The Fifth Lane ring making class
There are a select few career paths that live eternally rent-free on every 20-something Sydneysiders’ “one day” bucket list. Jewellery designer is undeniably one of them – there’s something powerful about the idea of creating, from elemental ingredients, something that will quickly become infinitely more valuable than the sum of its parts. If a full career change isn’t on the cards just yet, dipping in for a one-off jewellery making workshop might have to suffice – and we’ve found the perfect one.
Hosted by Northern Beaches designer and jeweller Matt Candrick, The Fifth Lane ring-making workshops are an ideal intro course into the craft. During a three hour session, you’ll be guided through the process of ring-making and let loose with some power tools (does a handheld blow torch count as a power tool? I’m happy to go on record and say yes). Each guest will leave with two handcrafted silver or gold rings – super personal pieces that are water, sweat and rust-proof, and unique to you. When I visited back in December, I set the gold standard for needy apprentices – falling at every minor hurdle and taking twice as long as any other guest at every (relatively simple) stage. Regardless, Matt remained totally unphased – a laid-back, calmly supportive teacher who (figuratively) held my hand until my two shiny silver rings were perfectly formed and ready to wear. If you’re unsure about your ability to tackle practical tasks (consider that my confession), this is the jewellery...