• Domed earrings

• Bezel pendant

BB-102 Intermediate Jewelry Making................................................................................ 1 week

After completing BB-101 (Basic Jewelry Making) or acquiring instructor’s approval, students will build on the skills introduced in the Basic Jewelry Making course. Students will complete more complex projects that emphasize refining stone setting and finishing techniques. In this class, students will learn the basic techniques for setting stones, including cutting and shaping prongs and setting stones in bezel settings.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Tool making and modification

• Stone setting: prongs and bezel

• Jewelry component assembly

• Soldering, welding and fusing

• Satin, sandblasting and other textures

• Forging

Projects

• Pierced and textured pin/pendant

• Prong-set ring

BB-103 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Drilling, Saw Piercing and Detailing

In this class, students concentrate on the techniques of drilling, saw piercing, and detailing metal jewelry components. Emphasis is placed on detailed filigree style piercing, cutting metal to accurate dimensions and giving these components a crisp clean surface.

The student should have a basic understanding of bench tools and their functions. Some basic torch techniques will also be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Multi textures

• Piercing fitted pieces

• Micro polishing techniques

• Hairline graver detailing

• Basic hand engraved details

Projects

• Pierced earrings

• Ring band with multiple finishes

• Pierced and burnished ring

BB-104 Cold Connections and Forging ............................................................................... 1 week

Students will learn the principles of mechanical bonding using rivets, pins, and screws, which allows jewelers to create a variety of pieces using non-traditional materials. While soldering and annealing techniques with a torch are also used in metal preparation and covered in this course, this class is recommended for those artisans who do not use a torch. Stone setting and some gemstone material inlay techniques will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $25

Skills Taught

• Torch annealing

• Piercing and filing techniques

• Rivets, pins, and screws

• Hinges and folds

• Hammering and bending techniques

Projects

• Rivet ring

• Framed brooch with screw and rivets

• Cold-forged bracelet

• Forged hoop earrings

FAB-101 Basic Jewelry Fabrication............................................ 1 week (2 weeks in long course)

After building a foundation from one or more of the Basic Bench (BB-101 to BB-104) courses, the student will learn methods for fabricating jewelry from a variety of components. Cutting, soldering, welding, and metal forming will be taught. This course is designed for the individual who aspires to be a bench jeweler.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Foundation tool and bench skills

• Tool prep and modification

• Filing and fitting components

• Measurement and layout

• Soldering and welding

• Basic stone setting

• Soldering different metals together

• Multiple step-soldering

Projects

• Basic box clasp

• Fabricating a locket

• Fabricating a head

• Various fabrication challenges

FAB-102 Ring Fabrication............................................................ 1 week (2 weeks in long course)

This course builds on the techniques taught in Basic Jewelry Fabrication and applies them to the structure of rings, both in accuracy of sizing and setting of stones. Filing pieces for a tight fit and more precise solder techniques are employed here. Some settings will be fabricated.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $100


Skills Taught

• Measurements and tolerances

• Use of heat syncs and resists

• Sizing and measuring the customer

Projects

• Fabricating cathedral ring

• Fabricating split-shank ring

• Fabricating hollow gypsy ring

FAB-103 Jewelry Component Fabrication......................................................................... 1 week
Fabricating findings, heads, channel settings, and ring gallery components will be introduced in this course. 
Materials fee $100
 

FAB-105 ................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Gallery and Setting Fabrication
Materials fee $100

FAB-106 ................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Clasp and Hinge Fabrication
Materials fee $100

FAB-107 ................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Complex Assembly and Fitting
Materials fee $50

FAB-108 ................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Kinetic Fabrication: Moving Components
Materials fee $50

JR-101 Basic Jewelry Repair................................................................................................ 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing jewelry, including cutting, soldering, welding, and stone setting.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $50

JR-102 Ring Sizing and Shank Repair.................................................................................. 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for sizing rings and repairing ring shanks. Cutting, soldering, and welding will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $100


JR-103 Bracelet and Chain Repair........................................................................................ 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing bracelets and chains. Cutting, soldering, and welding will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $50

JR-104 Prong Repair and Retipping..................................................................................... 1 week
In this course, students will learn the basic techniques for repairing and retipping prongs. Soldering, and welding will be covered.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

Any of the basic jewelry classes, or experience at the bench, will serve as a prerequisite for this class. The course will be paced to the goals of the students.
Materials fee $100

JR-105 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Setting Reconstruction and Repair 
Materials fee $50

JR-106 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Remounts and Resetting Stones
Materials fee $100

JR-107 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Structural Reinforcement and Repair
Materials fee $100

JR-108 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Complex and Delicate Repairs
Materials fee $100

Tool-101 .................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Tool Making and Modification
Materials fee $25

 SS-101 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Stone Setting, Prongs and Pinpoints: Rounds
Materials fee $100

SS-102 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Stone Setting, Prongs: Fancy Shapes
Materials fee $100

SS-103 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Stone Setting, Channel
Materials fee $50

SS-104 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Stone Setting, Flush and Bezel: Faceted Stones
Materials fee $50

SS-105 .............................................................................................. 1 week (2 week in long course)
Stone Setting, Bead and Pavé
Materials fee $100

SS-106 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Odd Stone Shapes and Odd Prong Styles
Materials fee $50

SS-107 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Complex Pavé Layouts
Materials fee $50

 SS-108 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Hybrid Setting Styles
Materials fee $50

SS-109 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Square and Rectangular Stone Setting
Materials fee $50

SS-110 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Fragile Stones and Complex Setting Projects
Materials fee $100

HE-101 ....................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Ornamental Hand Engraving
Materials fee $100

HE-102 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Lettering and Monogram Hand Engraving
Materials fee $50

WC-101 Basic Wax Carving................................................................................................... 1 week

This class is an introduction to carving wax models for casting into jewelry items. Tool selection, preparation and use are covered along with a series of techniques for creating many of the shapes and contours in jewelry. Learn through live demonstrations, handouts and hands-on studio time.

Because physical techniques are more solidly learned by hands-on experience, students will complete a number of projects that they will be able to take home.

There are no pre-requisites for this class, and the course will be paced to the goals of the students. 
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Tool modification and customization

• Use of flex shaft and rotary tools

• Casting demonstration

• Soft wax forming

• Hand files and specialized wax tools

• Wax polishing & finishing

• Basic Casting

Projects

• Symmetrical pendant

• Matching earrings

• Freeform ring

• Animal brooch/pin

• Freeform pendant (optional)

• Signet ring (optional)

Jeweler’s benches, wax carving tools and carving wax will be available for use during the class. You keep your wax carving projects and exercises.

Sterling silver and gold casting metal may be ordered for casting your project into a raw jewelry casting. You can finish the item yourself or have a jeweler finish it for you after the class. Textbooks are not needed as demonstrations and handouts will be provided. Useful book titles will be suggested.

WC-102 Intermediate Wax Carving..................................................................................... 1 week

After students have mastered the skills taught in Basic Wax Carving, this class teaches more advanced techniques of wax carving. With videos and live demonstrations, the student will learn to carve more detailed and intricate designs using the tools introduced in Basic Wax Carving. The students will learn to improve measuring accuracy for more reliable casting results.

Much of this class involves hands-on learning, because physical techniques are more solidly learned this way. Toward the end of the class some of the carvings may be cast in metal if the student desires.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Wax polishing and finishing

• Ring shanks and stone settings

• Channel settings

• Jewelry findings and components

• Casting multiple components

Projects

• Mirror image earrings

• Bracelet links

WC-103 Casting in the Small Shop...................................................................................... 1 week

This course will introduce students to the techniques and logistics required for successful casting in a smaller space.
Materials fee $100

Skills Taught

• Mold injection and wax preparation

• Wax trees

• Flask and investment preparation

• Using a burnout oven

• Temperature and ratio calculation

• Torch and electro-melt casting

• Vacuum and centrifugal casting

• Troubleshooting porosity and other casting pitfalls

Projects

• Casting single and multiple items

WC-104 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Wax Carving Rings
Materials fee $50

WC-105 ..................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Wax Carving Bracelets and Hinges
Materials fee $50

WC-106 ..................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Wax Carving Prongs and Settings
Materials fee $50

WC-107 ..................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Wax Carving Beads and Clasps
Materials fee $50

WC-108 ..................................................................................................................................... 1 week
Molds and Mold Cutting
Materials fee $50

JD-101 Designing and Sketching Jewelry.......................................................................... 1 week
This class is a primer to creating design ideas and collecting them as sketches on paper. These “captured” ideas are a precursor to more detailed layouts (detailed schematic), renderings (full color illustration) or CADCAM (computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacturing).

Much of the class time will be spent in studio, combining hands-on learning with live demonstrations. Emphasis will be placed on creating a 3-dimensional convincing sketch. This is accomplished with drawing exercises and design inspiration exercises.

Lamps, drawing tables and reference books will be made available for use during the class. You keep your projects, paper and drawing supplies.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Preparing paper, pencils and other design tools

• Gathering ideas

• Motifs and inspiration

• Metal forms and shapes

• Design for an individual

Jewelry Design and Sketching Projects

• Solitaire ring

• Faceted stones

• Cabochon stones

• Chains and pendants

• Freeform earrings

JD-102 Basic Jewelry Rendering in Color......................................................................... 1 week

Using colored pencils and some watercolors, students will learn to produce color renderings of jewelry and jewelry components, including stones, rings.

This course expands on some of the basic drawing techniques taught in JD-101, and covers some of the basic drawing techniques.

Lamps, drawing tables and reference books will be available for use during the class. You keep your projects, paper and drawing supplies.
Materials fee $50

Skills Taught

• Color shading techniques

• Lighting and reflections

• Faceted stones, cabochons, and phenomena

• White and yellow metal components

• Use of paint and alternative tools to improve pencil color

• Basic matting and framing

Projects

• Solitaire ring

• Colored stone brooch

• Animal figurine

• Architectural-style earrings

JD-103 Perspective Drawing and Layout of Jewelry............. 1 week (2 weeks in long course)

Using a combination of drafting and illustrating skills, the student will learn to lay out jewelry designs with accurate details and measurements. In addition, students will learn to show all relevant design details through the use of top, side, and end views, along with perspective views.
Materials fee $25

Skills Taught

• Using t-bars and triangles to lay out guidelines

• Measurements and proportions

• Transferring images from top-side to end views

• One- and two-point perspective drawings

• Component dimensions and trade standards

• Inventory list and pricing

Projects

• Solitaire ring

• Multi-gemstone ring

• Geometric jewelry item

• Organic freeform jewelry item

• Accent stones and melee

• Custom faceted gemstones

JD-104 ...................................................................................................................................... 4 weeks
Rendering Jewelry in Watercolor
Materials fee $50

JD-105 ........................................................................................................................................ 1 week
Jewelry Design Advanced Lab

GEM-100 Basic Gemstone Identification 2 Day Primer...................................................... 1 week

This class is an introduction to using a Polariscope, Refractometer and Basic Magnification and their results to identify gemstones.

Gem identification instruments, reference sources and gemstone samples will be available for use during the class. Useful book titles will be suggested.

Please do not bring in any gem or jewelry samples until cleared with the instructor.

Tools and Techniques Covered

• Visual observation

• Polaroid filter

• Polariscope

• Refractometer

• Loupe and Microscope

Stones Identified

• Common natural & synthetic gemstones

• Typical imitations

GEM-101 Basic Gemstone Identification and Instrumentation........................................ 1 week

This class is an introduction to using gemological testing equipment and using their results to identify gemstones.

This class will focus on learning to use the gem testing instruments with reliable and reproducible results. A byproduct of learning to use these tools correctly is that you may be able to identify a gemstone or narrow down the identity to very few options. We’ll concentrate on visual observation and some of the primary tests for gem identification. Much of the time will be spent in hands-on lab.

Gem identification instruments, reference sources and gemstone samples will be available for use during the class. Useful book titles will be suggested.
Materials fee $25

Please do not bring in any gem or jewelry samples until cleared with the instructor.

Tools and Techniques Covered

• Visual observation

• Polaroid filter

• Polariscope

• Refractometer

• Loupe and penlight

• Long- and short-wave ultraviolet light

• Microscope

• Dichroscope

• Using various criteria to identify stones

Stones Identified

• Common natural & synthetic gemstones

• Typical imitations and treatments

GEM-102 Intermediate Gemstone Identification................................................................. 1 week

This course builds on the skills learned in the basic identification course, expanding upon instrument usage by testing for specific reactions to specific stone combinations.

The spectroscope, as well as other additional tools, will be introduced, and gemstones with difficult properties will be studied. Gem sorting techniques will be covered, and the student will continue to practice and refine visual observation techniques. 

While the basic course focuses on familiarizing the student with various instruments, this course focuses on decision-making and the selection and use of diagnostic tools. Materials fee $25

Please do not bring in any gem or jewelry samples until cleared with the instructor.

Tools (in addition to those learned in the Basic course)

• Spectroscope

• Various gem filters (Chelsea, tanzanite, etc.)

• Advanced microscope techniques

Stones

• Collector’s stones and minerals

• Wider variety of treated stones and imitations

• More challenging synthetics

• Stones with weak reactions vs. stones with strong reactions

GEM-103 Using Magnification to Identify Gemstones....................................................... 1 week This course teaches students to recognize inclusions and other characteristics that can help identify gemstones. Students will learn that some stones have unique identifying characteristics, while others share inclusion types with one or more gemstone varieties & species.

Students will learn to optimize the magnification & lighting features of the microscope to recognize characteristics that help gemologists identify stones. Stone sets will include natural, synthetic, imitation, and treated gemstones selected for their unique inclusions or for inclusion types shared by other gemstones.

While this course emphasizes the use of the microscope, the skills learned can be adapted to the use of a loupe or other magnifying device. Microscopes and gemstone sets will be available for use during class time and labs. Teaching tools will include slides, photographs and live video magnification. Techniques of identifying inclusions will be demonstrated
Materials fee $25
Please do not bring in any gem or jewelry samples until cleared with the instructor.

GEM-104 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Diamond Grading
Materials fee $25

GEM-105 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Colored Stone Grading
Materials fee $25

GEM-106 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Identifying Synthetic Gems, Imitations and Treatments 
Materials fee $25

GEM-107 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Identifying Mounted Gemstones
Materials fee $25

GEM-108 ...................................................................................................................................... 1 week

Gem Identification Using Portable and Alternative Tools
Materials fee $25

CB-103 Working With Platinum and Palladium..................................................................... 1 week Because there are properties unique to the platinum group metals, this course will teach the basic principles of casting, soldering, and fabricating in platinum.
Materials fee $200