How to Choose the Right Jewelry Making Class for Your Skill Level

8 days ago

Written by Brittany Golden

With so many jewelry-making classes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you're not sure what skill level you're at. Here's a simple guide to help you find the right fit.

Complete Beginners

If you've never worked with metal before, start with our Intro to Metalsmithing (silversmithing) class. It covers all the foundational skills: sawing, filing, soldering, and bezel stone setting, in a single session. No experience needed, and you'll have full access to all tools and equipment in our studio.

If you're more interested in stones than metal, our Intro to Lapidary class is a great entry point. You'll cut and polish your own gemstone cabochon from rough material.

Students with Some Experience

Taken a class or two and ready to level up? Try one of our intermediate classes like the Bolo Tie class, Layered Saddle Ring, or Sand Casting. These build on basic metalsmithing (silversmithing) skills and introduce new techniques like rolling mill textures, advanced stone setting, and casting.

Experienced Metalsmiths

If you're comfortable with soldering and basic fabrication, our advanced workshops, like the Lost Wax Casting class, Hand Engraving class, or Next Level Metalsmithing (silversmithing), will push your skills further and introduce techniques that most jewelers never learn.

Let the Photos Help You Decide

Not sure what a class produces? Every class page on our site features real photos of projects made by our students. Browse the photos to get a feel for the style, complexity, and finished results of each class. It's one of the best ways to figure out if a class is the right fit for you.