Learn how to repair jewelry in this one day workshop.
Being able to repair jewelry starts with good fabrication skills. And to successfully fabricate jewelry, you need to be able to repair mistakes.
This class takes students through common jewelry repair tasks with sample projects, including sizing a ring, sizing a ring with a heat sensitive stone in place, soldering on chain components, and re-tipping prongs.
This course is available as a live online class. This class meets for a total of 6 hours.
Techniques covered:
• Sizing a ring up and down with soldering.
• Sizing a ring while protecting a heat sensitive component like a stone
• Soldering on chain components like end caps, lobster claws or chain tags
• Re-tipping prongs
• Best practices and advice for people aspiring to do jewelry repair
A kit of materials is included with this class.
Tools.
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.
A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school)
A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
Charcoal block, hard and soft - 1 of each
Recommended flux: Prip’s flux and any brand of self pickling flux (like Battern’s or Aquiflux). (plus a small spray bottle if using Prip’s flux)
2 third hands with cross locking tweezers
Cross locking tweezers with insulated fiber board handles
Torch: You can use your preferred torch, whether it’s butane, propane or a mix of gasses. A small 2 gas torch, like a Smith Little Torch (acetylene or propane is fine) is best.
Pliers: Chain nose, round nose and flat nose
10x magnification jewelers loupe
Bur lubricant
Polished 4 oz. hammer: goldsmithing, planishing, riveting or similar style
Vigor heat shield
Sterling silver solder:: wire, paste or sheet: easy, medium & hard
Piece of soft cloth or leather scrap to cushion your work
Prong pusher
Xacto knife or prong lifter
A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
Students will also need basic jewelry tools in addition to the list above. For a complete list, please go to our calendar and click on the Jewelry 1 - Basics class.
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Students should have previous experience with jewelry fabrication, like 2 or more basic jewelry fabrication classes. For example, successful completion of Jewelry 1 - Basics and one of the following: Jewelry 2, Jewelry 3 or Jewelry 4. Students should have recent practice with soldering jewelry, sawing, filing, bezel setting and polishing.
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
There are no requirements regarding COVID at this time.
As always, we clean and disinfect shared tools and benches after each class.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.