The Essential Bezel

Class Description

Taught by Odette Channell

Learning how to set gemstones into metal jewelry is an essential part of becoming a jeweler. The bezel setting is typically the first setting style that students learn and lays the foundation for further gemstone setting techniques. Take the next step in your jewelry journey in this 8 session course dedicated to this fundamental and exciting process.

Utilizing basic metal fabrication techniques students will be introduced to the principles of setting cabochon gemstones into various jewelry pieces. 

Students will work with silver sheet metal and wire to create a bezel set ring, pendant, and a pair of earrings. Precise measuring, fitting, soldering, setting, and finishing will be taught. Students will get to know the basic tooling for gemstone setting and become comfortable creating successful settings in a variety of formats. Cabochon gemstones will be the focus of this course and gemstone suppliers will be discussed.

Students must have prior soldering experience to take this course. It does not need to be extensive, but familiarity with torchwork and soldering principles is expected. Our Welcome to Jewelry classes offer this introduction.

Class size 4 – 12 students. Masks are optional, not required.

Supply kits including some cabochons are available for purchase through our Tool Shop.

All students receive a 50% discount on hourly bench rentals throughout the duration of their course.

Refunds & Credit

Please email us at info@bkmetalworks.com to withdraw from class. Withdrawals from class more than 7 days prior to the start of the class will receive a full refund for the class minus a 10% processing fee. If cancellation occurs 3-6 days prior to the class, we will provide a 50% refund. Cancellations 48 hours or less receive a 25% refund. Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or same-day cancellations.

We do not refund tuition for classes that students miss due to their own circumstances. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to a later semester. Students enrolled in multi-session studio courses (excluding workshops and intensives) may make-up missed class sessions during open studio hours for up to two weeks after the last class meeting.

We reserve the right to cancel or discontinue any class, in which case you may choose to receive a refund, apply the class credit towards a different course, or receive a tuition credit for future use. Tuition credits are valid for up to one year. Refunds will be issued within 30 days.