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:
Learn how to use fine silver bezel strip to create a rubover setting
Learn how to solder and size your setting
Learn how to solder your fine silver setting to a sterling silver back plate
Learn how to use your jewellers saw to pierce out your settings
Learn how to prepare a bezel setting for an uneven gemstone
Learn how to solder a half jump ring to your earrings
Learn how to bezel set your cabochon gemstoens
Learn how to make French hook earring wires
Learn how to polish your earrings
And voilà, a pair of perfect silver set cabochon gemstone earrings!
Ready to make this Project?
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
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs
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
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs