Learn A Unique Ring Fabrication System With Unlimited Creative Design Potential
In Architecture of a Ring You Will Receive...
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ACCESS TO KENT through our private class Facebook group + live Zoom group calls. This is where you will meet with the master, get answers to your questions and share your progress!
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CREATE YOUR OWN WORKBOOK with downloadable detailed PDF's for each module
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3 MONTHS ACCESS to stream all lesson videos and live group call replays at your convenience. All you need is internet access!
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DOWNLOADABLE MATERIAL & TOOL LISTS + Kent walks you through the important tools via video
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PRIORITY BOOKING AND PRICING, when available, to future online and in-person workshops
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**NEW** Once you have completed the full course, you have access to a low cost monthly membership to use as long as you like, and keep making rings with Kent there to guide you! No more needing to pay for an additional 3 month period to repeat the course!** We have worked to make this course better, and more accessible to you!
... AND MUCH MORE!
ENROLL TODAY FOR ONLY
$719
Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon!
Architecture of a Ring Lesson Plan
Module 1: Making a Detailed Band Ring
Learning how to make this type of band perfectly, is the foundation that will take us into the more complex ring fabrications that come in the subsequent modules
- 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!
Module 2: Creating Single Stone Rings
You may follow along with Kent to make the same ring design, or use a different shaped stone, accents, or shank styles to make something uniquely yours!
- 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!
Module 3: Complex Ring Design: Enter the World of Kent’s Sketchbook!
Here we explore the next level of Architectural ring design...
- 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!
Module 4: Demonstrations on Multi-Stone Complex Ring Design
The fabrication skill level goes up another notch, as you are shown how Kent approaches this advanced fabrication...
- 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.
BONUS MODULE: Ring Sizing
Once you’ve learned how to design and fabricate complex rings, we’ll learn the ins and outs of sizing a ring! Kent will share his insights into this necessary, but often dreaded job.
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Learn how to cut out or add just the right amount of material to get the desired size.
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Learn how to size a ring with a heat sensitive stone: Kent will size a ring up two sizes!
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Kent will walk you through the use of the ring stretching machine.
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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!
***Please note, 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 the universal language of 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 techniques outlined above.
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Once you purchase the course you will receive a detailed tools and required materials list. You will want to order your needed tools right away!
Skill Requirements
- You should be proficient in all basic jewelry skills: sawing, filing, soldering, some forming experience, and measuring.
- This is NOT a course in bezel making and stone setting, that is covered in our Going Tubular course!
- The ring Kent will fabricate in Module Two will have a 6mm square gemstone with the bezel made in advance. You can make the Module Two ring using a pre-purchased round bezel to fit your gemstone if you are unable to make your own square or other shaped bezel.
- We will be working exclusively with silver. If you wish to make your ring in gold, excellent! Please keep in mind, however, that we will not be teaching fusing or other gold fabrication skills, rather we will be using solder to join all components to the ring base.
Tools
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!
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.
Once registered, PDFs and video in the membership site give you all tool specifications needed.
Materials
- 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.
By enrolling in Architecture of the Ring, I acknowledge that to get the best results from this course I must have the tools available to me from the ‘Required Tool List’, and that I have a strong foundation of basic gold smithing/silver smithing skills.
How much time will the work for each module take?
Depends a lot on your skill level, but practicing for 5 hours a week would be more than sufficient to get basic understanding of the content.
Do I have to be a goldsmith to take this course?
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 the universal language of 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 techniques outlined above.
How do I know if this class is right for me?
This class IS FOR YOU if...
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You are a jeweler with strong basic bench skills in place
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You are serious about putting in the time to take your ring fabrication skills to the next level!
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You want to learn Kent Raible style ring fabrication!
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You have a well equipped studio (see below)
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You are ready to create STUNNING rings!
This is NOT FOR YOU if…
- Are a beginning student, without basic soldering, sawing and filing skills
- You don’t have access to, or are not willing to purchase, all the basic hand tools needed.
- You’re not interested in hand fabrication.
- You don’t have the time or patience to practice these skills.
- You aren’t willing to invest in advancing your skills.
Is the content "dripped", or do we get everything at once?
You will have access to everything once class starts. Prior to that you will have access to the home page with tutorials, tools and materials lists and more.
How do I ask questions during the course?
In our private Facebook group, you will be able to ask Kent questions, share your progress, and post questions to the group. We also have zoom calls to meet up, answer questions, and more!
What happens on the ZOOM calls? Is it required?
This is where Kent will meet up with the group live for approximately one hour. He will elaborate on content, answer questions, and add additional tips, etc. You are not required to participate, replays are available in the membership site.
ACCESSING THE ZOOM CALLS: All you need to gain access is a computer or smartphone, and reception, of course. Details will be given once you’re in the course.
TIME & DATE OF ZOOM CALLS: These will vary and will be announced through email, and in the Facebook group.
MISSING ZOOM CALLS - ACCESSING RECORDINGS:
No need to worry if you can't make it to a live call! You can post your questions in the Facebook group ahead of time, and watch the replay in the membership site at your convenience!
I will be ordering tools, what if the tools I ordered don't arrive in time?
If you don't have all the tools right away, don’t worry! You can still get started, ask questions and participate in the group. It would however serve you best to have your tools and workshop set up ready to go as soon as possible.
What if I find this course is not a good fit for me?
***Please note that refunds are only available for 48 hours from when access to the modules opens***
Give this course a good looking as soon as you gain access, 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 info@goldenspherestudios.com within 48 hours.
Meet Your Master Instructor
Hi, I’m Kent Raible
In my mid 20’s I sold all my possessions and went to Europe on an extended biking trip, and somehow managed to stay for almost two years. I attended a jewelry program at a German trade school, and it was there that I was introduced to different approaches than I would have seen in America. I eventually developed a unique way of building jewelry pieces, using unconventional torches and solder less joining techniques. My work is unique because I do so many things differently!
Now I want to share what I have learned with you. I am streamlining my knowledge so that I can offer you a direct route to up-level your skills in specific areas. Your palette of skills to draw from is about to get bigger! You will be able to dive deeper into the creative manipulation of metal and create more beautifully executed and complex designs. These videos, and the work we will do together, are designed to improve your technical prowess, and enhance your creative abilities.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Your success is our goal.
By signing up, you’re raising your hand to grow your skills. If you show up and do this work with me, I know you’ll walk away with more insight, confidence and technical knowledge to create the pieces you envision.
What it's Like to Study with Kent Raible...
Kent Raible is not just a modern master. Kent is not just the best granulation artist around. He is not just a fabulous goldsmith and jewelry designer. Kent is also one of the best teachers in the world. He learned at the feet of masters in Germany, as I did, and then he developed his skills even further. Kent taught hundreds of students at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Kent knows his stuff, loves what he does and shares his passion eagerly. His methods are complete and easier than you might think. Take this opportunity! You will only regret it if you don’t.
Alan Revere
Artist, Creator, Founder and Former Director | The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, California
Kent is a master of granulation and a wonderful instructor- He also is the best fabricator I have ever known. I teach cloisonné workshops and I have brought Kent in to work with my students. He is very approachable, attentive and thorough, I would love to have him teach in my California classroom anytime!
Truthfully, Kent has inspired plenty of improvement in my work and helped to reignite the passion for making exceptional pieces. I am fusing rather than soldering more and more to build settings. The metalwork on my cloisonné pieces has grown dramatically and I will continue to learn from Kent whenever the opportunity arises. Studying with Kent online is an exciting prospect. I prefer my own tools and workspace, I prefer my own schedule and I prefer my own projects- Now I can have all of this and get Kent’s help too!
Merry-Lee Rae
Founder, Artist & Creator | www.merryleerae.com
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