The best jewelry-making classes in NYC

New York City is home to dozens of luxury jewelry designers, including some of the world’s most well-known establishments like Cartier and Tiffany & Co. The availability of high-quality materials and endless inspiration also make the city an ideal spot to learn more about the art of making your own handcrafted jewelry, and there are plenty of classes to choose from. You can start by deciding what you want to learn to make before moving on to narrowing your selection based on more practical matters, like your budget and available time commitment. Whether you’re an amateur hoping to learn the basics or a dedicated craftsman looking to take your skills to the next level, the perfect jewelry making class in New York City is waiting for you.

When it comes to selecting the best jewelry class for you, it’s essential that the class aligns with your current skill level. If you’re a total beginner, there are plenty of options. For instance, you can check out the Absolute Beginner Jewelry intensive at the 92nd Street Y, where you’ll learn how to use a jeweler’s saw as well as techniques to file, sand, and polish your finished pieces. If you’re already skilled at jewelry making, the Independent Study program, also offered at the 92nd Street Y, could be what you’re looking for. This program emphasizes the importance of students pursuing their individual projects and also aids in the development of problem-solving skills. 

You’ll also want to consider your goals before deciding on a jewelry making class. What do you want to learn how to make? Is there a specific design or item you have in mind, or are you looking for a general introduction to jewelry making overall? Either way, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. For example, the DIY Boho Bangles Workshop at EatMetal, Inc. focuses on a range of techniques that jewelers use to create bracelets from a variety of materials, including sterling silver, copper, and brass. On the other hand, The Art of Metalsmithing at NYC Jewelry Lab by Carolina Iwanow provides a solid overview of various jewelry making processes, including soldering, ring sizing, stone setting, and finishing. 

Budget is another essential consideration when thinking about which jewelry class is best for you. The cost of a jewelry class can vary widely, mainly because the price primarily depends on the types of materials used during the course. However, a class that only lasts for a few hours or just one full day is likely to cost anywhere between $150 and $250, while a longer class that takes multiple days or weeks to complete will likely cost upwards of $400, depending on how long the class is. A more comprehensive jewelry making class, like the six-week Jewelry Design/Making program at The Benlolo Studio, might be better for someone who is hoping to start a career as a jewelry designer. At the same time, a single-day workshop is likely better suited for those who are new to this art form and aren’t sure whether they want to pursue it more seriously. 

Before making your final decision, you may want to research any potential instructors to learn more about their credentials. Many people who teach jewelry making classes are also professional designers, so you can look them up to see their work. Not only will this give you a better idea of who has the most expertise to share, but you can also look at their style of jewelry design to see what you gravitate towards. Along these same lines, reading reviews of classes from former students is another excellent way to help decide which course to attend. Reviews can contain helpful details that you might not find in a course description, like how well the instructor is able to answer questions and how much they’re able to support individual students when they need help. Leaning on the experiences of others will help you understand what to expect and avoid a class that might not be a good fit for your goals and preferences.

Once you’ve chosen your jewelry making class, you’ll want to take a few additional steps to ensure you’re well-prepared for your experience and to ensure it’s as seamless as possible. Some jewelry classes provide all materials, while others require that students bring their own supplies. If you need to gather your own before class, it’s important to conduct research to locate items that are reasonably priced without sacrificing quality. Many schools will provide a list of recommended suppliers, but you can always call the school ahead of time to see if they have any suggestions. Before booking your class, you may want to research the cost of supplies to ensure the additional money is also within your budget. 

Some classes may encourage aspiring jewelry makers to attempt a creation in their own personal style, so it’s also a good idea to come prepared with a few ideas or inspiration photos from other designers that resonate with you. On the day of the class, it’s essential that all long hair is tied back. For safety reasons, you’ll also want to wear fully enclosed shoes, meaning no open sides or toes. Most classes will provide an apron, but it’s still best to wear clothes that can withstand dirt and mess. You’ll learn best if you’re really able to take advantage of hands-on practice, which isn’t possible when you’re worried about staining your outfit.

A beginner-friendly jewelry making class is a suitable option for a range of individuals and groups:

Aspiring jewelry designers

Whether you hope to work for a major jewelry designer or your goal is to earn extra income on Etsy, learning from an experienced instructor in a jewelry making class is an excellent way to fast-track your education and ensure you’re learning proper and safe techniques. Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School offers its Jewelry Making Continuing Course for anyone wanting to explore their creativity while also learning essential beginner’s techniques. One of the best things about this class is that it’s a continuous program, meaning you can select a package of courses that best suits your schedule and budget. You can start with four sessions for $380, up to 36 sessions for $2952.

Couples

For couples hoping to get engaged or are already married but looking to break out of their regular date night routine, a jewelry making class could be the romantic outing you never knew you needed. There is a One Day Jewelry Making (DIY Diamond Ring) workshop at Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School that is an ideal course for couples. In this program, students are expertly guided through the process of making a simple ring and setting a diamond in just three hours. There’s also time to engrave the ring with initials or a special date, making it a perfect opportunity for couples to craft a bespoke engagement or wedding set. It doesn’t really get more romantic than that.

Colleagues

A jewelry making class is also a unique and exciting team building activity for groups looking to break the ice and bond over a new, shared experience. Crafting activities like jewelry making work well for colleagues because they provide a stress-free environment where conversation is likely to occur naturally. The 92nd Street Y offers a Tabletop Accessories class that would provide a great opportunity for teams to relax and get creative as they learn to make elegant table decorations like napkin rings and personalized wine charms. This workshop is appropriate for everyone regardless of skill level, making it a wonderful option for groups.

If you’re not sure that a jewelry making class is the right fit, or you’re an established jeweler looking for a new hobby, there are some other options that might interest you. There are plenty of pottery classes in New York City that could provide people with an experience similar to making jewelry. The process of creating a piece of pottery can be as equally meditative as soldering or wire wrapping a piece of jewelry, so those who engage in jewelry making for its meditative, stress-relieving qualities might have the same experience. Pottery is also highly customizable, just like jewelry, enabling artists to create things that reflect their personal style and creativity. 

Looking for something a little more outside the box? Check out a woodworking class instead. Because they require a lot of patience and attention to detail, both activities provide the artist with a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment once their project is complete. Woodworking and jewelry making also involve creative design processes so artists can express themselves and personalize their work, whether that’s through a bespoke necklace or a hand-crafted piece of furniture. These crafts also offer artists a wide range of styles and techniques to learn, keeping the creative process diverse and exciting. Just like jewelry making, woodworking also has the benefit of creating functional pieces that can be used to make a space more beautiful.

Those who are interested in jewelry making might also enjoy a beginner-friendly sewing class or two. Like jewelry making, sewing allows for plenty of creativity while also requiring a sharp eye for precise details. Someone who likes the meticulous and meditative nature of setting a stone or engraving a ring might get the same sense of relaxation through sewing. Both of these hobbies also enable you to create beautiful pieces you can show off in your home, use to accessorize yourself, or share as gifts with friends and family. They are also helpful for anyone wanting to start a small business or earn extra money by selling their crafts. Finally, sewing and jewelry making can strengthen muscles in the hands and help people maintain their fine motor skills as they age.

Have you ever wandered around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, taking in some of the best paintings and sculptures in New York, and thought to yourself, How can I learn to do that? Here's your chance.