Bezel-Set Stone Ring with Megan Oliver

Class Details

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Instructor: Megan Oliver of Crooked Trails Silver
Ages: 18 and older
Experience: Beginner friendly; no previous metalsmithing experience required
Class Size: Limited to 6 participants
Location: Handcraft Revival, 1365 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City
Included: Tools, equipment, solder, and basic consumable materials
Additional Material Cost: Approximately $20–$50 for silver and a stone, depending on your design

Create a one-of-a-kind bezel-set stone ring while learning traditional metalsmithing from Megan Oliver, founder and artist behind Crooked Trails Silver.

Megan founded Crooked Trails Silver in 2020 and creates jewelry inspired by Utah’s mountains, high-desert landscapes, and the rugged beauty of the West. A former elementary-school educator, she now teaches jewelry making at a local community college and through Alta Community Enrichment. Her patient, encouraging approach makes this small-group class especially welcoming for beginners.

Megan will guide you step by step through selecting a stone, creating a custom bezel, soldering the backplate and ring band, and finishing a handcrafted ring of your own.

What You’ll Learn

• Selecting a stone and planning your design
• Creating a custom bezel setting
• Sawing and shaping metal
• Forming a ring band
• Soldering the bezel, backplate, and band
• Setting and securing your stone
• Filing, sanding, and polishing your finished ring

What You’ll Make

Each participant will design and create one custom bezel-set stone ring.

You’re welcome to bring a few inspiration photos to help you consider the shape, style, and details you would like to incorporate.

What’s Included

Registration includes:

• Up to five hours of guided instruction
• An individual workstation at a shared table
• Use of metalsmithing tools and equipment
• Shared use of soldering torches and a flex shaft
• Safety glasses
• Solder and other basic consumable materials

Silver and Stones

Silver and stones are not included in the registration price because their costs vary according to each design.

Please plan to spend an additional $20–$50 during class. Megan will offer silver at her wholesale cost and bring a curated selection of stones available to purchase.

You may bring your own stone, but please send Handcraft Revival a clear photo beforehand so Megan can confirm that it is suitable for a bezel setting.

About the Class Time

We have reserved the full five-hour window so everyone can work carefully and receive individual guidance without feeling rushed.

The class may finish before 3:00 PM depending on the designs and pace of the group. Please plan to remain available until 3:00 so you have enough time to complete your ring.

Snacks and Lunch

Because the class is scheduled from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, please bring snacks or a light lunch to enjoy during the day. We’ll take informal breaks as needed while projects move through the different stages of construction.

There is also a coffee shop directly across the street if you would like to purchase a drink or something to eat during the class.

What to Bring

• A water bottle
• A snack or light lunch
• A protective mask for sanding and metalsmithing work
• Ring-design inspiration photos, if desired
• An approved stone, if bringing your own
• Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and clothing that can get dirty. You’re also welcome to bring an apron. Long hair should be tied back while working with tools and torches.

Additional Notes

• Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in.
• Participants will work with saws, files, rotary tools, heat, and soldering torches. Safety procedures will be explained and must be followed throughout the class.
• Silver and stones are purchased separately during class.
• Guests may park directly behind the Handcraft Revival building or along the street. Please do not park in neighboring parking spaces or residential parking areas along the alley.
• Cancellations made at least one week before the class are eligible for store credit. Within one week, registrations may be transferred to another participant but are nonrefundable.