Prong-setting Faceted Stones. October 18 from 10:00-5:30

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.

At the end of class, you will have prong-set a 5 mm round cubic zirconia stone in a sterling silver ring. 

This is an intermediate level workshop; student must complete Metals 1, Beginning metalsmithing or have equivalent experience.

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

Workshop Details:

• Date: Sunday, October 18 from 9:30–5:30 at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette, CO 80026
• Ages: 14+
• Class Size: Minimum 3 students | Maximum 6 students
• Materials Fee: $120 which 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