Madame Mak Wax Academy/Metals And Gem Setting
Image of a hand with purple nails wearing five silver metal rings containing colourful gemstones.

  • $750

Metals And Gem Setting

  • Course
  • 54 Lessons
  • 730-day access

This is a TWO YEAR exclusive access course which runs through the basics of metal polishing, starting with plain stackers and moving to polishing and setting gemstones into more complex designs. This course does NOT include lost wax casting. Five rings, two years - let's GO!

Contents

Section 1: Welcome to Madame Mak Metals And Gems!

Get your popcorn and choc tops! My introduction and welcome to Madame Mak Metals And Gems! Enjoy!

Introduction and Ramble Metal And Gems Course.mp4
Preview

Section 2: IMPORTANT! SAFETY MODULE (MUST WATCH)

A must watch safety module. Please watch these videos before you commence this course at your bench.

Metals Course Safety Disclaimer.mp4
MMWA Annealing Tools and Safety Information.pdf

Section 3: Metal Polishing And Gemstone Setting Tools

In this section I walk you through the professional tools required to polish and set your work with gemstones!

Metal Finishing and Setting Bench Tour and Talk.mp4
Dust Collection Unit.mp4
MMWA Metal Polishing Gem Setting And Safety Gear Tools List.pdf
MMWA Annealing Tools and Safety Information.pdf
MMWA Dremel Engraver Information.pdf
MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Tool Suppliers.pdf

Section 4: Loading Your Metal Blade Into Your Saw Frame

In this section I show you how to load your metal blade into your jeweller's saw frame. I have demonstrated this with two different saw frame types, with the first being the economy model and the "Green Lion" saw frame which is my personal favourite.

Load Saw Blade Into Economy Saw Frame.mp4
Load Green Lion Saw Frame With A Blade.mp4

Section 5: Polish A Smooth Stacking Ring

In this module I will be demonstrating how to polish a smooth stacking ring to a professional level (high shine finish).

Clean A Cast Smooth Stacking Ring.mp4
Prepolish Stacking Ring With Tripoli.mp4
Final Polish Dialux Noir Stacking Ring.mp4
MMWA Professionally Finish a Raw Casting.pdf
MMWA Brass Brush Polishing No Power Tools (Budget Method).pdf

Section 6: Polish A Highly Textured Stacking Ring

In this module I demonstrate how to carefully polish a heavily textured stacking ring without ablating the texture, using professional tools and micromotor with suitable attachments.

Clean A Textured Stacking Ring.mp4
Prepolish And Final Polish Textured Stacking Ring.mp4

Section 7: Clean Raw Castings (Batch Process Organic Gemstone Ring Mounts)

In this module I demonstrate batch processing for three ring mounts which will also be set with their respective gemstones in later sections of this course. I run through sprue removal, metal clean up/grinding, the use of abrasive micromotor attachments and how to use a washout brush to polish the surface of a ring. Enjoy!

Remove Sprues From Gemstone Rings.mp4
Grind Sprues Down on Organic Textured Rings.mp4
Smooth and hammer harden and polish inside of organic rings.mp4
Polishing gemstone ring exterior with radial discs and abrasive bullets.mp4
Brass Brush Organic Gemstone Mounts Before Setting.mp4

Section 8: Welcome To Gemstone Setting (Introduction)

Yapping again (it's all good stuff). In this module I run through a few things regarding gem setting before we hit the final few modules of the course where I'll be showing you how to prepare the seat and claws for a variety of different rings/different setting styles, and how to set the gems directly in metal! Enjoy!

Welcome to Gemstone Setting And Tool Rundown.mp4
MMWA Links to MOHS Scale of Hardness Plus Gemstone Ultrasonic Cleaning Information.pdf
Gemstone Anatomy Illustration.pdf

Section 9: Prepare And Set A Cabochon Claw Statement Ring

In this module I show you how to prepare the claws and seat for a cabochon gemstone, and how to set the gemstone in a claw ring mount (statement ring style).

Cabochon Claw Ring Prepare Claws and Polish Inside.mp4
Prepare Thermoplastic and Bench Vice.mp4
Description Of Bezel Pusher and Hammer.mp4
Cabochon Ring Final Fit Check of Stone In Vice.mp4
Cabochon Stone Claw Setting And Silicone Wheel Shaping.mp4
How To Remove Thermoplastic.mp4
Final Polish And Finished Ring.mp4
Cabochon Statement Ring Setting Notes.pdf
Diagram of Cabochon Claw Setting Comparisons.pdf

Section 10: Claw Set A Faceted Oval Shape Gemstone (Includes Annealing)

In this module I show you how to prepare a seat and claws to fit and set a faceted oval gemstone. It also includes a demonstration on how to anneal the head of the ring, and also includes a bonus video on how to "barnacle set" a small gem with a hammer hand piece.

Prepare Claws and Setting Area.mp4
MMWA Annealing Tools and Safety Information.pdf
Anneal Quench Pickle.mp4
Polish Setting Area Post Pickle.mp4
Faceted Gem Setting In Claws With Hammer And Punch.mp4
Tighten Claws With Dremel Engraver and Modified Tips.mp4
MMWA Dremel Engraver Information.pdf
Silicone Wheel Claw Tidy.mp4
Bonus Video Barnacle Setting with Dremel Engraver.mp4

Section 11: Vintage Inspired Buttercup Six Claw Solitaire Ring Setting

In this module I share how to prepare a seat and claws to set a lovely 8mm round brilliant stone into a vintage-antique inspired six claw buttercup style setting. This is the most advanced section of the course, and concludes the learning modules!

Prepare seat and claws to fit round gemstone.mp4
Six Claw Ring Setting.mp4
Final Polish Six Claw Ring.mp4
Six Claw Solitaire Setting Notes.pdf

Section 12: Gemstone Merchants and Facetors (Australia and USA Based)

A handy list of some gemstone merchants and facetors based in Australia and the USA to get you connected with some people!

MMWA List of Australian Based Gemstone Suppliers.pdf
MMWA List of USA Based Gemstone Suppliers.pdf

Section 13: Lost Wax Casting Information

A supplementary bunch of information containing a list of lost wax casting contacts, plus some related information!

MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Casting Facilities.pdf
MMWA The Lost Wax Process Summary.pdf
MMWA Links to Lost Wax Casting Information and Resources.pdf

Section 14: Course Conclusion

Join me for the course conclusion and a warm thank you. Wishing you all the best on your journey!

Course Conclusion.mp4