Modern Heirlooms Semainier Ring

VENUE: 107 Green Square (3a Joynton Ave, Zetland)

When I first saw a semainier ring, which had been worn since the 1970’s, I was enamoured with and instantly obsessed by this style! The semainier (or “weekly” in French) ring evokes the sense of time passing through seven ‘textured’ or ‘chiseled’ rings, grouped by a flat ring - which is amazingly comfortable. Originating from the Tuareg people, these rings were very popular during the Victorian and the Art Nouveau period in France. In this two-day fine jewellery workshop, you will have the opportunity to make 7 fine sterling silver rings - all different, and allowing your own individual aesthetic to shine through. They are stackable, one for each day of the week - to wear together or separately.

ABOUT THE COURSE

Prerequisite
We recommend first completing Learn to Make Jewellery Stage One - An Introduction or equivalent.

Course Objectives
You will be guided through the following techniques in this one day workshop:

Fine Jewellery Soldering - You will learn how to use a micro soldering torch to solder your silver rings and fine link. The type of soldering we cover is more advanced than introductory level soldering joins. You will learn how to control your flame and increase your metallurgic understanding of colour changes in metal, flux and solder. (Individual ring size may vary but maximum is approx 2.0mm - to allow room for 7 stacker rings)

Texturing/ decorative wire work – You can add texture or decorative aesthetics to your ring through a variety of different applications.

Finishing - You will acquire knowledge of how to file and polish your finished design.

Course Outcomes
You will learn the basic skills needed to create 7 fine rings in sterling silver (grouped by a flat ring - optional). The workshop begins with short, structured technical exercises and lots of material play. Then fabricating, decorating and joining will be demonstrated. (More advanced level students may wish to incorporate flush setting - at a separate time - or use gold).

This is a fast and focused 2 day workshop using micro torch soldering - if you are after a less intensive workshop please check out ‘Jewellery Taster - Make a Silver Ring’.

What’s Included
All materials are included. Including a variety of sterling silver wires to make your 7 rings, copper wire and brass wire )for samples) and consumables (saw blades, solder). If you are a more experienced maker and have previously worked with gold, it may be possible to use gold in this class - please contact The Bench to discuss.

Gold plating is optional for an additional fee and wait time due to outsourcing.

The Tutor: Erin Keys
Erin Keys has over 20 years experience as a jeweller, designer and educator with a diverse range of achievements in various facets of craft and design. Participating in nearly 100 exhibitions in Australia and overseas since 1999, her practice spans one-off exhibition pieces, bespoke commissions and a limited edition laser cut production range available through several stockists.

Erin has taught beginner to advanced jewellery courses at Sturt Summer School, JamFactory, SquarePeg Studios and is currently a sessional teacher at UNSW Art & Design.

For the past 10 years Erin has had extensive involvement with design and education, working as a Jewellery Design Developer for over 5 years at one of Australia's leading design companies Dinosaur Designs and for Louise Olsen X ALEX AND TRAHANAS.