Twin Drops, One Story: Inside the Cuff Bracelet Class

There is something special that happens when people gather around a jeweler’s bench. Tools are laid out, stones are waiting, and raw silver is ready to become something beautiful. Our February 13 Double Teardrop Cuff Bracelet Class was exactly that kind of day, filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of torch time.

From the start, everyone was excited about the project. The design featured two teardrop stones sitting side by side in handmade bezels, set on a structured wire cuff. It is a bold piece that stands out, but it still feels elegant when worn.

What made this class extra interesting was the way the cuff was built. Instead of working on a flat sheet of silver, students formed thick sterling wires into a cage-like cuff. Each wire had to be measured, lined up, and soldered carefully. Too much heat could loosen earlier joints. Too little heat and the solder would not flow. It became a great hands-on lesson in patience and torch control.

Choosing stones was one of the most fun parts. Some students picked bright turquoise with natural veins running through it. Others chose spiny oyster shells with warm orange and red tones. A few darker stones showed up too, adding a deeper, dramatic feel. Even though everyone followed the same design, each cuff had its own personality.

Stone setting was the moment everyone waited for. After hours of building, filing, and polishing, students placed their cabochons into the bezels and slowly burnished the silver down. You could see the shift from nervous focus to proud smiles once the stones were secure. That is when the piece truly came to life.

Here is a fun trivia, the teardrop shape is often called a “pear shape” in jewelry. It has been used for centuries because it flatters movement. When you wear it, the pointed end naturally draws the eye upward, making the wrist look more graceful. Doubling the shape, like in this cuff, creates a balanced look that feels pleasing without people always knowing why.

Another interesting detail is that wire cuffs like this are popular because they are lighter than solid cuffs but still strong. The open spaces also make them more comfortable to wear in warm weather since the skin can breathe.

By the end of the session, the workbench told the whole story. Silver scraps, solder pieces, polishing cloths, and well-used tools were everywhere. And on each wrist sat a finished Double Teardrop Cuff Bracelet, proudly handmade.

Some cuffs felt bold and vibrant. Others looked earthy and calm. A few had a clean, modern silver look. No two were the same, and that is always the best part of making jewelry by hand.

Students left not only with a finished bracelet but also with stronger soldering skills, bezel-setting confidence, and a deeper appreciation for how structure and design work together.

And of course, a few torch memories they will always remember.