Intro to Metalsmithing Weekend Intensive

Intro to Metalsmithing Weekend Intensive
July 24–26, 2026
Studio 171 Pacific Grove, California
Spend an immersive weekend learning the foundations of metalsmithing and soldering in an intimate studio setting.
Designed for complete beginners, this hands-on intensive will guide you through the essential skills needed to begin creating your own handcrafted jewelry. Over three days, you’ll learn torch safety, solder flow, wire forming, stone setting, finishing techniques, and design principles while creating a collection of jewelry you can proudly wear home.
With only six students, you’ll receive personalized instruction, demonstrations, troubleshooting support, and plenty of time at the bench to build confidence with your tools.
Friday: Foundations of Soldering
10am-5pm with 1 hour lunch break
We begin with the fundamentals. Students will learn studio safety, torch setup, soldering techniques, and how to control heat and solder flow.
Projects:
Stacking Rings
Simple Post Hoop Earrings
These projects provide repetition and practice while building confidence with the torch, helping students understand how metal behaves under heat and how successful solder joints are created.
Saturday: Stone Setting Intensive
10am-5pm with 1 hour lunch break
Once students have mastered the basics of soldering, we’ll move into stone setting techniques.
Projects:
Prong Set Pendant
Bezel Set Ring or Pendant
Students will learn how to construct stone settings, solder components together, and securely set cabochon stones while developing precision and problem-solving skills.
Sunday: Design & Create
10am
The final day is dedicated to creativity and independence.
Using the skills learned throughout the weekend, students will design and fabricate their own jewelry project with guidance and support throughout the process.
This day is about bringing together everything learned during the intensive and experiencing the satisfaction of creating a piece from concept to completion.
What You’ll Leave With
Five handcrafted jewelry pieces made by you
Confidence using a jeweler’s torch
Fundamental soldering and fabrication skills
Experience with wire forming, prong setting, and bezel setting
Finishing and polishing techniques
The ability to continue creating soldered jewelry independently
Tuition
Early Bird Tuition: $595 Available through June 20, 2026, or until the first three seats are filled.
Regular Tuition: $695
Tuition includes all materials, sterling silver, stones, solder, consumables, use of studio tools and equipment, and three days of personalized instruction.
Class Size
Limited to 6 students
This small class size allows for individualized attention, hands-on guidance, and a supportive learning environment.
No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
Reserve your seat and discover the art of creating jewelry by hand.