Prong Setting Workshop: Foundations of Gemstone Setting. October 18

Learn the fundamentals of one of the most iconic and widely used jewelry-setting techniques in our Prong Setting Workshop at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts. This hands-on class teaches you how professional jewelers securely set round faceted gemstones into prong settings while protecting both the gemstone and the delicate metal structure of the setting. Prong setting is a foundational skill for jewelry makers who want to create fine gemstone jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants. In this workshop, you'll learn how to select the correct setting for your stone, accurately determine stone size, prepare the mounting, and safely set a gemstone without damaging the prongs. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and individualized instruction, you'll build the confidence and precision needed to successfully complete professional-quality prong settings. What You'll Learn This workshop covers the essential techniques for prong setting faceted gemstones, including: Understanding prong settings and their applications Selecting the correct mounting for your gemstone Measuring gemstones and determining proper stone size Preparing and inspecting prong settings Aligning and securing round faceted stones Setting stones safely without damaging prongs Using professional setting tools and techniques Refining and inspecting your finished setting Who This Class Is For This workshop is designed for metalsmiths who want to expand their jewelry-making skills and learn professional gemstone setting techniques. Students should have a basic understanding of jewelry fabrication and soldering. Prerequisite: Metals I, Intro to Metalsmithing, or equivalent experience. Metals II or Flush Setting experience is recommended but not required. Why Learn With Silver Peak Jewelry Arts? At Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, our workshops are designed for focused skill development and personalized instruction. With a maximum of six students per class, you'll receive individual feedback and hands-on guidance throughout the workshop while working at your own dedicated jeweler's bench. Classes are taught by a professional metalsmiths whose career is based on making, repairing, and teaching about how jewelry is made. You'll learn not only the techniques, but also the craftsmanship, problem-solving, and professional practices that help you become a more confident jewelry maker. Whether you are expanding your stone-setting skills or preparing to create more complex gemstone jewelry, this workshop provides the technical foundation needed to confidently incorporate prong-set stones into your designs. Workshop Details Date: Sunday, October 18 Time: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Duration: 8 contact hours Location: Silver Peak Jewelry Arts 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette, CO 80026 Ages: 14+ Class Size: Minimum 3 students | Maximum 6 students Materials Fee: $120 The materials kit includes: Practice wheel with 17 prong settings One sterling silver ring Cubic zirconia stones for practice and setting Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of class via cash, check, or Venmo. OptiVISOR magnification (3x) is available to borrow. If you require higher magnification, please bring your own magnification system. By registering for a class at Silver Peak Studio, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code for class, and studio rules. Instructor: Michael Neff Michael started his journey with metalsmithing in middle school when he was gifted a jeweler’s saw. This was after being inspired by the precision of a jeweler he met that was doing saw piercing work and removing the background in coins. In 2010 he took a jewelry class at New Vista High School and learned basic soldering, stone setting and wire wrapping. While doing a glass blowing apprenticeship in 2012 he became enamored with wire wrapping and started studying wire wrapping techniques and the work of other wire wrappers and jewelers. The endless possibilities with different techniques, settings, flows and styles created a passion for the art form and pulled Michael in the world of jewelry, crystals and gems. His pursuit of metal smithing led him to take classes at the Denver School of Metal Arts, BOMA, online pavé classes through JIA, and online engraving classes through Sam Alfano. Michael started working as a bench jeweler at Anspach’s Jewelry in 2023 and has had the opportunity to learn more about jewelry repair, stone setting, fabrication and custom work. Since 2012 Michael has been making jewelry regularly and working with clients to create custom pieces as well as his own designs. Nature, geometry, balance and harmony have always been a large source of inspiration in his work. He is the owner of Michael J Neff Designs LLC and his work can seen on Facebook and Instagram through @michaelneffart