Triple Drop Gemstone & Leaf Earrings Tutorial - Intermediate Jewellery Making Project
Combine the organic beauty of real leaves with the elegance of gemstones to create an elegant pair of statement earrings
This intermediate project teaches you how to transform fresh or dried leaves into solid silver using silver clay paste, then create bespoke rubover settings for cabochon gemstones using traditional silversmithing techniques.
You'll master essential skills including torch or kiln firing, soldering multiple components, creating bezel settings, and hand-setting gemstones. Perfect for makers ready to combine silver clay and silversmithing techniques in one sophisticated design.
What You’ll Learn in this Silver Clay & Silversmithing Course:
Learn how to use silver clay paste to create solid silver leaves
Learn how to fire your silver clay either with a blowtorch or a kiln
Learn how to refine, shape and polish your silver clay leaves
Learn how to use fine silver to create rubover settings for cabochon gemstones
Learn how to solder a back plate onto your settings
Learn how to shape and refine your cabochon gemstone settings
Learn how to solder your earrings together using a variety of different methods
Learn how to set your gemstones by hand
Learn how to finish and polish your earrings to a shine
And voilà! A beautiful statement pair of earrings made using real leaves and gemstones
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
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs
Who Is This Silver Clay & Silversmithing Tutorial For?
✓ Intermediate makers who want to combine silversmithing and silver clay techniques
✓ Jewellers ready to work with gemstones who want to learn how to create settings and set cabochons by hand
✓ Nature-inspired designers who want to incorporate real botanical elements into sophisticated, wearable pieces
What’s included in this Project?
✓ 21 Easy-to-digest video lessons
✓ Bonus technical videos
✓ 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
2 x leaves of your choice, fresh or dried
10g Silver Clay Paste
4 x cabochon gemstones of your choice
Fine silver bezel strip
8 x 3mm sterling silver jump rings
Hard silver solder (this project is taught using only hard solder, but if you prefer to use medium and easy you can)
Sterling silver sheet (0.6mm/22 gauge)
2 x Earring stud posts
Optional Sterling silver round or square wire to use as barer wire (0.6mm/22 gauge)
Blu-Tack or setters putty (useful but not imperative)
Fresh water for quenching
Distilled/deionised water for watering down the silver clay paste
General Tools List
Playing cards
A set of needle files
A set of pliers including parallel and nylon
Side cutters/snips
A scribe
A jewellers saw and 2/0 saw blades
A pusher
A burnisher (curved or straight)
A ring vice
Tools List
A blowtorch
A soldering probe
A soldering board/fire brick
Brass and steel tweezers
Flux and a paintbrush
A pickling unit, pickle and copper tongs
A turntable
A cotter pin
Reverse-action tweezers
Choose between Torch and Kiln Firing
Tools For Torch Firing
A Fire Brick
A Blowtorch
A soldering probe
Tools for Kiln Firing
A Kiln
A Steel Mesh
A Firing Fork
Tools for Finishing and Polishing
Sanding sponges
Emery paper
Sanding sticks
A white polishing pad
A polishing cloth
A pendant motor with radial discs, felt pendant points and polishing compound (optional)
An ultrasonic cleaner (optional)
A Barrel polisher, polishing compound, and stainless steel shot
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this project suitable for?
Yes, this is an intermediate project. You should be comfortable with basic silver clay techniques and have some soldering experience before starting. If you're new to jewellery making, I recommend beginning with the Foundation Course Projects to give you the basic skills you need to complete this project.
Can I use a blowtorch instead of a kiln?
Yes! This course teaches both torch firing and kiln firing methods for the silver clay leaves. For the soldering steps, you'll need a blowtorch regardless of which firing method you choose for the silver clay.
What type of gemstones work best for this project?
You'll need four cabochon gemstones (flat-backed gemstones with a domed top). The type of gemstones and colours are completely up to you! Please have a look at our recommended gemstone dealers in the Suppliers List inside Membership
Where can I find leaves for this project?
You can use fresh or dried leaves from your garden or local area. Look for leaves with interesting textures and shapes. Smaller leaves (2-4cm) work best for earrings.
What's the difference between fine silver and sterling silver in this project?
The silver clay leaves become 99.9% pure fine silver after firing. For the gemstone settings, you'll use fine silver bezel strip (which is soft and perfect for setting stones). The backplates and other components use sterling silver sheet and wire, which is stronger for structural elements.
Will I learn how to set gemstones by hand?
Yes! This course includes detailed instruction on creating rubover settings and hand-setting cabochon gemstones using a pusher and burnisher. It's a key skill for any jeweller and opens up endless design possibilities.
What's included in this project?
You get 21 easy-to-digest video lessons, bonus technical videos, PDF written instructions, a complete tools and materials list with supplier links for UK/USA/Europe, and 1-2-1 support from me.
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 Triple Drop Gemstone and Leaf Earrings?
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
Have questions? check out the membership FAQs