Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
Creative Jewelry Studio: Guided Projects & Open Studio Time
Learn, Create & Explore at Your Own Pace
**Only 3 spots left!
Step into the studio and bring your ideas to life. This class was designed to allow students the flexibility to choose the skills and projects they want to work on, while learning at their own pace.
Do you have a project in mind but aren’t sure where to start? Want hands-on experience and guidance before investing in your own tools? In Creative Jewelry Studio, you’ll get more than open studio time—you’ll learn through guided, hands-on practice with a working goldsmith by your side. Each session blends one-on-one instruction and demonstrations with creative freedom and work time, giving you the space, tools, and expert support to take your work to the next level.
Develop new skills, solve design challenges, and build confidence as you work on your own projects and explore new techniques. Whether you’re refining your craftsmanship, starting something fresh, or preparing to build your own studio, this course provides the foundation, mentorship, and momentum to grow.
Choose the session that fits your schedule—or bundle and save!
Secure your spot today and invest in your craft. ✨🔥
Workshop Dates (register for one or multiple sessions to save
using the drop down menu):
Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 12:00-3:00 PM
Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 12:00-3:00 PM
Sunday, November 23, 2025 | 12:00-3:00 PM
Location: Samonte Cruz Studios in Ymir, BC
What to Bring
- N95 mask
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes
- Hair-tie (for longer hair)
- Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
PRICING & BUNDLES
💎 Single Session | 1 Class
- Tuition: $125 per session + materials
- Perfect for trying out a technique or completing a small project like a simple charm or stacking wire rings.
📚 2-Class Bundle | Beginner Project Bundle
- Tuition: $189 + materials
- SAVE $61 compared to paying for two single sessions.
- Ideal for beginner projects such as a pierced pendant.
🔥 3-Class Bundle | Comprehensive Beginner Bundle
- Tuition: $249 + materials
- SAVE $126 compared to paying for three single sessions.
- Perfect for multi-step beginner projects like a hand-fabricated ring.
Materials & Studio Cost:
General Sessions: $15 per session
This covers consumable supplies, gases, studio overhead and up to 10g of brass or copper for in class use. Sterling silver and gold are available for purchase upon request.
Beginner Casting | Water, Straw, Cuttlebone & Sand: $25* per session
Covers mold materials, consumables, studio overhead, and setup/cleanup time. Metal cost depends on type and weight; brass or copper included up to 10 g. Sterling silver and gold available upon request.
*Casting sessions consume more materials, gases, clean up which is reflected in the cost. Lost wax casting projects are charged per flask.
Tuition Includes Full Studio Access & Essential Tools
When you take a class at Samonte Cruz Studios, you’ll have full access to a professional, fully equipped jewelry studio. All the tools, materials, and workspace you need to bring your projects to life are included in your tuition—no extra investment required.
Studio Equipment: Workbench with bench pin, adjustable-height chair on casters, flex shaft machine with handpiece, soldering station / Little Smith torch, pickling station, steel block / bench block, dapping block, bench vise
Hand Tools: Jeweller’s saw, saw blades, hand files, needle files, hammers (planishing, chasing, ball peen), mallets (rawhide, nylon, plastic), tweezers, soldering pick, striker, ring clamps / third-hand tools, calipers, dividers, engineer’s square, rulers, stencils, sharpies, tape
Consumables & Materials: Solder (hard, medium, easy), flux, beeswax, sandpaper, polishing compounds, glue / jeweller’s adhesive, brass and copper (up to 10 g per session), sterling silver or gold available for purchase
Carving, Shaping & Finishing Tools: Dapping punches, ring and bracelet mandrels, flex shaft burs and drill bits, burnishers / bezel rollers, polishing wheels and cloths
Optional / Additional Value Items: Wax carving tools for lost wax casting, casting supplies, soldering helpers / third-hand tools, specialized tools for stone setting
Available for purchase
- Ear plugs
- N95 masks
- Silicone polishing wheels
- Misc burs & cutting wheels
- Gold and silver upon requests
- Additional cuttlefish bones for casting
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
✨ Create with Confidence – Bring any jewelry project to life, with expert guidance supporting you every step of the way.
✨ Skill Enhancement – Develop essential techniques like sawing, soldering, stone setting, and finishing, customized to your goals.
✨ Structured Studio Time – Focused, hands-on sessions designed to help you make real progress on your projects.
✨ Personalized Mentorship – Receive one-on-one guidance to refine your designs and elevate your craftsmanship.
✨ Inspiring Community – Connect and create alongside like-minded makers in a collaborative and supportive studio setting.
✨ Build Your Independence – Gain the experience and confidence needed before setting up your own jewelry workspace or studio.
✨ Ongoing Growth – Return again and again to explore new techniques, deepen your skills, and develop your unique style.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?
This course is perfect for makers, dreamers, and goal-driven creatives looking to take their skills to the next level. Whether you have a project idea but aren’t sure where to start, want hands-on experience before setting up your own jewelry studio, or simply want structured time to experiment and grow, this class is for you. Work on personalized projects, refine your techniques, and build confidence in a supportive, professional studio environment—all without the financial burden of your own setup. Ideal for anyone ready to advance their jewelry-making in a space that encourages creativity, experimentation, and skill mastery.
Skills & Techniques You Can Explore
🔥 Beginner Fabrication – Master the fundamentals!
- Sawing & Piercing
- Soldering & Annealing
- Filing, Sanding & Finishing
- Precision Measuring & Layout
💎 Intermediate & Advanced Fabrication – Take your skills to the next level!
- Hollow Forms & Box Construction
- Fold-Forming for Sculptural Designs
- Stone Setting Techniques:
- Bezel Setting
- Tube Setting
- Flush Setting
No matter your experience level, you'll gain hands-on practice and expert guidance to refine your craftsmanship!
Recommended Project Progression for
Beginner Fabrication (optional)
- Pierced Pendant
- Stacking Wire Rings
- Pierced Ring
- Riveted Brooch
- Colored & Textured Earrings
- Handmade Chain
- Hollow Form Pendant
Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for missed classes, incomplete projects or failed castings.
Sick Policy: If you're sick, please notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance to receive a credit for a future class.
Class Cancellation or Weather Closures: If a class is canceled due to instructor illness or inclement weather, a make-up class will be scheduled, or a credit will be issued for a future session.
Metal Use & Safety Guidelines
For everyone's safety, only metal purchased from Samonte Cruz Studios or another reputable supplier can be cast or soldered in the studio. If you'd like to use your own metal, please contact the instructor to book a private session at their discretion.
To register via email or pay with e-Transfer contact info@samontecruzstudios.com. Private instruction, studio bench rental & casting rates available upon request.
Project Ideas
RING-MAKING TECHNIQUES
Suggested Project: Pierced ring band (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Take your ring-making skills to the next level by incorporating cut-out designs, texture, and more advanced finishing techniques.
Skills Practiced
- Sawing and piercing ring bands for unique designs
- Soldering and forming complex shapes
- Finishing techniques for refined, polished results
INTRO TO CHAIN MAKING
Suggested Project: Handmade chain bracelet or necklace (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Build your soldering confidence while learning to craft your own chain links. This session focuses on precision in heat control and mastering repetitive soldering techniques.
Skills Practiced
- Shaping and forming jump rings
- Soldering multiple links with consistency
- Understanding chain styles and link variations
INTRO TO BEZEL STONE SETTING
Suggested Project: Pendant, earrings, or ring with a bezel-set stone (recommend 2-4 sessions)
Description: Learn to incorporate gemstones into your designs by mastering the art of bezel setting. This session covers setting cabochon stones into metal bezels for a clean, professional look.
Skills Practiced
- Creating and fitting a bezel to a stone
- Soldering a bezel onto a metal base
- Filing, shaping, and preparing the setting
- Burnishing and securing the stone
