Silver & Gemstone Acorn Necklace Tutorial - Silver Clay and Silversmithing Jewellery Making Project
Create a solid silver acorn necklace set with a bullet-shaped cabochon gemstone using both silver clay and traditional silversmithing techniques.
This intermediate project guides you through creating a silicone mould from nature, torch or kiln firing silver clay, fabricating a handmade bail from silver sheet, and setting your gemstone by hand. With 11 easy-to-digest video lessons, printable templates, and personal support from me throughout your making journey, you'll master essential techniques while creating a meaningful piece that celebrates strength, endurance, and hidden potential - a reminder that great things truly do come in small packages.
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay & Silversmithing Course:
How to find the right acorn cap for your gemstone (don't forget the shrinkage!)
How to create a perfect acorn cap mould
How to use Silver Clay with your silicone mould to create a perfect silver version
How to torch fire your acorn cap either using a blowtorch or a kiln
How to make a bail for your acorn using silver sheet
How to solder your bail to the acorn cap
How to finish and polish your acorn cap to a shine
How to set a bullet-shaped cabochon gemstone
And voilà - a completely unique Silver and Gemstone Acorn Necklace!
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
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Who Is This Tutorial For?
✓ Silver Clay Enthusiasts Ready to Level Up For anyone with silver clay experience wanting to add silversmithing to their skillset
✓ Nature Lovers wanting to capture woodland texture and form in jewellery
✓ Makers Looking to Create Meaningful Gifts and combine the symbolism of the acorn with personalised gemstone jewellery
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 11 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ PDF written instructions,
✓ Printable bail templates and an acorn cap sizing chart
✓ 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
Acorn Caps
2-3g ArtClay Silver (or other fine silver clay)
A bullet-shaped cabochon gemstone of your choice (I use an 8 x 10mm)
A small sheet of sterling silver for the bail (0.5mm/24 gauge)
A silver chain
Siligum Moulding Compound
hard silver solder
Plasticine
Crystal araldite glue (or similar clear epoxy glue)
blu-tack
Tools for Soldering
A fire brick/soldering board
A blowtorch
Pickling unit, pickle and copper or plastic tweezers
steel and brass tweezers
a cotter pin
flux and a paintbrush
Tools List
A vernier gauge/digital calliper
A cutting mat
Playing Cards
A paintbrush and olive oil
A set of doming punches
A craft knife
A pendant motor/dremel & a diamond burr/sanding barrel
Scissors and sticky-backed paper
A jewellers bench/bench peg
A jewellers saw and 2/0 blades
A hand file
round-nosed pliers
flat-nosed or parallel pliers
a turntable
a set of needle files
a hardwood chopstick
Choose between Torch and Kiln Firing
Tools For Torch Firing
A Fire Brick
A Blowtorch
A timer
Tools for Kiln Firing
A Kiln
A Steel Mesh
A Firing Fork
Tools for Hand Polishing
Sanding sponges or sanding sticks
A white polishing pad
Tools for Barrel Polishing
A barrel polisher, stainless steel shot, and barrel polishing compound
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this project suitable for?
This is a hybrid project including both silver clay and silversmithing techniques, so if you're completely new to jewellery making, I would recommend completing a beginner silver clay project like the Silver Clay Botanical Coin Necklace, and a beginner silversmithing project such as the Skinny Stacking Rings first. If you have some silver clay experience, this is a great opportunity to add silversmithing skills to your repertoire. Personal support is included to help you through any challenges.
How long does this project take to complete?
This project has a total hands-on time of approximately 1-2 hours over two sessions. (not including overnight silver clay drying time, pickling, or barreling time).
Can I adapt this design or use a different gemstone?
Absolutely! Once you learn the core techniques, you can adapt the design to suit your style. The sizing guide helps you adjust proportions if you want to use a different sized gemstone, and you can experiment with various cabochon stones to create different looks.
Do I need a kiln for this project?
No! The silver clay acorn cap can be torch fired using a small butane torch. However, you will need soldering equipment for attaching the bail.
Will I be able to sell jewellery I make using these techniques?
Yes! Once you've mastered the techniques taught in this project, you're free to create and sell your own designs. Members also get access to business mentoring resources to help you price your work and start selling with confidence.
What language is this online course available in?
The video tutorials are narrated in English, with subtitles available in English, French, German, and Spanish. All printable materials, including PDF instructions and templates are provided in English.
Ready to Create Your Silver & Gemstone Acorn Necklace?
Become a 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 a award-winning jeweller Jessica
Unlimited access to all projects, 30 day money-back guarantee, cancel any time