Ring Shanks

How To Build a Ring the Exact Size You Want

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Ring Shanks

Ring shanks are also known as ring liners and ring cores. If you have ever made a ring using metal clay, then you may know of the challenge of ending up with the desired size after shrinkage. If you build your ring on a ring shank or ring liner, you end up with the exact ring size of the shank.


Investment, Ring Shanks, and Prong Settings
These three courses together describe the entire process for making the two rings shown below that contain gemstones held in their setting with prongs. The pink lace agate ring uses wire prongs. The pink druzy ring uses metal-clay prongs. You have some choices here.
You can all three courses in their sequence; or, you can take any one or two courses individually.
Maybe you already know how to use investment. Or maybe you’ve used ring shanks and liners before. Then skip those courses and take just the Prong Settings course.


1 Investment

Casting investment is a ceramic mixture formulated to keep its strength and integrity in high heat. The investment does not shrink and therefore holds the place for a cabochon or gemstone in your metal clay creation. This course shows how to mix investment and make investment plugs for the two stones in the two rings below.



2 Ring Shanks
This course is the Ring Shanks course.


3 Prong Settings
A bezel-set gemstone is one way to secure a stone. Prongs add yet another design feature to your creations that may be more freeing. You can set stones that are anything but standard in size and shape. In this course you will see how Kris set both the pink lace agate and druzy in ring settings using prongs.


As with all of her courses, Kris does not edit out mistakes. The best learning comes from mistakes; furthermore, how many mistakes turn out for the better in the end. Also, watching Kris make adjustments and reparations prepares you for more twists and turns at your own workbench.

Questions? Email Kris at [email protected].


Your Instructor


Kris Kramer
Kris Kramer

Kris designs and makes fine and sterling silver, minuscule sculptures, pendants, earrings, charms, and rings. Her work features landscapes, wildlife, and tracks. Her main medium is precious metal clay.

Kris is a PMC Certification Instructor certified by PMC Connection (not longer in existence) and Rio-Rewards Certified by RioGrande.

In 2012 Kris “passed with distinction the certification review” by the Montana Arts Council, signaling that she has developed a sustainable business in art. The additional honor of distinction was awarded based on a demonstrated depth of understanding of her art and the development of a strong brand suited for her specific business niche.

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Kris is currently teaching, maintaining her silver business, and working on submissions to the Metal Clay Masters Registry. She achieved Level 1 in 2017, Level 2 in 2018, and is listed as a Master in Masters Registry.

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Course Curriculum


  Shank, Liner, or Core
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

This course is closed for enrollment.