Jewelry 101

In this 2-session Jewelry 101 class, you will be introduced to the basic techniques of metalsmithing. No prior experience is necessary, and by the end of the class, you will come away with fundamental jewelry-making skills AND a copper and brass ring you’ve created yourself.

Through the process of creating a ring, you will learn to use essential hand tools, such as a jeweler’s saw, files, hammers, and the rolling mill, disc cutter, and metal shear. We’ll learn how to safely use the flex shaft, when and how to use different types of jewelers’ pliers, and practice basic soldering techniques. Finally, you’ll gain experience polishing your finished ring on the rotary polishing machine.

This class is excellent preparation for successfully passing the free Tool Test, which is required (along with an Artisans Asylum membership) to work independently in our Jewelry Shop. Please plan on attending both nights of this class – if you miss one, you will not be able to complete your project, nor will you be fully prepared to pass the Tool Test to use the shop independently, if that is your goal.

• Students will come away with a familiarity of fundamental jewelry-making skills: sawing, filing, annealing, soldering, polishing, hammering, using the rolling mill, disc cutter, and metal shear, and safe tool handling and operation.
• Students complete a textured copper and brass ring.

Jewelry beginner and/or folks interested in Artisans Asylum's Jewelry Shop. Students must be 16 years old or older. All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.

• Metals and consumables such as saw blades, drill bits, solder, etc.
• Access to A2's Jewelry Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Laurie Lynn Berezin studied the traditional craft of jewelry fabrication at Boston’s renowned North Bennet Street School and is the Jewelry Shop Lead, a teacher, and a member at the Artisans Asylum non-profit makerspace. Laurie is a seasoned educator, teaching jewelry-making classes, workshops, private lessons, and corporate retreats for novice and experienced metalsmiths alike. She also handcrafts original and custom jewelry for her business Beryllina using recycled sterling silver, gold, and platinum, and ethically-mined American gemstones. Laurie creates pieces that showcase the natural beauty of the stones, including crystals that she digs from the earth herself.