Upcoming community events

Get to grips with the essential points of creating claw settings and setting the stone! This is the first in a series of advanced setting classes with expert tutor Vaune Mason - designed to give students a foundation of understanding and skills in stone setting. Create a simple setting using claws and plate for both flat bottomed stones and faceted stones. This is a technique class where you will learn techniques to practice in your own time or in regular block classes. Learn which burrs and tools are helpful, and tips and tricks for that super fine soldering. Learn how to set using claws, and an overview of finishing and polishing after setting. A small class of only 6 students, this is a full day of learning in our Ōtaki workshop, with a short lunch break. All materials are provided in your class fee. We will be working in brass and copper for this class. Students should expect to have at least one completed set project and possibly some other practice pieces begun by the end of the day. This class is NOT suitable for beginners. Students should have completed some chain soldering and be comfortable with using tweezers while soldering. Excellent measuring and good vision are essential for this class. Students must bring their own magnifying headset, calipers, and fine files. If you own a flex shaft or micro motor machine, setting punches / pushers, small desk vice and mid-weight hammer, it is a good plan to also bring these, otherwise you will be sharing with 6 other students.