Silver & Bling

In case you haven’t already figured it out, I am someone who always has my fingers in all kinds of pies, both figuratively and literally. I am insatiably curious about everything and love to try new things all the time. My latest endeavor is something completely new to me. It is a brand new challenge that I am eagerly embarking upon. 🙂 (My friends Karen, Lauren, Lori and I have started this new tradition of picking a word for the year. This is basically a goal for the year for each of us. My word was “challenge” and I am certainly taking on a new challenge with this new path).

I have always been a lover of jewelry and bling. What can I say? I like bright shiny things. 🙂 When I took my craft class the other day More Fun Projects, I viewed the catalog for more fun things to do and came across a series of classes in silver jewelry making. I was intrigued right from the get go. I discussed it with Larry, since it is an expensive new hobby, to see if it was OK to join the class. Little did we know just how expensive it was going to be at the time though, but more on that later. 🙂

I called to reserve my spot in the class and was told what I needed to purchase for the first project. Larry and I went to the silver and stone store to purchase the necessary items for the first project. I was told what silver I needed and that I also needed a stone for the first project. I got two stones because I liked them both and couldn’t decide between them. I also got a saw and a bench peg. I thought this was all I needed, since I was initially told that the class provided everything else. WRONG!

For first time jewelry makers like myself, the person at the stone shop said a hard stone with either rounded corners or a round or oblong stone would be best. These are the two stones I came home with on the first day. They are both agates. I really like the striped stone, and was working with that one initially, but then switched to the more rounded stone since it is more forgiving for a first timer. I will save the striped one for another project at another time. They are sitting on a bed of silver.

I missed the first class because I didn’t know about it at the time, but I made it to the second class, which was actually the first class of instruction. I was introduced to a whole new world.

After the class introduction, we learned how to make a bezel for our stones, then we soldered them into shape and learned how to use the machines. After soldering our bezels, we sanded them where we soldered them together. I still have to sand mine a bit more to make it smoother, but this was the result of the first night.

At our next class, we will put the back on to the piece and add some decorative design work on the sides. I think we will also learn how to make the clip for it too.

As the class progressed, we learned we needed to purchase a lot more than was initially stated. There was actually a list of things that were highly recommended. They do have them available for people to use in the class, however, I don’t think they have enough for everyone to use at the same time, therefore it was highly recommended we purchase our own tools and supplies. So I went out on a treasure hunt the next day, and spent a “small fortune” getting what I needed. I also bought more stones and more silver for the other projects we will make in the class. Just in case you were wondering, the current price of silver is between $93.50-$95.93 per ounce, depending on the source and exact moment, reflecting daily market movements and dealer premiums over the spot price. I now have about 6 ounces of silver. So this is NOT going to be a cheap, inexpensive hobby, just like scuba diving. 🙂

The tools needed for the class.

And the additional silver and stones needed for the other projects we will make. In this first introductory class, we are making three pieces. We are starting off with a pendant, then will make a bracelet and a ring.

I am still learning my stones, but I have some turquoise, agate, lapis, and I think a malachite here.

This first introduction class is for 10 weeks. Then there is a series of others classes to take after. Each session is for 10 weeks at a time. I will learn more about the different stones and different techniques with each of these classes. Larry and I both know that I will be taking a whole bunch more of these classes after this first introductory class. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love jewelry, so this is a given. 🙂

So now you know, not only am I “A Jeanne in the Kitchen”, but now I am also a Jeanne in the silver mine. 🙂

Life is an adventure. Enjoy and make the most of it. Make everyday and every adventure great. May 2026 be filled with happiness, good health and prosperity for all. ‘Til next time.