Best Jewelry Making Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Jewelry Making Courses

What is Jewelry Making?

Jewelry is a universal form of adornment, originally made from shells, stone, and bones in the prehistoric era. It is believed that jewelry was worn as a protection from the dangers of life or as a mark of status or rank, something that continues to this day. Once humans discovered how to work with metals, jewelry developed beyond its rudimentary form, becoming more sophisticated with more intricate decoration.

The evolution of jewelry styles and materials has been ongoing since the dawn of time. Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Chanel, Cartier, and more have become household names in the jewelry industry. They create timeless pieces imbued with romance, whimsy, and sophistication and are sought after by celebrities and high-end clientele. These popular designers are often used as a status symbol and, as such, can be quite costly, so what’s left for the average person passionate about accessorizing? While there are more affordable designers and brands, if you consider yourself a crafty or creative person, there is another option: making your own jewelry.

Handmade bespoke jewelry has become more popular with the rise of ecommerce sites like Etsy. Not only can you sell your one-of-a-kind pieces, but you also get to flex your artistic muscles and experience the satisfaction of making something with your own two hands. If jewelry making is something you’re interested in, keep reading to learn more about classes available near you and online.

Why Learn Jewelry Making?

The first and most important reason to learn jewelry making is because you want to. If you’re passionate about making things by hand and have an eye for fashion, then jewelry making can be a fun and rewarding outlet. There are several other reasons to learn jewelry making as well.

Designing and crafting your own accessories can be a lucrative business, thanks to websites like Etsy and Shopify (and even social media platforms like Instagram). In fact, the global handmade jewelry market was valued at around $29 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $40 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of approximately 6%. Handmade jewelry appeals to a diverse range of consumers, including both men and women of different age groups so your pool of potential customers is anything but shallow. Whether you become a full-time designer for a major brand, develop your own small brand, or sell your unique pieces at markets and festivals, you can make money making bespoke jewelry.

Making jewelry can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Research shows that making things with your hands is great for decreasing stress, relieving anxiety, and improving mental health. Tactile hobbies have also been linked to improved memory and mental clarity, allowing people to age with more dignity and agency. In addition, research confirms that making things with your hands is a large part of finding your flow, and flow is highly correlated with happiness. More and more research is being done about the positive impact of engaging in creative habits, and jewelry making is no exception.

New York City in particular is a great place to learn jewelry making. The city is home to the most fashion designer and fashion retailer headquarters in the United States. The fashion industry employs 180,000 people, making up 6% of the city’s workforce and generating $10.9 billion in total wages. With an estimated 900 fashion companies headquartered in New York City, along with more than 75 major fashion trade shows and thousands of showrooms, the city is ripe with fashion-focused residents and communities, always searching for the next best thing.

What You’ll Learn in a Jewelry Making Class?

What you’ll learn in a jewelry making class is dependent on the type of class you choose. Because there are so many ways to make jewelry (metalsmithing, beading, braiding, resin, and more), each class’s curriculum will differ according to the materials and techniques covered. Typically, you’ll cover the basics: how to design and fabricate (sawing, forming, texturing, soldering, polishing) and basic stone setting. Your class will also provide a basic rundown of your materials and their pros and cons, what tools work best with which mediums, and how best to handle and maintain your pieces.

Regardless of which class you choose or style of jewelry you learn to make, attending a class for jewelry making is the most efficient way to learn the trade in the quickest amount of time. Plus, you’ll be able to work with an expert and interact with fellow artisans, offering a chance to make friends and form a community with other local artists.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Jewelry Making?

There is no standard educational requirement for jewelry making, which means there isn’t a set amount of time it takes to learn. Your speed will depend entirely upon your previous experience, what kind of class you attend (in-person, online, a short workshop, or a longer intensive program, etc), and how passionate and focused you are. Generally, most students can master the art of jewelry making to a professional level within a year (especially if they’re working as an apprentice and gaining on-the-job training).

If you want to master jewelry making at the hobby level, this will take less time. Once you’ve decided on what type of jewelry you would like to learn to make, you can typically learn the basics in just a few weeks. Once you’ve gotten a grasp on the fundamental principles and techniques, you can spend a few more weeks fine-tuning your skills while experimenting with design. If you have a predisposition for artistic skills, then you may be able to learn even more quickly. One popular approach is to set aside parts of your day or week regularly to pursue your new goal. The short intervals between sessions will keep you ‘in shape.’ Think of it as a medium amount of energy spent over a long period, just like running a marathon.

What are the Advantages of Taking a Jewelry Making Class?

This article has already discussed some of the benefits of learning to make jewelry. According to Art Business News, there is a connection between sensory experiences, like jewelry making, and improvement in mental health. Artistic endeavors allow you to be happier and more involved in the global community. Through getting involved in artistic programs, people in all stages of life can build their social connections and extend existing support in their communities, alleviating loneliness and isolation. Plus, creative hobbies allow you to make mistakes in a safe environment, help relieve tension, and feed the creative part of your brain.

From a career perspective, exploring your creative side can teach you how to find creative solutions to problems and offer you a new perspective within your field. Embracing creativity can make you a more adaptable, flexible professional, which is highly desired by employers across a variety of industries. Plus, adults can benefit from improved decision-making skills and self-confidence. Learning a new trade like jewelry making forces the adult brain to stay sharp. Artistic study is an art therapy and creative pursuits can help you combat stress by providing emotional awareness and relaxation, valuable self-regulation tools for the working professional.

Fun is also a valuable advantage to learning. So much of daily life is dedicated to accomplishing tasks, checking off to-do lists, and managing schedules. Exploring a new creative outlet can encourage your playful side, and allow you to enjoy your time by connecting with others and creating something simply because you can. According to Psych Central, playing is just as important for adults as it is for children. With all the previously listed benefits of learning jewelry making, it isn’t hard to see why.

Best Jewelry Making Classes in NYC

The 92nd Street Y offers Jewelry I, an entry-level course that teaches the art of jewelry fabrication. This immersive, hands-on class shows you the techniques of metalsmithing like sawing, forming, texturing, soldering, polishing, and basic stone setting. You’ll work on three projects: a band ring or cuff that is textured or pierced, a bezel setting for a cabochon stone that can be on a ring or pendant, and a simple prong setting for a cabochon. At the end of this course, you’ll walk away with three original pieces that you can wear with pride or give to a friend.

You could also enroll in Polymer Clay Jewelry at the 92nd Street Y. You can flex your creative muscles with this exciting and versatile art material – polymer – that can be used for jewelry making, sculpture, home decorations, and more. You won’t need expensive tools or kilns -- just a convection oven and items you have at home. With the help of an expert instructor, you’ll learn all the techniques and tricks needed to make handcrafted accessories that are just your style.

EatMetal Inc.’s DIY Workshop Wire Wrap Earrings will guide you through making simple wire forms from sterling silver round wire. Once you’ve created your forms, you’ll bedazzle your designs with semi-precious beads. All tools and materials are provided in this class, so all you need to do is show up ready to learn.

EatMetal also offers DIY Workshop Hamsa where you’ll make a unique hamsa necklace. You’ll start by selecting your materials and then learn to texture by embossing metal in rolling mill. You’ll also master forming, sawing, soldering, cleaning, and finishing. All tools and materials are included in the cost of the class and you’ll get to bring home the bling once the workshop has finished.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to make jewelry from an actual designer, then check out One Day Jewelry Making with Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School. Under the guidance of an expert, you will make a small ring set with a stunning diamond. You’ll also have the option to engrave your initials and a date to add extra meaning to your piece.

For those seeking a formal education with the end goal of becoming a professional jeweler, Studio Jewelers Ltd. offers Comprehensive Jewelry Training (Short Format) that is aimed at those who plan to enter the jewelry trade. Students are taught in small groups in four major areas of study: fundamental jewelry techniques, stone setting, wax modeling and casting/molds, and decorative processes. Located in midtown Manhattan, the school’s facilities are expertly equipped with individual benches, each with a flexible shaft. Other equipment includes casting and polishing machines, soldering stations, kilns, and cleaning machinery. The studio space is also handicapped accessible, with toilet facilities to accommodate wheelchairs. No previous experience is needed, so all are welcome to enroll.

Live Online Jewelry Making Classes

EatMetal, Inc. offers Hammered Earrings (Virtual Private), which will teach you the art of creating stunning hammered earrings. Held live via Zoom, you’ll learn to make a jump ring, forge, solder, and make findings for the earring and finishing. The class will also cover materials and techniques. Additionally, there will be an open forum for students to ask questions and receive answers from the instructor. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a link to the Zoom meeting via email that will give you access to the live demonstration.

Wax Carving (All Levels) at the 92nd Street Y is another available option. Combining beginners with advanced learners in a mutually supportive environment, you will develop your carving skills through demonstrations and personalized instruction. Students are responsible for sourcing their own supplies but a list is provided before class to help you prepare.

Littleton Studio School’s Jewelry Making Essentials is comprised of 35 on-demand lessons that will teach you to make accessories with silver and other metals. You’ll learn about jewelry making tools, tool safety, and how to create your own jewelry artist's studio. You’ll also learn how to set up and use an acetylene and air torch for soldering while mastering techniques such as forming, cutting, texturing, buffing, and polishing. You’ll complete four fun projects including your own beautiful ring, pendant, earrings, and bracelet.

New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD) offers an Online Jewelry Design Course that covers everything from the basics to advanced skills. You’ll learn about layout patterns, string beads, jump rings, French wire transitions, Danish clusters, and knotted necklaces. Through demonstrations by professional jewelers, you’ll learn the key strategies of jewelry display that will enhance your work while developing an understanding of the importance of color, balance, volume, emphasis, line, and texture when creating jewelry pieces. Students enrolled in this course have 24/7 access to expertly prepared online materials, one-to-one feedback from a professional jewelry designer, a team of advisors at your disposal, and up to 18 months to complete your course.

Emilie Shapiro Jewelry’s Flower Pendant Wax Carving Class is a quick on-demand crash course in jewelry making. Students will learn how to create a flower pendant out of wax to be cast into metal, thanks to an in-depth demonstration. Using the subtractive technique, you’ll master how to select the wax material, transfer an image, and accurately cut out your design. You’ll also go over how to refine your design and create fine details like adding granulation details and making and attaching jump rings. You can pay for and attend individual classes at Emilie’s virtual studio or you can enroll in a monthly or yearly membership, giving you access to countless classes.

If you’re considering becoming a professional jeweler, Silvera’s Jewelry School’s Starting Your Jewelry Business: Pricing, Brand, and Marketing could be a great fit. Divided into four parts, you’ll study topics like time management, pricing, and logo, image, and brand development. You’ll also master the basics of marketing, avenues for selling your work, how to write an artist statement, resumé and bio, professional packaging and display, resources to help your business grow, and contracts and policies. By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to transition from a hobby jewelry maker to a full-time professional designer.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers a Jewelry Design Certificate designed to prepare you for a career in jewelry making. You’ll learn to develop sources of inspiration, understand jewelry design theory and artistry, and illustrate the shape, form, and texture of metal. Throughout this class, you’ll also cover rendering faceted gems, pearls, and colored metals, as well as traditional drafting techniques and how to develop motifs to create sketches of jewelry objects. After this course, you will have a hand-developed portfolio of your work and a digital copy to show prospective employers and clients.

The Metal Finishing and Stone Setting Course at Katie Flinn Design is prerecorded so that you can complete it at your own pace. Through demonstration and lecture, you’ll learn how to turn your fresh metal casts into finished pieces of jewelry that are ready to wear and sell. Topics covered include despruing, filing, ring sizing, stone setting (bezels), stone setting (claws), polishing prep, and polishing and cleaning. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to craft your own bespoke accessories from metal and stone that you can either wear or sell.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers a continuing education program called Jewelry Making and Design that awards students with a certificate upon completion. Combining technical skills with creative and conceptual thinking, this certificate provides a solid foundation for designing and making jewelry, wearables, and accessories. You’ll be introduced to the critical skills of drawing, rendering, and design in preparation for working three-dimensionally. You’ll also be tasked with assignments and opportunities that explore the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of the craft, encouraging you to develop your aesthetic approach that’s compelling and original. Additionally, you will be guided, step by step, on how best to construct your jewelry studio so you can create your pieces with ease.

The Wild Tide’s Online Metalsmithing Workshop will have you learning under the wing of founder and artist, Amanda Gordon. Each student will receive a customized kit and 1:1 sessions (available in-person and on Zoom) that are tailored to your project. You will learn to create precious objects, jewelry, and artifacts with metal and fire thanks to step-by-step techniques that will allow you to continue to build your craft independently. You’ll learn how to create jewelry, including how to bezel set precious gems and stones, saw out neckpieces and pendants, solder rings, or rework heirlooms & broken jewelry. No experience is required for this course so everyone from the novice to the expert is welcome to join.

NYC Jewelry Making Courses by School

Here are some of the top NYC schools offering Jewelry Making training, including 92nd Street Y (47 courses), EatMetal, Inc. (26 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
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
Alzerina Jewelry

NYC location: 225 E 95th St, New York, New York

Alzerina Jewelry is a jewelry design studio and school in New York City that offers classes on several topics, including jewelry making, metalsmithing, and beading. Their unique approach to jewelry design combines traditional techniques with modern design. Alzerina Jewelry also offers a variety of workshops and events, such as jewelry making demonstrations and trunk shows.
- Jewelry Making - Silver Package
  - 1 Hour
  - $90
Liloveve

NYC location: 457 Grand St, Brooklyn, New York

Liloveve is a jewelry studio located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The studio offers a variety of classes and workshops in the art of jewelry making, from beginner to advanced levels. Classes are taught by experienced jewelry artists, and the studio provides all of the tools and materials needed for class.
- Ring Making Intensive
  - 3 Hours
  - $180
- Water Casting
  - See provider
  - $260
Hudson River Maritime Museum

NYC location: 50 Rondout Landing, New York, New York

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is a place to explore New York's rich maritime history. They offer a variety of courses, from archaeology to maritime trading and navigation to local history. There are programs for every age from children to adults for people to work hands-on with historic artifacts.
- Wood and Resin Jewelry Making
  - 12 Hours
  - $220

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Key Insights

Learn More About NYC 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 in NYC

Live Online Jewelry Making Classes

NYC 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)

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)

Alzerina Jewelry

Jewelry Making - Silver Package

Liloveve

Ring Making Intensive

Water Casting

Hudson River Maritime Museum

Wood and Resin Jewelry Making

NYC Jewelry Making Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Jewelry Making Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Jewelry Making
Corporate & Onsite Training