February 26, 2019 / Resources

Jewelry Making Classes and Workshops

Whether you're a beginner or experienced, these jewelry making schools and instructors will help advance your skills. ...

We have developed great relationships with studio schools that teach jewelry making classes. They offer a range from one day jewelry workshops to multi-week classes, as well as guest instructors.

Looking for a jewelry workshop to enhance your skills and meet other makers? We suggest you check out one of these studio schools to take jewelry making classes in person. Each of these programs offers regular class schedules on technical jewelry skills, as well as masters jewelry workshops. Most have bench rental options or memberships available. Not in the area? Don’t worry! Many of these schools also have extensive online and digital options so you can learn from anywhere in the country. Don't forget to stock up on all the jewelry making supplies you will need with Halstead!

You can also use the Learn To Make Jewelry school directory to find a more complete list of studio schools in your area.

Jewelry Studio Schools

Alloy Metalsmithing Logo

Alloy Metalsmithing Community

Kansas City, MO

https://www.alloymetalsmithing.com/

Alloy Metalsmithing is a community studio offering a variety of jewelry making workshops, private workshops, memberships for bench time, DIY wedding bands, and much more.


Picture of B Golden Jewelry School

B Golden Jewelry School

Salt Lake City, UT

https://bgoldenjewelryschool.com

B Golden Jewelry School has two locations, one in Salt Lake City and one in Austin. They offer jewelry making classes, a jewelry business certification program, and a 6-week metalsmithing program. In addition to their educational offerings, they have a tool store and studio time available for rental. To be eligible for studio time you must have completed 15 hrs of class time.


Picture of Baltimore Jewelry Center

Baltimore Jewelry Center

Baltimore, MD

https://baltimorejewelrycenter.org/

The Baltimore Jewelry Center is an educational nonprofit building a vibrant creative community for the study and practice of metalsmithing and art jewelry. They educate and inspire new and established artists, as well as promote metalsmithing and art jewelry to the general public through exhibitions, community, and educational outreach. They offer bench rental, a number of artist residencies, and work-study options. In addition to their in-person programming, they occasionally offer online jewelry making courses.


CharmTree Jewelry Studio Logo

Charm Tree Jewelry Studio

Stevensville, MD

https://www.charmtreejewelry.com/book-classes-online

Charm Tree Jewelry Studio offers a variety of workshops in fabrication, soldering, bezel setting, metal clay, forming and more. They often invite guest teachers to travel in for workshops. They also offer open studio time and membership plans for those looking to make jewelry and connect with their local community of jewelers.


Danaca Design

Danaca Design

Seattle, WA

https://danacadesigngallery.myshopify.com/

Danaca Design is a small-scale metalworking and jewelry fabrication studio located in the University District of Seattle. They sell artisan jewelry and tools for jewelers and offer a full schedule of classes in the art of decorative metalwork and jewelry design. Their goal is to give every student the opportunity to be productive and creative at their comfort level, to hone skills and gain new abilities, and to grow and experience achievement. Explore the website for a full list of in-person and online jewelry making courses.


Harold Studio

Harold Studio

Phoenix, AZ

https://haroldstudio.com/

Harold Studio offers metalsmithing classes and jewelry workshops, in addition to an extensive line of castings designed and created in-house. They also offer open studio to time to those who have completed the Jewelry 1 and Jewelry 1 Intensive courses.


Ignite Jewelry Studios

Ignite Jewelry Studios

Asheville, NC

https://www.ignitejewelrystudios.com/

Jessica Hall manages Ignite Jewelry Studios to be a space that brings jewelers together. They offer weekly workshops teaching enameling, soldering, and more. In addition, they also have open studio times and resident jeweler space for those looking for long-term studio space. Explore their website for a full list of classes and the details of the studio membership program. 


Jewelry Creations Workshop

Jewelry Creations Workshop

Miami, FL

https://www.jewelrycreationsworkshop.com/

JCW educates individuals in the art of jewelry making in a creative and collaborative workspace. Students, designers, and professionals come together to learn, create, and share. Their studio offers jewelry classes, open studio, and studio membership program with shared or private bench space. Classes are taught by trained professionals, resident instructors, and visiting instructors on a rotating basis to cater to all ability levels and interests. Explore their website for a full list of available classes.


Photo of KP Studios in Phoenix

KP Studio

Phoenix, AZ

https://www.kpstudiophx.com/

KP Studio is a jewelry studio that is committed to enhancing the arts community in Phoenix, AZ. They provide classes, workshops, and a place to work and share ideas. Classes cater to both beginner and experienced jewelry artists. Studio time is available to rent by the hour. They also have a well-rounded offering of online courses. A full Intro to Metalsmithing series is available online, in addition to other courses. Visit their website for both in-person and online jewelry courses.


LjBjewelry Logo

LjBjewelry

West Falmouth, MA

https://ljbjewelryshop.com/pages/metalsmith-classes

Laura Bouton offers a variety of jewelry making resources whether you're a beginner or advanced. She offers metalsmithing classes at the Cotuit Center For The Arts as well as private lessons. She also offers select tutorials on her website for digital downloads.


The Makery

The Makery

Bulverde, TX

https://www.makeryarts.com/

The Makery is located in the historic Old Village of Bulverde, just outside of San Antonio, TX. They regularly host 1-to-5 day workshops in enameling, metal clay, jewelry fabrication, ad more. The Makery has a mission to offer a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where everyone from beginners to professional studio jewelers can pursue their own creative path and learn from some of the most experience creative artists and instructors working today. While they host an extensive list of in-personal workshops, their online offerings are some of the best. All in-person classes have the ability to be live streamed, so you can take them from anywhere! Participants get access to the course recordings for 30 days after the workshop has ended. Check out their website for a full list of classes.


a jeweler using a jewelers saw to cut out a floral design. overhead view

Melissa Muir Metalsmith

Draper, UT

https://melissamuir.com/

Melissa teaches a number of virtual jewelry workshops through her own website and studio schools, such as Metalwerx. She also guest teaches at various studio schools around the country and has started a retreat program in Utah. Private workshops are available in her studio by appointment. Melissa’s YouTube channel is also a wealth of knowledge for those that can’t attend in-person workshops, with videos on various techniques, tools, and studio maintenance.


Metalwerx

Metalwerx

Waltham, MA

https://metalwerx.com/

Metalwerx promotes the art of jewelry and metals through exceptional classes, workshops, studio space, outreach programming and events for professional and personal enrichment within a supportive community of artists and learners. Our innovative school and community studio provide jewelry making instruction on topics ranging from introductory classes to professional level courses, in a well-equipped, supportive, and enthusiastic environment. Weekly classes are cutting edge and varied, and continue for three to ten weeks. Our workshops are geared to both professionals and beginners and run one to five days, or over an intensive weekend.


Michael Sturlin Studio

Michael Sturlin Studio

Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.michaelsturlinstudio.com/

Metalwerx promotes the art of jewelry and metals through exceptional classes, workshops, studio space, outreach programming, and events for professionals and hobbyists alike. Their innovative school and community studio provides jewelry making instruction on topics from introductory courses to professional level courses, and one-, two-, and three-day workshops. Metalwerx is a well-equipped, supported, and enthusiastic learning environment. In addition to in-person courses, private lessons, open studio, studio membership, and more. They also have an extensive selection of online courses for those not in the Boston area. Online options range from one to three-day long courses. Explore their website for a full list of offerings.


peters valley school of craft logo

Peters Valley School of Craft

Layton, NJ

https://petersvalley.org/

Peters Valley is a craft school located in the Delaware Water Gap that offers virtual and in-person programming. Workshops range in skill level from beginner to intermediate and more. They range in length from a few days to longer during the summer workshop season. Lodging and meals are available for summer workshops. Scholarships are available for in-person workshops. The Peters Valley campus also includes a gallery with jewelry, artwork, books and more.


two jewelers sitting at the bench sawing

Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft

Columbia, NC

https://pocosinarts.org/

Pocosin is a craft school in North Carolina offering in-person and virtual workshops for jewelry and other mediums. Their online offering is extensive, with most workshops being 2-3hrs across 2 or 3 days, with a week between each session. This allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it, as well as ask instructors for tips. Most online workshops are open to those with little or no experience. In-person course offerings include weekly adult classes, summer workshops, youth workshops, and more. Summer workshops include housing and meals and scholarships and work study are available.


Salt City Smithery LogoSalt City Smithery

Salt Lake City, UT

https://saltcitysmithery.com/

Salt City Smithery is a studio in South Salt Lake Utah where you can learn how to make jewelry from our experienced instructors. If you already have experience and need to borrow equipment, you can book an open studio. We welcome students, artists, and event groups to come to our studio to make jewelry that you will love forever!


Silver Peak Jewelry Arts Logo

Silver Peak Jewelry Arts

Lafayette, CO

https://silverpeakjewelryarts.com/

Located in Old Town Lafayette, Colorado, they provide small-group metalsmithing, wire-working, and beading jewelry workshops for youth and adults.  With a cap of 6 students per class, their classes taught by experienced jewelers set you up for an optimal learning experience! They also offer one-on-one private metalsmithing lessons and community open studio rentals by the half or full day.


Silverwork Studios

Silverwork Studios

San Rafael, CA (Moving to Sausalito soon!)

https://silverworkstudios.com/

Create a piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours in a guided session, perfect for beginners. Book a session, find your inspiration, choose a stone, and make your own piece of jewelry in a guided studio session. Also available: In-depth bezel making sessions, artisan studio sessions, and repair clinics.


SkyJune LogoSkyJune

Flagstaff, AZ

https://skyjune.com/collections/classes

SkyJune offers both public and private metalsmithing classes as well as open studio nights. Love birds can also make their own wedding jewelry in consultation with Skyler.


Studio JSD

Studio JSD

Grand Haven, MI

https://www.studiojsd.com/

Studio JSD is West Michigan’s premier metalsmithing facility, offering jewelry making classes, tools and supplies, hourly or monthly workshop access, and custom jewelry design. They have a retail space with work from over 30 local artists, as well as rough and polished gemstones. Additionally, you can book one-on-one private lessons to maximize your time at the bench and move to the next level. Visit their website or sign up for their newsletter for more information on classes and gem sales.


Studio PHD Logo

Studio PHD

Martinsville, IN

https://thesterlingbutterfly.com/studio-phd/

At StudioPhD, we believe that jewelry-making is for everyone. Our workshops provide a welcoming and engaging space for participants of all skill levels to learn the art of metalsmithing, wire wrapping, soldering, and other jewelry-making techniques. Explore your creativity and craft something unique with StudioPhD. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artisan, StudioPhD offers hands-on classes designed to inspire creativity and craftsmanship. 

Torch + Kiln Logo

Torch + Kiln

Buckeye, AZ

https://www.torchandkiln.com/

Torch + Kiln is a contemporary craft gallery and jewelry art studio that offers a variety of silversmithing classes and open studio packages. Join a class series to go in depth with jewelry making or sign up for one of their fun event workshop nights. You can also take a small group for a private class.


benches at urban metal studio

Urban Metal Studio Inc.

Mesa, AZ

https://www.urbanmetalstudio.com/

Urban Metal Studio is a shared artist space offering memberships, classes and workspace. Aspiring makers can sign up for guided classes to build their skills. Studio members with experience can utilize the studios and specialty equipment.

Charm Tree Studio

Stevensville, Maryland

https://www.charmtreejewelry.com/

Charm Tree Studio has a variety of classes available for a range of skill levels. The studio is located on Cheseapeake Bay in Stevensville, Maryland. They also offer retreats, membership plans, and youth classes.


Halstead's Preferred Traveling and Online Instructors

Throughout the year, many of the studios above will also invite guest instructors to teach classes. These instructors also have a vast digital learning library. Some of their resources are free while others are paid tutorials and classes. Be sure to check them out and try a class if they're visiting a studio school close to you.

Jeff Fulkerson headshot

Jeff Fulkerson

Jeff occasionally travels to teach courses in person, but has a variety of Jewelry Master Classes available on his website so you can learn his techniques at your own pace.

Kim St. Jean headshot

Kim St. Jean

Kim travels occasionally travels to teach around the country, but you'll find her teaching a wide variety of classes at William Holland Lapidary School.

Debora Mauser headshot

Debora Mauser

Debora Mauser is also a regular instructor at William Holland Lapidary School.

Helen Driggs headshots

Helen Driggs

Helen travels the Bead and Gem show circuit to teach. She also has a list of class descriptions if you're interested in scheduling a class with her.

Richard Salley headshot

Richard Salley

Richard offers a wide variety of online courses for unique and often kinetic pieces of jewelry.

Kate Richbourg headshot

Kate Richbourg

Kate offers a wide variety of beading related tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Melissa Muir in the Halstead Studio

Melissa Muir

Melissa offers a huge library of video tutorials and tips on her YouTube channel, including many videos on how to use some of the most common tools in jewelry making. She also occasionally teaches virtual and in-person demos at events, so keep an eye out for her.

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Tonya Davidson

Tonya is a long time metalsmith and jewelry maker who has been teaching workshops across the country for over a decade. She offers a variety of online classes, including some free options that come with PDFs and resources.

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Francesca Watson

Francesca is the owner of The Makery in Vulverde, TX. In addition to her in-person workshops, Francesca has an online student group where for $15 a month members receive access to incredible projects and resources.

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Corkie Bolton

Corkie is the founder of Metalsmith Society, an online group dedicated to jewelers having a space to share knowledge and learn more about their craft.

Stephanie Chavez

Stephanie specializes in working with metal clay with traditional metalsmithing techniques. She teaches workshops in her home studio in South Jordan, UT as well as traveling around the US and UK.

Chelsea Stone

Chelsea has been making jewelry for over 25 years. She is currently teaching metalsmithing classes at Yavapai College in Prescott, AZ.


Jewelry & Metals Guilds

These guilds often provide education and resources for their members. Check out which ones are close to you and join today!

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Seattle Metals Guild

The Seattle Metals Guild is about learning. It’s about sharing information, building skills and advancing the field of metalsmithing while broadening the horizons of its members. Founded in 1989, we are a non-profit community of jewelers, metalsmiths, artists, makers –practitioners and metals fans of all tempers, gauges, and alloys– who are excited about the traditions and contemporary possibilities of this wonderful art form.

https://www.seattlemetalsguild.org/

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Michigan Silversmiths Guild

The Michigan Silversmiths Guild was founded in 1948. Guild members include craftpersons proficient in the fields of metalsmithing and jewelry, and serves to broaden the knowledge of its members' craft and to facilitate communication with other metalsmiths. The Guild sponsors lectures and workshops by artists and teachers established in their fields. These activities have included lectures and workshops covering box construction, iron working, shell construction, plastics, repousse, titanium, stone setting, casting, etc. The Guild also sponsors juried exhibitions of work produced by members.

https://www.misilversmith.org/

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Society of North American Goldsmiths

SNAG envisions a diverse jewelry and metals community that engages in thoughtful conversation and critical discourse while preserving tradition and embracing innovation

https://snagmetalsmith.org/

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Colorado Metalsmithing Association

Our membership includes jewelers, sculptors, blacksmiths, knifemakers and other professionals interested in supporting the metal arts. We believe that a strong artist community is essential to the development and growth of the metal arts in Colorado. We host all-member and juried shows and bring members together for metalsmithing related events throughout the year. The highlight of our year is the annual conference in July. The conference features nationally and internationally known artists who share their knowledge and experience with us. A selection of those artists will often teach workshops both before and after the conference.

https://www.coloradometalsmiths.org/

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Metal Arts Guild of Georgia

Our Mission is to share the love and craft of metalsmithing and jewlery making with everyone.

https://www.metalartsguildga.org/

undefinedFlorida Society of Goldsmiths

FSG is a guild of makers dedicated to education, the support of metalsmiths and the promotion of the jewelry arts. There are no geographic restrictions to membership or limits to the metals employed. Members work primarily in silver, gold, Argentium, copper, iron and other metals as well as polymer clay and enamels.

https://www.fsgmetalsmiths.org/

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Metal Arts Guild San Francisco

The Metal Arts Guild (MAG) is an independent, all-volunteer-led arts organization of people who are skilled, interested, or share in the production and exhibition of metals. It was founded in 1951 by a small group of artists working in the studio jewelry and metal arts movement during that time. Today, our membership is comprised of professional and emerging artists, educators, students, collectors, hobbyists and writers.

https://www.metalartsguildsf.org/

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Metal Arts Society of Southern California

The Metal Arts Society of Southern California is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, and challenging those who seek excellence in jewelry and metal arts. We provide regular meetings, workshops, exhibitions, teaching opportunities, networking, and open exchange of information. All members are welcome, regardless of physical location

https://massconline.com/

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Houston Metal Arts Guild

The Houston Metal Arts Guild, Inc. is a non-profit organization made up of people with varying interests and involvement in traditional and contemporary jewelry and metal arts. The Guild was founded to provide for the exchange of ideas and information, as well as offer affordable educational opportunities to its members and the public.

https://www.hmag.org/

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Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild

We strive to provide benefits for all members regardless of city, county, state or country of residence. Virtual seminars and recordings are available to all members and include Social Media Skills for Artists, Photography for Metal Art Series, and visiting instructor lecture recordings.

https://www.mbmag.org/

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Midwest Metalsmiths

The Midwest Metalsmiths has lived up to its mission of education throughout its thirty year history. The group has energetically worked to educate its members in the art of metalsmithing through workshops, speakers, and demonstrations. The funds we generate from our workshops and other fundraising are dedicated to the scholarships we give each year to local youth in need and  university level students. We have also worked to educate the public through shows that feature the diversity of artistic expression in metal.

https://www.midwest-metalsmiths.org/

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South Florida Jewelry Arts Guild

Founded in 2005, the South Florida Jewelry Arts Guild is a thriving jewelry arts community which includes artists working in metals, glass, seed beads, metal & polymer clays and others who incorporate both novel materials and techniques in their work. This dynamic group meets monthly for educational presentations, workshops and networking opportunities. Our 100 plus members are from the South Florida tri-county area and beyond.

https://www.sfjag.org/

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Washington Guild of Goldsmiths

The Washington Guild of Goldsmiths is dedicated to furthering knowledge and interest in metalwork and beyond. Whether you’re a jeweler, a creator of holloware, a sculptor, or exploring the exciting realm of alternative materials, we invite you to join our dynamic community. Together, we celebrate the art of adorning the body, the plinth, the wall, and the table. No matter your skill level, we offer a supportive and inspiring environment to exchange ideas, master new techniques, and push the boundaries of your craft.

https://www.washingtonguildofgoldsmiths.com/

Source Your Jewelry Making Supplies From Halstead

Halstead is one of North America's leading distributors of jewelry making supplies. The firm is celebrating its 46th anniversary this year. Halstead specializes in wholesale findings, chain, and metals for jewelry artists.

Written By: Ashley Maldonado
Ashley is the Content & Digital Marketing Specialist at Halstead. She grew up in the Prescott area and holds degrees in Strategic Communications and International Affairs. She and studio dog Mavis enjoy spending as much time as possible in the employee studio at Halstead.
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