a punch (also discussion about punch types, sizes and making punches) to set the stone
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How to use Tripoli on a buff stick to tidy setting
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Dealing with firestain and final polishing
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Start next mount: discuss using tube to make square bezel setting
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How to cut tube the correct height for the outer and inner piece
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How to fit and then solder the tubes together (may roll into day 3)
Day 3
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Complete any unfinished steps from Day 2
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How to turn it into a ring or pendant – individual discussions
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How to prepare the inside for inserting the square stone using the pendant motor
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How to tell if the outside needs any filing at this point
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Follow the same procedure for setting the stone with thermolock, then pusher and punch
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If time, some discussions about alternate ways of forming the mounts for turning them into claw settings
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Summary, photos and debrief on the last 3 days.
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AccommodationThe course fee includes accommodation, which is provided in houses belonging to the National Trust and leased exclusively to Bishopsland. They were renovated and furnished in 2024 and offer a picturesque, comfortable base to attend the course and explore this lovely corner of Oxfordshire.
House 1: Walking distance from the workshops and village cafe. 3 bed, 1 bathroom with a large dining room, lounge & garden
House 2: 10 minute drive from the workshops. 3 bed, 1 bathroom with large lounge and garden. Walking distance to the village pub and National Trust café.
Accommodation is offered from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday evening inclusive. If you wish to extend your stay, perhaps bringing your family to join you, additional nights can be booked per room for £50 or for the house exclusively for £150 per night. Latest checkout will be on Saturdays by 11am. Please contact Claire if you wish to extend your stay.
Bedding, towels and food are all excluded (ie must be brought with you)
CostEach course costs £650 per person which includes teaching & accommodation and excludes travel, food, bedding and tools/materials.
Payment termsDeposit of £200 payable on booking. Remaining balance of £450 payable by 1 July 2025. No refunds will be given.
Potential bursariesIt may be possible for you, as an individual, to apply to Qest, Benevolent Fund, South Square Trust, Goldsmiths Centre etc for a bursary. If you need any information from Bishopsland to support your application, please contact Claire.
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