Cabochon Gemstone Rings Tutorial - Core Techniques Jewellery Making Project
Transform a cabochon gemstone into a beautiful bespoke ring using traditional silversmithing techniques.
In this comprehensive silversmithing tutorial, you'll master the essential skills needed to create solid silver gemstone rings from scratch. You'll learn how to create perfectly fitted bezel settings, achieve invisible ring joins, size rings accurately, 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 ring that showcases your chosen gemstone, and you'll have the skills to create many more.
What You’ll Learn in this Silversmithing Course:
Learn how to make a bespoke bezel setting using fine silver
Learn how to prepare a solid silver backplate for your setting
Learn a variety of different soldering methods
Learn how to properly size a ring for a perfect fit
Learn how to create a perfect invisible ring join
Learn how to file and finish your elements
Learn how to create and solder a stong join between your ring and your setting
Learn how to prepare your setting for the gemstone
Learn how to set a cabochon gemstone using hand tools
And voilà, a beautiful and bespoke cabochon gemstone ring!
Love 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
Who Is This Silversmithing Tutorial For?
✓ Jewellery makers who want to master core silversmithing skills like bezel setting, soldering, and ring making
✓ Gemstone lovers who want to showcase beautiful stones in handmade settings
✓ Independent Businesses wanting to add bespoke gemstone rings to their collections
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 17 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ 10 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
Half round silver wire
Round silver wire (0.6mm/22 gauge)
Fine silver bezel strip
Hard silver solder (medium - optional)
Silver sheet (a little larger than the size of your gemstone)
A cabochon gemstone of your choice
Fresh water for quenching
Blu-tack
Tools List
A jewellers bench
A set of pliers (including half-round)
A scribe
A pair of dividers
A vernier gauge/digital caliper
A jewellers saw and saw blades (2/0)
A ring mandrel and ring sizer
A vice
A rawhide mallet
A steel block
A half-round file
A set of needle files
Tools for Soldering
A turntable
A fire brick
Flux
A cotter pin
Steel and brass tweezers
Curved reverse-action tweezers
A blowtorch
A pickling unit, pickle and copper tongs
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 Ring clamp
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 completing 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 17 video lessons plus 10 bonus technical tutorials. Most students complete their first ring in 3-4 hours of hands-on work. You have unlimited lifetime access, so you can work at your own pace and revisit any lesson whenever you need to.
What's included in this project?
You get 17 easy-to-digest video lessons, 10 bonus technical tutorials, PDF written instructions, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links for the UK, USA, and Europe, 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.
Can I make rings in different sizes?
Absolutely! I teach you how to properly measure and size rings for a perfect fit. Once you understand the technique, you can make rings in any size.
Will my ring be solid silver?
Yes! You'll be working with sterling silver wire, sheet, and fine silver bezel strip. Your finished ring 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. Cabochon gemstone rings are popular sellers, and once you've mastered the technique, you can create unique designs with different gemstones, ring styles, and settings. You'll also have access to our business mentoring resources as a member.
Ready to Create Cabochon Gemstone Rings?
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