This class is an exploration of the techniques Alex uses to take relatively small amounts of gold and exploit them for maximum visual impact. Students will make an 18k wire overlay for a ring shank, fabricate bezels for cabochons in 22k gold, and make a gold-rimmed silver backplate for the bezel. They will then solder all of the elements together to make a completed piece. Along the way, Alex will explain ways to keep the solder seams between metals crisp and clean, set stones in ways that leave minimal tool marks, make custom titanium soldering clips, keep waste to a minimum, and many other tips and tricks.