How can I learn how to make silver rings and jewelry out of silver?

Your question has several parts to it. I have been studying jewellery design in Italy for 2 years, so I hope I can help you with some of the answers. Jewellery making and stone setting, at least over here, are two separate fields. One of my instructors has been working for over 20 years as a goldsmith, but does not do stone setting, for example. This could be different where you are, however. Soldering is done with gas/air, but it's used to 'glue' pieces together or to melt different metals together to make an alloy. A soldering gun will not work, as the heat (flame) must be hot enough to weld pieces together. To put a diamond into a ring requires a setting, like the previous writer explained, so the light can shine through, giving the diamond it's sparkle. Because of it's hardness, diamonds are one of a very few stones that can handle the heat; other stones will break when a flame is put to it. The equipment and materials are expensive, but if you are serious about studying, I would recommend taking a course for hands-on experience. They should provide the larger tools needed, like a laminator, which flattens the metal, benches, drills, gas, etc.as well as tools you need to start out. The school that I am attending provides us with silver and stones, but not all may do that. I hope this has helped!