Introduction to Jewelry

This course is designed to introduce you to a variety of technical processes, design concepts, and tools essential for understanding and working with non-ferrous metals on a wearable scale. Attention will be given to material sourcing, the production and critique of metalwork, and the cultural and historical aspects of jewelry as artistic expression. Some basic techniques that will be covered include: sawing, filing, riveting, simple forming, hammer texture, soldering, and finishing.

Please note: this is a 9-session course. Fleisher will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

Special Notes

This is an in-person class which will take place onsite at Fleisher. Please review our COVID-19 community safety policies for current guidelines.

Tuition Assistance is Available

To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here. The deadline to apply for spring term assistance is Friday, March 10; Notifications will be sent by Monday, March 13.

What you will learn:

  • A cultural history of jewelry and small-scale metals

  • Design concepts as they pertain to wearable and decorative metals

  • Working with specialized tools

  • Basic techniques

Recommended supply providers:

    • Hagstoz: 709 Sansom Street. • 215-922-1627
    • Pamma Tools: 809 Sansom Street • 215-928-6004
    • Rio Grande: 1-800-545-6566

Start the term with these supplies:

  • Note: no nickel or steel in studio unless previously discussed and gold at your own expense!

  • Materials are extremely important to have because without them projects will not be able to be completed.

  • Herkules Saw blades 2/0 – two dozen (24 total)

  • 3×3 inch 20 gauge copper sheet

  • 3×3 inch 20 gauge brass sheet

  • 1 foot of 14 gauge round brass wire hard

  • 2 feet of 18 gauge round copper wire soft

  • Millimeter ruler

  • Rubber cement

  • Sketchbook or paper to draw on

  • Sharpie thin and thick “black” only

  • Pencil and pen

  • Scissors (basic for cutting paper)

  • Old rag or t-shirt for drying metal

  • Chain or leather cord for two pendants

Midway through the term you will need:

  • Cabochon stone

  • Sterling silver bezel wire

  • Sterling silver sheet 24 gauge – 1×1 inch

  • Solder hard, medium, easy – 6 inches of each

  • Three small plastic Baggies or containers to keep solder in

  • Masking tape