Rock to Ring Workshop

Materials and tools provided with workshop:

All Tools, materials, and metals will be provided.  Just bring your lunch and enthusiasm. 

What to expect:

Student will cut and polish their own cabochon.  Each class runs approximately 8 hours.  The first half will be spent making the cabochon and the second half will be fabricating the sterling silver ring. The student will learn to cut a slab of rock and grind and polish the stone.  Then the student will learn to cut, file and shape the sterling silver.  The student will also learn to bezel set the cabochon. 

Priced at $250 a workshop it’s a great way to explore either art before making a large investment!

Guest Instructor:

Rick Swartzwelder is best known as the inventor of Bezel Form Wire Wrap Mandrels.

His interest in the Jewelry Arts began in 1998. By 2001 he was a part time apprentice with The Rock Garden in Madison Heights cutting replacement cabochons for jewelry. Finding most ‘store bought’ setting unappealing, he learned wire wrapping and silversmithing.

 In 2008 as part of demonstrating Bezel Form Wire Wrap Mandrels, Rick learned most of his students were interested in lapidary and silver. Since the initial investment of exploring these arts is prohibitive Rick started arranging to teach at bead and mineral stores.

Workshops are held at my house located at 2348 Austin Drive, Charlottesville, VA  22911.

The workshops will start at 10 am and run through 5 pm. You will be able to finish your project.

My studio is located in the basement of my home, and a flight of stairs must be navigated.  The restroom and kitchen are located one floor up from the basement. 

I have two dogs and a cat.  They will not be in the studio, but they have free reign of my home upstairs and you should be aware if you have allergies.  

Lunch will not be provided.  Please pack a lunch and bring drinks.  You will have access to a refrigerator and a microwave.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please call in advance of booking.  My number is 434-971-1963.  Please leave a message and I will return your call.  Or email me at [email protected].