The mentored portion of the Unveil Your Mastery program starts on Monday January 2nd, 2023. We will work together through April 2023. This will include plenty of breaks where you can catch up, move ahead, go to the Tuscon Gem Shows (like us!), or just really take a break! NEW THIS YEAR - Bonus, an extra 8 months of access to the course video lessons! Read below.

Unveil Your Mastery will only run this one time in 2023! 

Mentorship from and access to Kent will be available January through April, 2023. This is the ‘Unveil Your Mastery’ program. New this year: Once the mentored portion of the 'Unveil Your Mastery' program is completed, you will continue to have access to the course videos through December 2023! Access to the Facebook group and Zoom replays will end on April 30th.

What if I want to ask Kent a question? Once classes begin, Kent will be available almost daily (not always on weekends and not always during break periods) in the private online community, to answer any questions you may have. He generally does this twice daily, morning and afternoon weekdays, so your questions will be answered in a timely manner. Plus, we have many veteran students repeating the course that will be happy to share their wisdom also!

Posting pictures of your work relevant to class material is encouraged. Also, other students may have some interesting tidbits of knowledge to share with you as well. The live calls are announced in advance, so you may also ask questions there. If you can’t make the call, you can ask your question in advance and then replay the answer in the recorded sessions at your convenience.

The AR & GT course content
You will have 4 months from the start date of ‘Unveil Your Mastery’ to access the lesson videos through the membership site. PLUS a bonus of 8 additional months giving you access through December 2023!All you need is good internet access for streaming. 

The Private Facebook Group
The Facebook group will open by the start date of ‘Unveil Your Mastery’, You will be notified by email when it opens to you. 

Students create their own workbook from the downloadable, very detailed PDF's available with each module. Together with your own notes and images, you will have a guide you can keep that will keep you moving forward into the future! The course video lessons will be available to stream throughout 2023. They are not downloadable. 

You should be proficient in all basic jewelry skills of sawing, filing and soldering. With these skills in place, you will gain tremendously from this program!

Many professional level jewelers also find great value here. If you want to increase your fabrication skills and learn new techniques, you will gain much from this program!

No, this class is taught in sterling silver with the use of silver solder, you DO NOT have to be a goldsmith or purchase gold to take this course!

That said, you are free to work in any metal alloy you are familiar with. While this course does not cover anything concerning gold alloys, the fabrication techniques we explore are applicable to most types of precious metal alloys.

Granulation is not taught in this course. Kent teaches granulation and continues to take your fabrication to the next level in his in-person summer workshops in his private studio in Washington. This is an immersive 5-day experience with six students maximum per class, giving plenty of time for one on one time with Kent. Only four or five classes are offered each year and they sell out fast. If interested, you will want to apply immediately when the application process opens, usually in February.

You can find information on this unique, in-depth experience here: https://kentraible.com/in-person-workshops/

This program is offered once a year and runs for approximately 16 weeks, which includes several break weeks where you can catch up, review the lessons, or work ahead. "Break weeks" simply means that we will continue focusing on the module we had last been working on. For example, in module two of Architecture of a Ring, the focus is on single stone rings. If a break week follows that module, we would continue focusing on single stone rings for another week. Students are allowed to work ahead if they wish and can ask questions as needed.

The ‘Unveil Your Mastery’ program is the first step in receiving Kent’s direct mentorship. In this program you learn many specific fabrication and bezel setting skills. In the Mastermind group, Kent takes the learning to the next level by helping you integrate these skills into your own designs. He introduces more advanced projects building on what you’ve learned in Unveil Your Mastery. For example we are now working on screw clasps in this group, taking it step at a time. All past projects are available to all who join this group, like creating opening bales that snap closed, pendant challenges, more advanced ring projects and more! Kent has also helped students work through design and technical challenges on commissions for their clients!

This opportunity is only available to students who have completed the ‘Unveil Your Mastery’ program. You will learn more about this toward the end of our 12 weeks together.

*** PLEASE NOTE***  It is undetermined at this time whether we will open the mastermind to new students in 2023. An announcement will be made during the Unveil Your Mastery program.

In Module 1 you will learn to make tubes in specific sizes and wall thinknesses, both round and square. Specifically:

• I show you how to measure and create tubing blanks for both round and square tubes to set specific sizes of round and princess cut gemstones

• I show you how  to form and draw down tubing to exact sizes and wall thicknesses for different purposes

In ​Modules 2 and 3 you will use the tubing we create in module one to make multiple bezels, and learn how to properly seat and set both faceted and cabochon stones into beautiful round and square tubular bezels. Specifically: 

• I show you how to bur perfect seats in the thick-walled 7mm diameter round tube we made in module 1, for both faceted and cabochon stones

• I cover the use of the hammer handpiece for bezel setting

• I show you how to bright cut and finish your bezel setting 

• I also cover some basic bezel forming techniques (not using tubing)

• I show you how to prepare corners for setting square, and other stone shapes with corners to reduce or eliminate breakage

• I show you how to perfectly seat and set a square faceted stone into the square tube from module 1.

• I also cover the setting of high-domed cabochons (ie bullets) using a hand punch and setter’s pitch.

In Module 4 you will explore the exciting realm of hinges, using a tube-within a tube system for making tight fitting, delicate hinges for opening bails and other uses. Specifically:

• I will show you a delicate hinge fabrication technique, using a double tube system.

• We will make a hinged bale structure using the double tube system

In BONUS Module 5 we explore another fun way to use tubes, and add movement to your work - Swivels! Specifically: 

• I show you how to make perfectly centered and strong swivels using tubing from module 1

In Module 1 you will learn how to make a band style ring perfectly, to a specific size. This skill is the foundation that will take us into the more complex ring fabrications that come in the subsequent modules. Specifically:

• Learn to properly cut a ring blank to a specific size
• Learn to form it into a perfect cylinder.
• Learn to tightly fit different straight edged wires over the cylinder to make a detailed band ring!
• Explore different design possibilities within that framework.
  You will now have the skills to create intricate wedding bands and more!

In ​Module 2 you will follow along with Kent to make the same ring design, or use different shaped stone, accents, or shank styles to make something uniquely yours! You may use a premade bezel or make your own. Specifically: 

• Learn to advance your ring fabrication & design skills
• Learn to form and add elements around your ring shank, meeting up to your central bezel (pre-made by you or purchased ahead).
• Create additional elements to add dimension and interest around the focal point of your ring.

In Module 3 you will enter the World of Kent’s Sketchbook! Specifically:

• Here we will put pencil to paper as Kent takes us step by step through the planning and design stages of creating complex rings with multiple gemstones!
• Learn a simple way to plan, visualize, and draw out more and more complex and detailed rings.
• We will explore many additional ways to add dimension, volume, elevation and interest to your rings, including the use of hollow forms, steps, borders, shank variations and more
• Watch as Kent unveils the mystery of how some of his most complex rings were created!

In Module 4 I show you my fabrication process, including the development of the design, my approach to tackling different difficult filing and soldering situations,and how I spontaneously change the design as the project unfolds. Specifically:

• Learn to approach a symmetrical, complex ring with multiple difficult angles and interrelated elements​
• Learn the progression of the fabrication process, using Kent’s unique style he has developed over the past 50 years!
• Learn Kent’s process in refining multiple bezel groupings, with unusual angles and tricky filing.
• Learn approaches to difficult soldering setups.
• See how Kent spontaneously makes changes to his original design as he works.

In Bonus Module 5 you will learn the ins and outs of sizing a ring! I will share some insights into this necessary, but often dreaded job. Specifically:

• Learn how to cut out or add just the right amount of materials to get the desired size.
• Learn how to size a ring with a heat-sensitive stone. Kent will size a ring up to two sizes!
• Kent will walk you through the use of the ring stretching machine.
• Learn design considerations for your rings, making them easier to size down the road.

​You will no longer fear being asked to size a ring, and you can keep your clients happy! Remember, every time you hear from a client, even for a sizing, they are opening up a new avenue of communication, and another chance for you to impress them with your mad skills! They are always so grateful, and often have a renewed interest in adding more of your work to their collection!

We are pleased to announce that, once again, Otto Frei will be our main tool supplier –

and they will be giving you a nice student discount too! You will get full, detailed tool lists with links to purchase once you have purchased Unveil Your Mastery.

For Going Tubular:

• The basics include a good selection of files, jeweler's saw, digital calipers, jeweler's torch for silver, joint vise/miter cutter (like this one), square for measuring 90 degree angles and a flexshaft/micromotor 
• Bending block and cylinders. This one is recommended from Otto Frei.
• Sturdy, bench-mounted vise to hold draw plates (or a draw bench either purchased or homemade). 95% of students need a drawbench. So, make sure to either purchase one or build one while waiting for your supplies to arrive. Many of our students have easily and successfully made variations on Melissa Muir's drawbench video, which you can find on YouTube.
• Round draw plates for making tubing. For most tubing/hinge/wire needs, you will need consecutive round holes from 9mm down to 0.5mm. The Italian draw plates from Otto Frei are good quality and recommended.
• Setting punch and chasing hammer (or hammer handpiece if you own one), Flat gravers (#38 or #39, and a knife edge graver, with sharpening stones and 4/0 polishing paper.
• Selection of new stone-setting/seating burs
• We recommend learning these new skills in sterling silver. You will mainly be using 20 guage (0.8mm) sheet.
• You'll want some stones to set in the bezels you will be making. I suggest using CZ's, synthetic sapphires, or other inexpensive stones you can afford to damage as you practice your skills. I recommend having at hand: two or three 6mm faceted and cab stones; three to 4 5mm princess or step cut square stones; two or three 6mm high dome cabs, preferably a round bullet, but any steep walled stone will do; other cabs of various shapes to practice bezel forming. 

For Architecture of a Ring, in addition to basic jewelry tools, you will also need: 

• Step mandrels, both half & full sizes, are being made for the class and will arrive in December-January. They will cost approximately $70.00 for the set.

• Measuring tools (another must!) – digital calipers and square

• Miter jig

• Half round and crossing hand files, cut 2-4, of various sizes and curves

• 22 or 24 gauge binding wire

• Half round parallel pliers or ring bending pliers. These are very useful, but not required – you will need a way to bend thick sheet evenly into a cylindrical form

• A basic workshop equipped with various pliers, saw, torch, etc.

• At least 2-3 ounces of silver:  .8mm sheet, and various wires, round and half round are most useful. Amounts will be given upon registration. Solder will also be needed.

• A 6mm (approximately) gemstone. We recommend round or oval stones for the first ring, or another shape that you already have the skills to set. (NOTE: Bezel setting is not part of this course, this is covered in our Going Tubular course!)

• A bezel already made to fit above gemstone, before class in Module two. You may also buy premade round silver bezels in various sizes from Otto Frei.

Once registered, PDFs and video in the membership site give you all tool specifications needed.

Unveil Your Mastery is a four month program that  brings Architecture of a Ring and Going Tubular together into one dynamic learning experience with Kent as your guide! It includes live demos on Zoom, an interactive private community where you can get all your questions answered. Completion of this program makes you eligible to join Kent’s Mastermind group (when openings are available), where the learning goes even deeper.

In the self-guided courses, you have access to all the video lessons and core teaching of the course you purchase. When your access period ends, you can continue to access the course materials on a monthly basis. There are no Zoom calls, Facebook groups, or support on the course material. You can follow the video lessons and learn a lot on your own for a lower price! You can check out all of our self-guided course offerings here: https://kentraible.com/self-guided-courses/

This class IS FOR YOU if...

• You’re pretty solid in your basic bench skills (filing, soldering and basic stone setting), and you’re serious about advancing your skill set.

• Your workshop is well equipped, or you have access to such a workshop, and you are willing to purchase the additional tools needed if you don’t already have them. A list is provided on this page. 

• You’re committed to advancing your fabrication skills by putting in the time, because you want to make more unique, well executed and interesting work.

This class IS NOT FOR YOU if...

• You’re curious but not committed to results.

• You’re not patient. Nothing takes the place of putting in the hours!

• Don’t like to do really small, finicky stuff.

• You’re a beginning jewelry student and don’t yet have your basic bench skills in place.

• You do not have a place to work or don’t have a well-equipped studio.

• You are unable to pull down a large tube through a draw plate by hand (This takes body weight and strength, and can be a real challenge for smaller folks), and are unwilling to buy or build a simple drawbench (easy to find plans on-line and we offer a set of plans with Module 1. Many students have made their own.)

• If you are not willing to invest in the needed tools and supplies.

Give this course a good looking over, if you find that it is not for you, for any reason, we will refund your entire purchase price! All refund requests must be submitted by email to courses@goldenspherestudios.com within 14 days of purchase.