Michael Boyd Studio

Saddles and Straps

DATES: March 16th and 18th | 12:00pm-2:30pm Eastern Daylight Time | 11:00-1:30 Central Daylight Time | 10:00am – 12:30pm Mountain Daylight Time | 9:00am-11:30am Pacific Daylight Time

Over the course of this hands-on virtual workshop, Michael will share two alternative stone-setting methods he’s refined over the past 30 years. You’ll learn how to form metal saddles, precisely drill and seat stones, and carve/polish grooves that use tension straps to lock gemstones in place—no bezels or prongs required.

Purchase of a kit is recommended for class

Kit contents: Saddles and Straps Kit (<--click here)

***Please note- Kits may not arrive in time for class for registrations made after 03/09/2027 

STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE USA: PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR REGISTRATION AT MICHAELBOYDSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM

VIDEO, TRANSCRIPTS AND Q&A WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR 60 DAYS AFTER THE CLASS CONCLUDES 

Format: Live online via Zoom- with slide demos, close-up tooling cams, and Q&A

Duration:  Two – 2.5hr sessions

Skill Level: Intermediate–Advanced metalsmiths who are comfortable with basic stone setting and metal forming

Student Provided tools:

• Basic fabricating tools (e.g. tweezers, pliers, sheers)
• Dual gas torch setup is recomended but alternatives will be discussed. (either oxy/ acetylene or oxy/map gas)
• Flex shaft or alternate (e.g. Dremel or micro-motor)
• Shallow glass dish with flat bottom (ash trays work well)
• Super glue (liquid not gel)
• CA accelerator (Available through Rio Grande, Dick Blick, Amazon etc.)
• Toothpicks
• Q-tips
• Particulate dust mask
• Safety glasses 
• Pencil, Sharpie, notebook - for notes
• Rags/towels

Student provided materials:

• 6" of 20g sterling silver, fine silver or Argentium wire
• 12" of 18g sterling silver wire
• 1"x 2" sheet of sterling silver