This session continues the journey from raw metal to finished jewelry by transforming handmade gold stock into a custom solitaire shank. Using the stock created in the previous session, "Demystifying the Making of White Gold Stock," Jason will walk through the fabrication process step by step, showing attendees how carefully prepared material becomes a refined and functional ring component.

Attendees will follow key stages including layout, shaping, forming, and fitting while learning practical bench techniques and the reasoning behind each decision. Along the way, Jason will discuss how material preparation influences fabrication success, efficiency, and final quality.

Designed for bench jewelers, this session emphasizes precision craftsmanship and demonstrates how understanding the full process—from creating stock to building the finished piece—leads to stronger skills and better outcomes at the bench.

About Jason Chandler

Jason Chandler is the founder and primary instructor at Portland Jewelry Academy and has been working in jewelry manufacturing since 1994. Jason has a particular fondness for comparing and contrasting historical methods of jewelry manufacturing with the modern while constantly looking for nuanced ways to combine the two. With a passion for jewelry manufacturing, Jason feels strongly about supporting the profession and passing the knowledge he’s gained over the course of his career onto the future generations of bench jewelers. Since establishing Portland Jewelry Academy in 2014, Jason has expanded to teach more than just Introduction to Jewelry Manufacturing. He now incorporates CAD instruction and offers an advanced skills term (Custom Jewelry and Bead Setting) while providing a unique and close-knit learning community for building the skills needed to become a successful bench jeweler.