Beginning Metalsmithing Class: Make a Sterling Silver Gemstone Ring: October 3 & 4

Learn the art of silversmithing and create your own handcrafted sterling silver gemstone ring in this immersive weekend beginning metalsmithing workshop. Whether you're completely new to jewelry making or looking to build a strong foundation, this hands-on class teaches the essential metalsmithing techniques you'll need to begin making professional-quality jewelry.

This beginner-friendly metalsmithing class is the prerequisite for our intermediate and advanced jewelry-making courses. No prior experience is required.

What You'll Make

By the end of the workshop, you'll complete a custom sterling silver ring featuring:

• A textured sterling silver ring band
• A custom-fitted bezel to your choice of gemstone (bring your own or buy one from us)
• A setting designed by you with a custom shape and optional stamped design
• Your choice of surface finishes and patina

You'll leave wearing a finished piece of jewelry that you created from start to finish while gaining the confidence to continue your metalsmithing journey.

What You'll Learn

This comprehensive introductory jewelry-making workshop is packed with practical instruction and hands-on experience. You'll learn more than a dozen foundational silversmithing skills, including:

• Studio safety and proper ergonomics
• Jewelry saw techniques
• Hammer texturing and metal stamping
• Filing, sanding, and finishing
• Accurate ring sizing
• Basic silver soldering techniques
• Creating textures with hammers and a rolling mill
• Safe use of a flex shaft
• Making a comfort-fit ring band
• Polishing sterling silver jewelry
• Designing around your gemstone using shapes and decorative stamps
• Measuring and fitting a custom bezel
• Bezel soldering
• Professional bezel stone setting
• Patina application and final finishing techniques

Who This Class Is For

This beginning metalsmithing class is perfect for:

• Complete beginners with no experience
• Aspiring jewelry makers
• Artists and creatives interested in silversmithing
• Hobbyists looking for a new hands-on craft
• Anyone wanting to create their own sterling silver jewelry

Why Learn With Us?

Not all metalsmithing classes are created equal. Our workshop is intentionally limited to just six students, ensuring you receive personalized instruction, individual feedback, and plenty of one-on-one guidance throughout the class. You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions, refine your techniques, and build confidence at every step.

Instruction is led by a professional metalsmith with an MFA in Metals and Jewelry who also teaches metalsmithing and jewelry design at the collegiate level. You'll learn industry-standard techniques, professional studio practices, and the "why" behind each process—not just how to complete a project.

Whether your goal is to explore a new creative hobby, develop professional jewelry-making skills, or continue into more advanced metalsmithing classes, you'll receive the expert instruction and individualized attention needed to build a strong foundation.

Our students leave with more than a beautiful sterling silver gemstone ring—they leave with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to continue their metalsmithing journey.

Details:

• Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4 from 9:30-5:30
• 16 contact hours, ages 14+ at Silver Peak Jewelry Arts, 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette 80026
  
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum. Minimum age is 14.
• Materials kit fee is dependent on amount of silver used and will be weighed at $4/gram. You may also bring your own cabochon and we will have ones for sale. Materials fee will be due by the end of class via cash, check, or Venmo.  
• Each student will work at their own dedicated jeweler's bench. 
• Prerequisite: Intro to Metalsmithing, Level 1 Metalsmithing, Metals 1, or equivalent 

The last day to cancel your class registration for a refund or transfer ($25 admin fee applies) is September 3, 2026.

By registering for this workshop, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code, and studio rules.

Instructor: Alec Schweiger