Stone-Setting without Prongs with Jim Dailing
Elevate your metalsmithing skills by learning to set gemstones in your jewelry designs. Stone-setting is a specialized skill in the jewelry industry and many professional jewelry designers outsource this technique to other masters in order to complete their designs. However, there are some techniques that can be done by the average metalsmith that doesn’t require a year-long professional course to become a stone-setter. By learning these no-prongs needed techniques you can add some sparkle and raise the value of your jewelry designs.
JIm Dailing teaching a Stone-Setting without Prongs workshop
Jim Dailing is a passionate jeweler and teacher that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind wedding rings for his clients. He teaches his jewelry-making workshops all over the US and online. He has also been featured on the cover of MJSA (Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America) magazine when he was invited to participate in their Mystery Box Challenge in 2015.
To see more of Jim’s work or learn about his other workshops, visit his website.
Jim is returning to Italy to teach his most popular workshop… Stone-setting without Prongs. Join us to learn basic stone-setting skills for round stones in various techniques that do not utilize prongs during a 3-day intensive course taught by Jim Dailing. Stay for an additional 3 days after a day off of fun to learn how to set fancy-shaped stones. If you have already done the basic course with Jim in the past (or you currently have these skills) and only want to add the more advanced skills you can opt to attend just the second half of the workshop.
If you were considering this workshop in 2024, we have replanned Jim’s popular stone-setting workshop event for 2025 with an itinerary focused only on the jewelry training making it more affordable than before. The extra Italian tourism activities previously planned are possible to arrange as additional add-ons for those who want to extend their trip into a vacation too. We’ll still have yummy Italian lunches catered during workshop days and we’ve even added a small pool in the garden for anyone who wants to take a break and cool off during the mid-summer workshop.
Part 1: Basic Stone-Setting
Embark on a journey into the art of stone setting under the expert guidance of Jim Dailing, delve into the following stone setting techniques that do not require prongs: bead setting, pavé setting, and flush (or gypsy) setting. Discover the intricacies of setting basic round brilliant gemstones on a flat practice band ring using these three versatile methods and soon you will be able to add more sparkle to your jewelry designs.
Part 2: Fancy Stone-Setting
Master the art of creating thick-walled bezels to showcase fancy-cut stones. Jim will lead you through the process of crafting bezels and setting princess, pear, and marquise-shaped stones. Participants will have the opportunity to craft two of the three bezels, integrate them into practice band rings, solder the bezels in place, and set the princess and pear-shaped stones on their practice pieces. It's a hands-on exploration of advanced stone-setting techniques in the picturesque backdrop of Italy.
Our workshops are limited to a maximum of 6 students so that each student is certain to get individualized attention.
What is included:
Access to the necessary tools and studio equipment needed during the workshop
Refreshments (drinks and snacks provided during workshop sessions)
Meals include: catered lunches during workshop days, a welcome dinner the evening before the part 1 workshop begins, a farewell dinner on the last evening of the part 2 workshop. Bonus: a pizza party is included on the free day for anyone staying to attend both parts of the full workshop (which also happens to be Jim’s birthday).
What to bring:
Sketchbook for drawings and note taking
Part 1 - practice band rings (in silver) for stone-setting and round, brilliant cut CZs for the basic workshop - Jim will provide this kit ready to work, specify your desired ring size when ordering the kit. Kit fee - $30 USD paid to Jim
Part 2 - practice band rings (in silver) for stone-setting fancy stone bezels and a pear and princess cut CZ for the fancy gemstone workshop - Jim will provide this kit ready to work, specify your desired ring size when ordering the kit. Kit fee - $30 USD paid to Jim
A swimsuit so you can take a break if you like and refresh with a dip in our small pool. Bring a swimming cap too for the big pool at the agriturismo if you are staying there!
Where to stay:
Tenuta d'Amore - agriturismo resort
via Monticelli, 11
San Mango Piemonte, SA 84090 Italy
http://www.tenutadamore.it
Immersed in the countryside, it is located minutes away from our workshop. This beautiful venue has a large swimming pool and a breakfast buffet is included. The restaurant is excellent. Participants can walk to our studio in about 5-10 minutes.
Although it isn't necessary for the workshop to have your own transportation, if you do wish to rent a car during your stay to have more freedom to move about in your time off there is ample parking available at the agriturismo.
Additional workshop info:
Airfare and accommodations are not included in the price
We can assist with transfers to your hotel if you arrive to the train station in Salerno on the arrival day. Those arriving on flights to Napoli will need a transfer to Salerno that is not included. Using public services from Napoli airport can be confusing and are not recommended. We are happy to help arrange a trusted private driving service.
There is a newly opened (2024) small airport servicing the Amalfi Coast (Salerno - QSR) and it is much closer to the venue. Airlines serviced here include easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea. We can assist with transfers from this venue too.
If you arrive earlier or stay later for some touring in the area, we can suggest excursions and help plan activities to venues such as going on a scenic drive on the Amalfi Coast, taking a ferry to Capri, visiting the Greek temples of Paestum, a private boat outing on the Amalfi Coast, and more. If you enjoy hiking, we also have 2 VIP tours that we conduct for either the Path of the Gods or a beautiful waterfall tour through the Valle delle Ferriere from Amalfi.
The workshop classroom and studio workspace is located in a private residence. There are 2 cats who live in the home (in case you have allergies) and the home is multi-level with the main working level on the second floor. There is no elevator, so stairs are necessary (a consideration for those with knee problems). There is a small swimming pool (waist deep) available for anyone who wishes to take a break during the workshop to relax or cool off when it’s hot - bring your swimsuit!
Workshop fee: Part 1 - 1,000€, Part 2 - 1,000€ or 2,000€ for both (includes IVA - Italian taxes)
Materials fee - Student kit $30 for each part, paid to Jim
deposit: Part 1 or 2 - 350€ or 700€ for both to confirm your spot
balance due by May 7th