Introduction to Jewellery Making
Hands-on workshop experience in Jewellery Making
Introduction to the basics
Create your own piece of jewellery
3-hour long beginners’ class
10 students per class
All materials required are included in this price
$75 ( taxes not included )
Jewellery Program: Modules 1 to 3
Module 1: Introduction to Tools and Basic Techniques
Exercise 1: The Tools : File, Trace, Saw, Measure, Drill, Anneal, Form, Solder
Exercise 2: Introduction to Rings: Fabrication of a Ring
Exercise 3: Introduction to Earrings: Fabrication of Dangle Earrings - Integration of texture in a piece of jewellery
Exercise 4: Introduction to Chains: Fabrication of a Chain using Repeated Forms and Soldered Rings
Module 2: Introduction to Lost Wax Techniques
Exercise 1: Carving a Ring in Wax
Exercise 2: Carving a Pendant in Wax
Exercise 3: Continuation of basic techniques in metal with an emphasis on shaping, texturing, forming and joining metal through fabrication
To do a comprehensive study of Wax techniques see our Wax Modules 1 to 3 below
Module 3: Introduction to Gemstones and Stone Setting Techniques
Exercise 1: Setting for a Round Cabochon Gemstone - Basic Bezel Setting - (Ring or Pendant)
Exercise 2: Setting for an Oval Cabochon Gemstone - Shoulder or Bearing Bezel - addition of an internal shelf or bearing. (Ring or Pendant)
Exercise 3: Setting for a Small Round Faceted Gemstone - Introduction to Tube Setting
Jewellery Program: Wax Techniques
Module 1: Basic techniques in wax
Introduction to wax and wax tools
Exercises in wax 1 - The pyramid and the dome, first wax ring, (simple shape band)
Exercises in metal 1 - sawing, filing and polishing exercises in metal
Exercises in wax 2 - hollowing out wax, second wax ring (the dome or the signet ring)
Final project - Free form ring, design of your choice
Module 2: Techniques in wax
Introduction to textures and intricate details in wax
Exercises in wax 1 - Introduction to heat and wax, making balls in wax, making jump rings in wax ( wax wires ), repairs in wax, adding wax to your piece, first wax pendant
Exercise in metal 1 - introduction to soldering in metal - make metal jump rings ( soldering of jump ring to first cast pendant )
Exercise in wax 2 - ( pendant or earrings ) making your piece more 3D - carving details
Exercise in metal 2 - introduce soldering posts for earrings
Final project of your own design, incorporating techniques from the class
Module 3: Wax and stone setting
Introduction to stone setting and wax
Exercise in metal 1 - make a simple bezel for a round stone
Exercise in wax 1 - Incorporate the metal bezel into a wax design of your choice
Introduction to sheet wax and it’s flexibility ( Create and cut out shapes )
Exercise in wax 2 - make a bezel in wax
Final Project - create an original piece of your own design incorporating techniques you have learned with the addition of the bezel you have created in wax
Jewellery Program: Module 4
Module 4: Introduction to Settings for Cabochon and Faceted Gemstones
Exercise 1: Overview of setting techniques, Tube Setting, Flush setting, Prong setting
Exercise 2: Concept and Fabrication of a Piece of Jewellery with Prongs - featuring a minimum of 4 prongs - For a Round Faceted Stone
Exercise 3: Overveiw of Setting Techniques for Angular Cabochon Stones - cuts having one or more angular corners (e.g., pear and marquise); and straight-sided cuts having multiple angular corners (e.g., rectangular, square, triangular )
After Module 4 you may choose the Modules that interest you in order to complete your training.
If your interest is in Setting Stones then you would continue with the Stone Setting Modules shown below.
If your interest is in Surface Textures, Forging and Hinges then you would continue with Modules 5, 6, and 7, as listed here.
You may choose to complete all the modules for a total of 11 modules. The last Module remains an exploration in Gold.
Jewellery Program: Intermediate Level
Exercise 1: Fabrication and Integration of Reticulation
Exercise 2: Integration of Small Decorative Punching
Exercise 3: Overveiw of Different types of Homemade Clasps and Commercially available Findings
Exercise 4: Fabrication of a Brooch with Pin including surface texture
Module 5: Introduction to Surface Treatments: Reticulation and Stamping and to Handmade Clasps
Module 6: Introduction to Creative Forming of Metal Through Forging
Exercise 1: Fabrication of a Forged Cuff Bracelet
Exercise 3: Fabrication of a Chain Using Forged Rings
Module 7: Introduction to Handmade Hinges
Exercise 1: Fabrication of an Articulated Bracelet with Hinges Including a Clasp
Module 8: Introduction to Gold: Alloys and Primers
Exercise 1: Fabrication of Earrings in Gold with the inclusion of a gem stone if desired
Exercise 2: Fabrication of a Pendant in Yellow or White Gold with the inclusion of a gem stone if desired
Jewellery Program: Stone Setting Modules
Exercise 1: Overview and Continuation of Bezel Fabrication and Setting techniques for Angular Stones including Faceted Stones
Exercise 2: Fabrication of a Square or Triangular setting - for a square or triangular cabochon stone
Exercise 3: Fabrication of a Pear or Marquise setting - for a pear or marquise faceted stone
Prerequisite for Stone Setting Module 5 is completion of Modules 3 and 4
Module 5: Continuation of Settings for Cabochon and Faceted Gemstones
Module 6: Prong Settings for Cabochon and Faceted Gemstones
Exercise 1: Overview of Prong Settings for Angular Stones
Exercise 2: Fabrication of Prong Setting for Pear or Marquise Stone
Exercise 3: Fabrication of Prong setting for Square Stone
Module 7: Continued Exploration of Different Setting Techniques
Exercise 1: Tapered Bezel settings - Introduction to Collet blocks for Round Faceted Stones
Exercise 2: Introduction to Tension settings
Exercise 3: Working with Wax and Gemstones
Module 8: Introduction to Gold: Alloys and Primers
Exercise 1: Fabrication of Earrings in Gold with the inclusion of a gem stone if desired
Exercise 2: Fabrication of a Pendant in Yellow or White Gold with the inclusion of a gem stone if desired
The Creative Experience
The Creative Experience is a private class with one of our instructors. It consists of an initial consultation followed by a number of hours in the studio which will be determined based on the needs of the project and will allow the student to design and produce their own, custom made, jewellery piece. Throughout the process the instructor will assist with all the technical skills and support needed to cover design, construction and completion of the work.
This item of jewellery can range from a personalized piece for ones self, a heirloom gift, or an engagement ring. With hands-on involvement from the beginning of the process, through to completion of the work, students will enjoy the experience of transforming their initial concept into a finished piece of bespoke jewellery.
Register for the Creative Experience
The 3D Lab
Our 3D Services
A course in 3D modelling using Rhino 8
A course in slicing using Chitubox and preparing a piece for 3D printing
3D printing in our lab
Help, resources and troubleshooting in both 3D modelling and printing
3D classes
Our Introductory class introduces participants to the basics of Rhino 8, the jewellery industry standard software for 3D design.
Through lectures, demonstrations and exercises, students become familiar with the Rhino 8 software and its infinite possibilities, adding a new and powerful tool to their jewellery practice.
A final project allows students to create a piece of jewellery 3D printed in our lab.
The final workshop teaches how to prepare a piece to be printed and gives a quick overview in how to slice and create supports, using the Chitubox software, allowing for printing using SLA resin printers.
List of equipment:
Elegoo Mars 3 printer
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro printer
Phrozen Sonic printer
Elegoo cleaning and UV curing station
CCW UV curing unit
The Montreal Academy of Metal Arts offers students and professional artists a stimulating studio atmosphere with comprehensive classes and workshop sessions in jewellery making and other Metal Arts.