Cabochon Gemstone Earrings Tutorial - Core Techniques Silversmithing Project

Transform a pair of cabochon gemstones into a beautiful bespoke pair of earrings using traditional silversmithing techniques.

In this comprehensive silversmithing tutorial, you’ll master the essential skills needed to create solid silver gemstone earrings from scratch. You’ll learn how to create perfectly fitting bezel settings, solder with confidence, assemble your earrings so they feel balanced and comfortable to wear, and set gemstones securely. All core techniques that form the foundation of jewellery making.

By the end of this course, you’ll have created a beautiful, wearable pair of earrings that showcases your chosen gemstones, and you’ll have the skills to create many more.

What You’ll Learn in this Silversmithing Course:

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Become a Cognac Jewellery School Member today and get instant access to this tutorial plus all the other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica

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Who Is This Silversmithing Tutorial For?

Jewellery makers who want to master core silversmithing skills like bezel setting, soldering, and earring making

Gemstone lovers who want to showcase beautiful stones in handmade settings

Independent Businesses wanting to add bespoke gemstone earrings to their collections

What’s included in this Project?

✓ 14 Easy-to-digest video lessons

✓ Bonus technical tutorials

✓ PDF written instructions

✓ A full tools and materials list with supplier links

✓ 1-2-1 support from Jessica if you need it

Tools and Materials needed for this project:

Browse our complete UK Master tools list, USA Master tools list, or Europe Master tools list with direct supplier links

Materials List

  • Sterling silver sheet (0.8mm/20 gauge)

  • Hard silver solder paillons

  • Bezel strip (3mm or 5mm x 0.3mm)

  • Sterling silver earring wire (0.6-0.8mm/20/22 gauge)

  • 2x 3-4mm sterling silver jump rings

  • A pair of cabochon gemstones

  • Fresh water for quenching

  • Blu-tack

Tools List

  • A set of pliers (including half-round)

  • A scribe

  • Half-round pliers

  • Round-nosed pliers

  • Flat-nosed pliers

  • Parallel pliers

  • A set of needle files

  • A jeweller’s saw & 2/0 saw blades

  • A pair of dividers

Tools for Soldering

  • A turntable

  • A fire brick

  • Flux and a paintbrush

  • A cotter pin

  • Steel and brass tweezers

  • Curved reverse-action tweezers

  • A blowtorch

  • A pickling unit, pickle and copper tongs

  • A soldering probe

Tools for Finishing and Polishing

  • Sanding sponges

  • Sanding sticks

  • Sandpaper/ emery paper

Choose between Hand Polishing and Barrel Polishing

Tools for Hand Polishing

  • a white polishing pad

  • a polishing cloth

Tools for Barrel Polishing

  • a barrel polisher

  • stainless steel shot

  • barrel polishing solution

Tools for Setting

  • A pusher

  • A burnisher

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous silversmithing experience?

This course is best suited for makers who have some basic silversmithing experience. You should be comfortable using a jeweller's saw and have a little soldering experience. If you're a complete beginner, I'd recommend starting with the Hammered Charm Necklace and the Skinny Stacking Rings Online Course first.

What type of gemstones can I use for this project?

This course teaches you to set cabochon gemstones: smooth, domed gemstones without facets. You can use any cabochon gemstone you love, but if you’re new to setting I would recommend sticking to rounded shapes like ovals and circles.

How long does this course take to complete?

The course includes 14 video lessons plus 10 bonus technical tutorials. You can expect to make your earrings in 4-5 hours of hands-on work. This course is pre-recorded so you can work at your own pace and revisit any lesson whenever you need to.

What's included in this project?

This project includes 14 easy-to-digest video lessons, bonus technical tutorials, PDF written instructions, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links, and 1-2-1 support from me if you need it.

Do I need a lot of expensive equipment?

You'll need a basic silversmithing setup including a jeweller's bench, soldering equipment (torch, fire brick, flux), hand tools (saw, files, pliers), and finishing tools. If you already make jewellery, you likely have most of what you need. The tools list includes direct supplier links so you can find everything easily. This is an investment, but these tools will last for years.

Will my settings be solid silver?

Yes! You'll be working with sterling silver wire, sheet, and fine silver bezel strip. Your finished earrings will be genuine solid silver that will last a lifetime with proper care.

What if I get stuck or have questions?

You have direct 1-2-1 support from me throughout the course. If you run into any challenges or need guidance, just reach out and I'll help you troubleshoot. I'm here to support your jewellery making journey.

Is this course suitable for people who want to sell their jewellery?

Definitely! The techniques you'll learn in this course are core skills used by jewellers worldwide. Once you've mastered the techniques, you can create unique designs with different gemstones.

What language is this online course available in?

The video tutorials are narrated in English, with subtitles and transcripts available in English, French, German, and Spanish. All printable materials, including PDF instructions and templates are provided in English.

Ready to Create your Cabochon Gemstone Earrings?

Become a Cognac Jewellery School Member today and get instant access to this tutorial plus all the other jewellery making projects. Learn at your own pace with unlimited access, monthly new projects, and ongoing support from award-winning jeweller Jessica

Become a Member for 29€/month or 290€/year

Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time

Have questions? check out the membership FAQs