About Metalsmithing Workshops and Retreats
Some students have told us that they've learned more in our 1, 2 and 3 day workshops than they did during a semester of jewelry! Our classes are packed with information, tips and practical techniques - and each student receives full color handouts with step by step pictures, illustrations and instructions for the project. They're like mini-books!
So often, students don't have the time to dedicate to practicing their metalsmithing, even after taking a workshop. But our metalsmithing retreats are 3 days of demonstrations and practice - enough time to start to learn, practice and commit to memory new metalsmithing techniques. Class size is limited - only 6 students - for lots of personal attention and help. Not everyone wants to become a bench jeweler, fine jeweler, stone setter, etc. Lots of students want to learn how to solder and set stones to take their jewelry to another level, to combine it with what they already know how to make, to fuel their creativity and design - to spark their passion for expression through ornament.
We teach traditional techniques for well crafted, quality jewelry fabrication during our workshops. My goal is to pass on the same training I received in college programs and apprenticeships, without the pressure of certification or expectations of fine jewelry. Your work will be held up to a high standard, but this is not about repetition or mimicry. Students are encouraged to create their own variations, to take the techniques shown and to combine them with others, branch out, and create new solutions. And they are given the resources to troubleshoot problems and design challenges.
Check out photos from our retreats and student work on Flickr and Facebook.
Make Jewelry with Home Studio Friendly Tools
We teach people how to make their own jewelry, using techniques and equipment that are affordable, accessible and home studio friendly. Students include jewelers, designers, beadworkers and hobbyists - raw beginners and intermediates. Our classes and projects use culinary microbutane torches, biodegradable citric cleaning solutions, and the cleanest, least messy polishing abrasives. We have classes in fabrication, soldering, stone setting, lost wax casting and more. Check out our classes and portfolio of work by our students and instructors.
Jewelry Benches and Tools for Students
Our studio classroom is fully equipped, with jewelry benches and tools, like torches, flex shafts and more, for each student to use - no need to haul your own tools to class! Plus we have more tools to share, like polishing motors, casting equipment, etc. It's a great space to work in and the convenience of not having to pack and unpack all of your own equipment each day is a big plus.
Small classes. Lots of help. Magnified views of the demonstrations.
Local classes are small, 6 students max, with lots of hands-on-help and critique to accelerate your learning. Demonstrations are magnified live on a flat screen television so that everyone can see and understand the process. Many of our classes at our studio are multi-day metalsmithing retreats and workshops for intensive learning - three days of learning and practicing soldering, stone setting, and lots of other metalsmithing techniques.
Location, Location, Location.
Silvera Jewelry School is at 1105 Virginia Street in Berkeley, on the corner of San Pablo Ave, just a block from Cedar Street and a few blocks north of University Ave. Our building is full of other artists and includes beautiful furniture and vintage shops. There are lots of cafes near by, including Cafe Fanny, Cafe Leila, and Casa Latina. We're across the street from the Golden Bear Inn and Enterprise Rental Cars. Our building has a secure back yard area with a picnic table for when the weather is nice, and we have space inside for students to stay and eat their own lunch, if they prefer.
Street parking is free all day on Virginia Street and the streets behind us.
