Jewelry Making Fundamentals | Fall 2026

Jewelry Making Classes, Nelson BC

Jewelry Making Fundamentals | 3-class series

IGNITE Your Metalsmithing Skills!

Curious about jewelry making? Ready to dive into a new creative adventure? Jewelry Making Fundamentals is the perfect way to start metalsmithing. In this beginner-friendly, 3-week series, you'll get hands-on experience with essential tools and techniques, including measuring, sawing, soldering, forming, and finishing, practical skills you'll use in every jewelry project.

These short, repeatable classes give you the flexibility to reinforce your skills and practice at your own pace. By the end of the series, you'll have the confidence and foundational skills to move on to classes like rings, bezel setting, beginner stone setting, and intermediate fabrication.

Whether you're brand new or returning to build on past experience, Jewelry Making Fundamentals empowers you to develop core metalsmithing skills, explore your creativity, and grow as a confident, capable jewelry maker.

🗓️ Workshop Dates & Times

Tuesdays | 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Choose the full bundle or a single session from the dropdown menu above:

- Oct 20, 6:00 to 8:30 PM | Level 1: Intro to Metalsmithing, $135
- Oct 27, 6:00 to 8:30 PM | Level 2: Essential Torch and Soldering Techniques, $135
- Nov 3, 6:00 to 8:30 PM | Level 3: Jewelry Forming Basics, $135

Location: Classes are held just 20 minutes south of Nelson, BC in the quaint mountain town of Ymir.

💎 Tuition Options

Complete 3-Session Bundle: $299, available through Oct 13, 2026, 11:59 PM. Booked separately ($135 x 3), this costs $405, so the bundle saves $106. After Oct 13, the bundle is no longer available.

Single Sessions: $135 each

Includes all materials & studio cost.

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TOTAL VALUE PACKAGE: WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Tools & Materials Provided:
🛠️ Basic Hand Tools
🔦 Jeweller's Torch
🪑 Work Bench & Soldering Station
🧪 Soldering Supplies
🪙 Up to 15 grams of copper & brass for in-class use

Level 1: Intro to Metalsmithing

(Swipe to see process photos)

Gain hands-on experience with essential jewelry tools and learn core techniques like sawing, piercing, and finishing to confidently create your own unique 2-D metal designs.

🧰 Discover Essential Jewelry Tools
Get hands-on with the must-have tools of the trade! From measuring and marking tools to the jeweler's bench, bench pin, and flexshaft machine, you'll gain confidence in setting up and using the core tools every metalsmith needs.

🪚 Saw with Precision
Master the jeweler's saw, the foundation of every jewelry studio. Learn how to select blades, handle the saw safely, and cut clean, intricate shapes so your designs come to life with accuracy and ease.

✂️ Learn Piercing & Finishing Techniques
Transform sheet metal into unique forms of your own design. Practice piercing with precision, then refine your work through filing and sanding. These finishing skills will give your jewelry a professional edge and prepare you for advanced projects.

Level 2: Essential Torch and Soldering Techniques

(Swipe to see process photos)

Ignite your creativity and confidence as you master the jeweler's torch and learn essential soldering techniques for strong, seamless connections.

🔥 Introduction to the Jeweler's Torch
Learn to safely handle and control the jeweler's torch with confidence. From lighting to adjusting heat levels, you'll get step-by-step guidance from working goldsmith Samonte Cruz.

🔗 Hands-On Soldering Experience
Build confidence joining non-ferrous metals through hands-on practice. Master essential soldering techniques to create strong, seamless connections for all your jewelry projects.

🔁 Refresher & Practice
Perfect for returning students or anyone wanting extra hands-on time. Get guided practice, troubleshoot common challenges, and refine your soldering and torch skills with expert support from a professional metalsmith.

Level 3: Jewelry Forming Basics

(Swipe to see process photos)

Level up your metalsmithing skills by learning how to transform flat metal into stunning 3D forms.

⚒️ Explore Metal Forming
Learn essential forming techniques including annealing, doming, and shaping metal into basic three-dimensional forms.

♨️ Build Confidence with Annealing
Understand the various methods for softening copper, brass, silver and gold, safely and effectively to make shaping and forming easier; a required skill for making rings and stone setting with a bezel.

🫙 Explore Hollow Forms
Get an introduction to creating hollow forms, adding dimension and versatility to your jewelry designs.

🤓 Skill-Building Focus

EVERY session includes hands-on practice, skill-building, and individualized instruction in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Feeds into: Intro to Jewelry & Metal Casting Techniques

Instructor

I'm Samonte, a Filipinx, non-binary goldsmith with a Jewelry Studio in Ymir, BC. Since 2015, my craft has taken me from student to instructor at Kootenay Studio Arts. From there, I spent four years in an apprenticeship with master goldsmith Paul Durkin, restoring heirloom gold at Lauener Brothers Jewellery in Trail, BC.

I founded Samonte Cruz Studios to demystify fine metalwork and offer accessible learning opportunities in the Kootenays. Whether you're here to tackle your first solder joint or cast your first piece, you'll find a supportive, attentive environment built for real bodies, real limits, and zero intimidation. No experience needed: pull up a chair and let's create. I can't wait to see what you make!

STUDIO LOGISTICS

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)

Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for missed classes.
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, heated, 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.

Available for Purchase:
- Ear plugs
- N95 masks
- Silicone polishing wheels
- Misc burs & cutting wheels
- Gold and silver upon request

How Accessible Is the Studio?

Parking & Entry: Free street parking right outside the studio. No stairs to get in.

Washroom: The studio washroom is not wheelchair accessible. If this is a barrier for you, contact me before booking so I can help find what works.

Seating: Adjustable-height chairs at every bench.

Physical Demands: Metalsmithing takes a certain level of hand and arm strength and coordination. I work with chronic pain and physical limitations myself, and I have tool and bench adaptations built from that experience. Tell me what you're working with and I'll help figure out what works for your body.

Sensory Environment: The torch hisses and occasionally pops, and flux, pickle and hot metal produce mild chemical and metallic smells. The floor is concrete and stays cool, so wear warm footwear and bring layers.

Animals: Service animals welcome with advance notice. I share the studio with my two small dogs, who stay in a separate room during class. If dog presence affects you, let me know in advance.

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Samonte Cruz Studios operates on the traditional and unceded territories of the Sinixt, who are not extinct. I also acknowledge the overlapping land claims of the Ktunaxa, Secwepemc, and Syilx Nations through the colonial land claims process. I respect this land and graciously defer to the knowledge and wisdom of their elders.

Limited Seats Available. Small Class, Big Creative Growth.

With only 4 students per session, you'll get hands-on instruction and personalized feedback from a professional goldsmith. This small class size ensures you receive the support you need to refine your skills and gain confidence in metalsmithing. Spaces are extremely limited and fill quickly, don't wait! Reserve your spot now and take the first step in jewelry making.