Best Jewelry Making Classes Near Me: Find In-Person & Virtual Training

Learn More About Jewelry Making Courses

What is Jewelry Making?

Jewelry making includes the design and creation of rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Jewelry making is a multi-step process that includes designing the piece, choosing materials like metals and gemstones, creating components, assembling the piece, and adding final touches.

This hobby ranges from affordable to expensive, depending on the type of jewelry you choose to make. When making jewelry, you’ll need to buy materials that can range from basic items like metal wires and beads to high-quality materials such as precious metals and gemstones. Basic tools such as pliers and wire cutters range on the affordable side, while more advanced tools like soldering equipment and gemstone setting tools can cost quite a bit. Additional supplies that jewelry makers use include beads, polishing compounds, and patinas. If you want to learn jewelry making, start small. Find a basic toolkit and inexpensive materials to practice with.

Jewelry making is an old craft, spanning back thousands of years. During the prehistoric era, early humans used shells, bones, and stones to make simple pieces that they adorned as a sign of status, to invoke protection, or for ritualistic purposes. In Ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE, historians note the popularity of elaborate and symbolic jewelry made of gold and semi-precious stones. Jewelry held similar significance in Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Jewelry from the Renaissance, the Baroque and Rococo periods, the 19th century (especially the Victorian era and the Art Nouveau period), and the 20th century show notable changes in the techniques and materials used to craft them.

Modern jewelry takes an avant-garde approach, incorporating unconventional materials and experimenting with techniques. Technology has influenced contemporary jewelry making in a variety of ways, including through the introduction of 3D printing. As cultural and environmental concerns grow among the younger population, some jewelry makers have adopted a sustainable approach to the craft, committing themselves to ethically sourcing materials. Finally, contemporary jewelry making reflects a focus on personal expression with an unwavering popularity in customized and personalized jewelry.

Why Learn Jewelry Making?

Knowing how to make jewelry can prove useful in several ways. First, handmade jewelry makes for a nice gift for a loved one. Instead of buying someone a gift online or at a store, you can work on a hand-crafted item to give them that shows the time and thought that went into their gift. You can also sell your creations online or at local craft fairs as a means to generate some income on the side. Many people love purchasing handmade jewelry, especially if they can customize it or personalize it in some way.

Jewelry making provides therapeutic value. Crafting something with your hands can help you clear your mind and relax. Individuals who turn to jewelry making as a hobby often find that the attention they put into creating their pieces distracts them from problems they’re facing in their personal lives. This hobby is great if you’re looking to unwind and focus on creating something for yourself or others.

Enrolling in a jewelry making class is a good way to make friends and build a sense of community with people who have similar interests and passions. You can also attend a class to get inspiration and learn from others who may have more advanced skills than you do. If you’re looking for a community to join but don’t want to take a class, you can also seek out hobbyists at local craft fairs.

What You’ll Learn in a Jewelry Making Class?

You’ll learn a variety of skills and techniques in a jewelry making class that will help you create beautiful pieces to wear, from earrings to bracelets to necklaces. The specific skills and techniques you learn depend on the type of class you attend. You can find classes focused on creating specific types of jewelry or using specific materials, like beads or metal. In these classes, you’ll learn skills and techniques to make the type of jewelry the class covers or manipulate and use the materials the class centers on. Despite the differences between jewelry making classes, you can also find similarities in classes, including crossover skills.

When you begin taking jewelry making classes, you’ll need to learn the basics. Basic techniques include wire wrapping, bead stringing, and basic metalwork. You’ll also learn how to use tools that the type of jewelry you’re making requires. Other skills covered in beginner-level classes are making simple loops, attaching findings, and using pliers. Not all jewelry uses metal, but it is common to wear jewelry that does. As such, a lot of hobbyists learn metalworking so that they can make jewelry that requires it. Metalworking classes will start with beginner-level skills, including tool safety, and some classes cover soldering, casting, and finishing.

To ensure that you can create a piece of jewelry that you love and deem worth wearing, jewelry making classes will cover design principles. You’ll learn how to plan and sketch your designs first. From there, you may learn basic color theory to help you understand how to balance colors. You’ll also need to know about balancing shapes so that the pieces you create look good and make sense.

How Long Will it Take to Learn Jewelry Making?

The time it takes you to learn jewelry making depends on your method of learning and how much time you can dedicate to learning. Taking jewelry making classes is one of the most efficient ways of learning. The more time you can spend learning, whether it’s by progressing through beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes or practicing at home, the faster skills will come to you. Learning basic jewelry making skills typically lasts a few weeks to a few months. Intermediate-level skills can take around six months to one year, depending on the type of jewelry you’re making, and advanced-level skills take a year to several years to develop. The types of jewelry you can make are limitless, so jewelry making is a craft that you’ll continuously learn as you continue with it.

Some people choose to learn jewelry making on their own. This method typically takes longer than learning in a classroom or studio setting because of the additional work that you need to put in. Individuals who choose to learn on their own need to first figure out what resources they can rely on. This may include watching tutorials, reading books, and researching through forums. They must also research the materials they’ll need and potentially compare costs if they have set themselves to a budget. Self-teaching also requires one to carefully read up on safety measures and follow them closely. Working by yourself can prove far more dangerous than working in a controlled studio setting where an instructor can check that you’re working safely. If you would prefer to teach yourself jewelry making rather than take a class, make sure to find credible resources and understand that this method of learning may take more time and patience than a class would.

What are the Advantages of Taking a Jewelry Making Class?

Interested in the benefits of enrolling in a jewelry making class? Guided learning, like the type you’ll receive in a jewelry making class, is a useful way to quickly and efficiently learn a new skill. Experienced instructors lead classes that tend to cater to small groups. Most instructors demo skills to students before guiding them through the process step by step. Aside from clear guidance, you can also expect to receive feedback during a live class. Your instructor can help you understand mistakes you might make and provide constructive criticism about your work. If you’d like to develop advanced-level skills, an instructor can also guide you in the right direction by providing you with resources, telling you what skills you should work on next, or working with you to figure out what area of making jewelry interests you the most.

Attending a jewelry making class also provides you with a relatively risk-free way to find out if you want to continue with the hobby. Depending on the materials you use, jewelry making can be expensive. A jewelry making class will either provide you with materials or give you a clear supply list. Rather than potentially wasting money buying the wrong things, a jewelry making class will steer you in the right direction. Additionally, instead of spending too much money on materials for a hobby you end up not enjoying, you can use a class as a test run to figure out if you want to continue learning.

If you want to meet new people, particularly ones with similar interests, you can likely do so at a jewelry making class. Most classes last about one to three hours, giving you ample time to meet your classmates and make new friends. Hobbyists often form a community around themselves where they can discuss their shared interests. Attending jewelry making classes is the first step to meeting new people with the same interests as you.

Learning to make jewelry by teaching yourself is possible, but can be difficult. When learning on your own, it helps to rely on video tutorials and books that go in-depth on techniques. When learning from an instructor, you’re usually guaranteed to learn all the necessary foundational skills. However, when you learn on your own, you must depend on the sources that you can find. Not every source will provide easy-to-follow instructions that you can replicate after reading. Attending an art class will provide well-rounded lessons to ensure that you’re doing things correctly. Attending an instructor-led class will also ensure you’re following all possible safety measures before working with dangerous tools or materials.

Best Jewelry Making Classes

You can find an in-person jewelry making class in your area held on weekdays, weeknights, or on weekends. In-person classes typically last somewhere between one to three hours and may take place over several sessions. In-person classes follow a schedule and require you to commute, so it’s important to find a class that not only meets your learning goals but also one that you can find the time to attend. It’s easier to find jewelry making classes if you live in a metropolitan city, but many smaller cities and towns have studios and recreational centers that host classes too.

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow hosts a class for all skill levels called The Art of Metalsmithing. This five-session course includes lessons in the essential fabrication techniques for working with metals like gold, sterling silver, copper, nickel, and brass as students work on designing and creating handmade jewelry. Students will first learn basic design drawing as well as how to develop concepts for creating jewelry pieces and collections. They’ll become familiar with the studio, tools, and equipment as they endeavor to create their own jewelry designs. Students will practice a wide variety of techniques in class, such as filing, soldering, sanding, and stone setting. After the class has finished, students will take home their creations and receive a certificate of completion.

The 92ndm Street Y hosts an Intro to Precious Metal Clay course for students interested in learning how to work with malleable precious metal clay. Jewelry makers can easily shape, texture, and carve this versatile material, making it an ideal material for beginners to use. In this course, students will learn how to take precious metal clay and turn it into beautiful fine silver jewelry. No prior experience is required to enroll in the course. Tools and supplies, including 15 grams of silver clay, are included in the cost of the class, with extra clay and jewelry findings available for purchase at the end of the class.

Attend Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School’s One Day Jewelry Making class in NYC and learn how to create a diamond ring. For three hours, students will work under the guidance of an instructor to create a small ring and set a diamond. They also can engrave their initials and a date into the ring. The course is ideal for students who want to make a handmade gift and expose themselves to jewelry production. Pricing for the courses varies based on the material students choose to work with when making their ring: sterling silver or brass, 14k gold, or 18k gold.

Students in Brooklyn can enroll in Alzerina Jewelry’s Jewelry Making - Silver Package class. During the one-hour course, students will receive an introduction to wire beading, wire looping, wire wrapping, and basic jewelry constructions. The skills taught in this class will help students work on a beading project and prepare to create stunning works in the future. Alzerina Jewelry provides students with all materials and tools for no additional fee.

In Montrose, California, Jewel City Beads hosts a beginner-level class, Basic Beading. Students will spend two hours learning how to start and finish a beading project. They’ll have the chance to choose to work on a necklace or bracelet using a variety of beads based on the design that they come up with. All skill levels are welcome.

The Richmond Art Center, in Richmond, California, offers Wax Working & Rubber Mold Making for Jewelry Casting, a six-session class that shows students how to create jewelry casts using wax positives and rubber molds. Students will also learn to use tools like a vulcanizer to create precise molds. This course welcomes students of all skill levels, but it is ideal for students with some jewelry making experience who want to learn how to enhance their designs. In addition to the course fee, students must also pay a $25 materials fee which covers project materials and consumables along with a $20 studio fee that covers equipment, tools, and studio consumables.

The Evanston Art Center, located in Evanston, Illinois, hosts a basic jewelry making class for beginners. Students interested in learning how to make jewelry can attend this 12-session class and learn all the essential techniques for crafting their own original pieces. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, students will learn basic jewelry fabrication skills, like soldering, sawing, polishing, and stone setting.

Wear Ever Jewelry Studio School hosts a drop-in Jewelry Technique class for beginners at their Alexandria location. For three hours, students can come in and learn essential metalsmithing techniques such as soldering and forming. The drop-in class takes place in the evenings, ideal for students who would like to learn the basics or even slightly more advanced students who would like to use the time to finish up a project. Students must wear appropriate safety gear while working in the school.

If you’re interested in other in-person jewelry making courses offered on the CourseHorse website, check out their private group event option. If you and your friends want to take a jewelry making class together, you can inquire with CourseHorse about booking the class you want to take for a group. All you need to do is submit a request form on the website letting them know your group size, special requests, and dates and times that you’re interested in. CourseHorse also offers course gift cards. With this option, you can select from their thousands of courses to send as a gift card to someone. Courses sent as a gift card have no expiration and include instant delivery.

Live Online Jewelry Making Classes

You can find jewelry making classes available to you at a variety of schools and studios, but if you’re more interested in online lessons, you can find several live online jewelry making classes available to you on CourseHorse. Live online classes eliminate the need to commute to a physical studio or school and let you learn from the comfort of your home. This makes them a more flexible learning option than in-person classes. Live online classes usually take place over Zoom or another web conferring platform. Some live online classes require you to purchase materials in advance, while other classes mail you a kit with most or all materials that you will need for class.

Eatmetal, Inc. hosts, Hammered Earring, a live online jewelry making course centered on creating earrings. During the five-hour class, students will watch a live demonstration over Zoom before gaining hands-on experience in forging, soldering, and finishing techniques. Students will finish the class with an open forum where they can ask their instructor questions.

The 92nd Street Y holds live online classes in addition to in-person classes. Over four sessions, students enrolled in their Polymer Clay Jewelry class can learn how to use the fine plastic modeling compound to explore the possibilities of making jewelry with the material. Supplies required for the course include a pasta machine, a working surface, blades for cutting clay, and PREMO polymer clay in black, white, and various other colors.

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow’s Jewelry Making Wax Addition Technique course is a multi-session class where students learn how to design, fabricate, and build jewelry from home. Lessons cover basic techniques like shaping, building, folding, welding, and twisting. In this class, students work with wax and learn how to manipulate the material to make rings, pendants, studs, hoops, coins, and a bezel setting. After the class has finished, students can take their pieces to cast in sterling silver or brass. Students with a continued interest in learning the art of jewelry making can enroll in the NYC Jewelry Lab’s in-person metalsmithing course.

Want to explore other jewelry making classes available to you? You can explore jewelry making classes on the CourseHorse website, including classes not currently offered that schools may offer again in the future. You can explore classes offered in your area and live online with CourseHorse. If a class catches your interest but is not currently available, you can regularly visit the CourseHorse website or contact CourseHorse to explore other classes that may interest you.

If you’re interested in exploring other arts and crafts classes, CourseHorse also offers private virtual art classes for groups and team building. These private classes are ideal for companies looking to develop strong team relationships while also offering their employees a fun way to get to know each other. Contact CourseHorse to find out about the private classes they’re currently offering.

Jewelry Making Courses by School

Here are some of the top schools offering Jewelry Making training, including 92nd Street Y (48 courses), EatMetal, Inc. (27 courses), and Bushwick Jewelry Casting (11 courses).

92nd Street Y

NYC location: 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York

92Y is a world-class cultural and community center in New York City. Founded in 1874, it is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and offers a wide range of classes and programs in the arts, entertainment, and conversation. With over 4,000 classes and programs each year taught by some of the most talented professionals in the world, 92Y is a great place to learn new skills, meet new people, and explore your interests. It is a non-profit organization committed to enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Intro to Silversmithing
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $335
- Introduction to Enamel and Jewelry
  - 6 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $340
- Beaded Jewelry Independent Study (Int/Adv)
  - 5 Weeks, 2 hr/wk
  - $285
- Jewelry II (Intermediate)
  - 17 Hours, 2 hr/wk
  - $380
NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow

NYC location: 1027 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow is a jewelry school in New York City that offers a variety of classes and workshops for beginners and experienced jewelry makers. Their classes are taught by Carolina Iwanow, a talented jeweler with over 20 years of experience. NYC Jewelry Lab is committed to providing high-quality jewelry education in a fun and supportive environment.
- The Art of Metalsmithing by Carolina Iwanow
  - 20 Hours, 4 hr/wk
  - $375
- The Art of Metalsmithing Jewelry Design - All Levels
  - 5 Weeks, 4 hr/wk
  - $375
Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School

NYC location: 319 E9th street, New York, New York

Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School is a private jewelry school located in the East Village of New York City. The school offers semi-private classes with a small number of students per class, allowing for personalized instruction. Classes are taught by Ayaka Nishi, a jewelry artist with over 20 years of experience. The school offers a variety of classes, including beginner's courses, wax carving courses, and free production classes.
- Jewelry Making Continuing Course
  - 12 Hours
  - $380
- One Day Jewelry Making (DIY Diamond Ring)
  - 3 Hours
  - $185
The Benlolo Studio

NYC location: 347 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York

The Benlolo Studio is a jewelry studio that offers jewelry-making classes in New York City. They emphasize both jewelry design and production so students can become confident jewelers at every stage of the process. Classes are offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels so anyone can learn something new.
- Jewelry Design/Making (6 Weeks Beginner & Intermediate)
  - 6 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $660
- Jewelry Design/Making (4 Weeks Beginner & Intermediate)
  - 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $465
Chicago Botanic Garden
Locations:
- Chicago
- Live Online
Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre botanical garden in Glencoe, Illinois. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States and offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages. The garden also has several research facilities and is dedicated to the conservation of plants.
- Basic Jewelry Techniques
  - 8 Hours
  - $162
Evanston Art Center

Chicago location: 1717 Central Street, Evanston, Illinios

Evanston Art Center is a non-profit art school and community center in Evanston, Illinois. They offer a variety of classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as exhibitions, performances, and other events. Evanston Art Center is committed to providing affordable art education and experiences to the community.
- Enameling: Glass on Metal
  - 36 Hours
  - $470
- Beginning / Intermediate Jewelry
  - 36 Hours
  - $470
- Beginning Jewelry (Ages 16+)
  - 36 Hours
  - $470
Jewelryclassdc LLC

Washington, D.C. location: 1502 Massachusetts Ave, Washington, DC

Jewelryclassdc is a jewelry-making school in Washington, D.C. for students at all levels. They offer classes on metalsmithing, beadwork, and wire jewelry, all of which are led by passionate, experienced instructors.
- Metals I
  - 8 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $645
- Metals II
  - 8 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $645
EatMetal, Inc.

NYC location: 720 Monroe St, Hoboken, New Jersey

EatMetal, Inc. is a metalsmithing school in New York City that offers classes for all levels. They are known for their unique approach to metalsmithing, which combines traditional techniques with modern design. EatMetal, Inc. also hosts events such as jewelry making demonstrations and trunk shows.
- DIY Contemporary Cuff
  - 2 Hours
  - $250
- DIY Everyday Earrings
  - 2 Hours
  - $120
- DIY Textured Sterling Silver Rings
  - 2 Hours
  - $380
- DIY Threader Earrings
  - 5 Hours
  - $140
Jewelry Arts Inc

NYC location: 22 E 49th Street, New York, New York

Jewelry Arts Inc. is a New York City-based art school that offers a variety of classes and workshops on jewelry design and metalsmithing. Their classes are taught by experienced jewelers who create a fun and supportive environment where students can learn new skills and explore their creativity. Jewelry Arts Inc. is a great way to learn about jewelry making or to improve your skills in this area.
- Studies in Ancient Gold Course
  - 70 Hours
  - $2,260
- Jewelry Making: Summer Semester
  - 24 Hours, 3 hr/wk
  - $850
- Enameling Intensive with Valerie Blum
  - 24 Hours
  - $850
Bushwick Jewelry Casting

NYC location: 327 Irving Ave, Brooklyn, New York

Bushwick Jewelry Casting is a jewelry casting studio in Bushwick, Brooklyn that offers a variety of classes and workshops on the lost wax casting process. They are known for their unique approach to casting, which combines traditional techniques with modern technology. Bushwick Jewelry Casting also offers several services such as custom casting and repair.
- Intro to Jewelry Casting
  - 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $360
- Grillz
  - 2 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $400
- 3D Jewelry Design, Printing and Casting
  - 4 Weeks, 3 hr/wk
  - $410
- Soldering (Beginner)
  - 3 Hours
  - $135

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Learn Jewelry Making

Learn More About Jewelry Making Courses

What is Jewelry Making?

Why Learn Jewelry Making?

What You’ll Learn in a Jewelry Making Class?

How Long Will it Take to Learn Jewelry Making?

What are the Advantages of Taking a Jewelry Making Class?

Best Jewelry Making Classes

Live Online Jewelry Making Classes

Jewelry Making Courses by School

92nd Street Y

Intro to Silversmithing

Introduction to Enamel and Jewelry

Beaded Jewelry Independent Study (Int/Adv)

Jewelry II (Intermediate)

NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow

The Art of Metalsmithing by Carolina Iwanow

The Art of Metalsmithing Jewelry Design - All Levels

Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School

Jewelry Making Continuing Course

One Day Jewelry Making (DIY Diamond Ring)

The Benlolo Studio

Jewelry Design/Making (6 Weeks Beginner & Intermediate)

Jewelry Design/Making (4 Weeks Beginner & Intermediate)

Chicago Botanic Garden

Basic Jewelry Techniques

Evanston Art Center

Enameling: Glass on Metal

Beginning / Intermediate Jewelry

Beginning Jewelry (Ages 16+)

Jewelryclassdc LLC

Metals I

Metals II

EatMetal, Inc.

DIY Contemporary Cuff

DIY Everyday Earrings

DIY Textured Sterling Silver Rings

DIY Threader Earrings

Jewelry Arts Inc

Studies in Ancient Gold Course

Jewelry Making: Summer Semester

Enameling Intensive with Valerie Blum

Bushwick Jewelry Casting

Intro to Jewelry Casting

Grillz

3D Jewelry Design, Printing and Casting

Soldering (Beginner)

Jewelry Making Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Jewelry Making Training Map & Top Locations

65 Courses Available in NYC

4 Courses Available in Chicago

1 Course Available in Los Angeles

Jewelry Making Topics

Bead

Ring Making

Enamel

Jewelry Making
Corporate & Onsite Training