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. 

Depends a lot on your skill level, but practicing for 6 to 8 hours a week would be more than sufficient to get basic understanding of the content. Stone setting takes persistent practice, so the more consistent time you put in, the faster you will master it.

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

You will have 4 months of access to stream the lesson videos at your convenience (3 months plus an additional month for free to make sure you have all your tools)! All you need is internet access. Following the 4 month access, you will have the option to buy month-to-month continued access to the videos if you like. 

Students create their own workbook with downloadable, very detailed PDF's available with each module! Video lessons are not downloadable.

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

Many of you know me as a goldsmith and gold granulation master. Although this is true, here we are learning specific fabrication skills and bezel setting. All lessons are taught in sterling silver. You are free to work in any metal, any alloy you are familiar with. We are not teaching fusing or anything concerning gold alloys, we are focusing on the fabrication techniques outlined above.

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.

***Please note that refunds are only available for 48 hours once you purchase the program.***

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 48 hours.

Once you have become familiar with Going Tubular, and decide you would like to get an upgraded level of teaching, we offer Unveil Your Mastery, a full-on, mentored program  covering the material in going tubular, as well as Kent’s Architecture of a Ring course, and more. Kent guides students through each module of the program through our Facebook group, with demos and live zoom calls! Get all your questions answered and be part of a community of jewelers committed to advancing their ability to create unique, finely crafted jewelry!

This program is offered once or twice a year and runs for approximately 12 weeks, including a couple of break weeks where you can catch up, review the lessons, or work ahead.