discover Jewellery classes in auckland

Frequently Asked Questions

• What materials are included in jewellery making classes?

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  Material inclusions vary by class level. Stage 1 students receive all materials and equipment provided. Stage 2 students pay for silver based on weight. Most beginner workshops include tools, base metals, and silver strips. Specific classes like Stacker Rings, Make a Ring in a Day Workshop, and Hammered Bangle workshops include silver in the course cost. The Gypsy Setting workshop provides all tools, equipment, base metals, sterling silver ring, disc, and cubic zirconias. Check individual class descriptions for exact material coverage.

• How long does it take to complete a jewellery making course?

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  Course durations range significantly. Taster classes and one-day workshops are 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Multi-week evening courses span 7-8 weeks with 2.5-3 hour sessions per week. Five-week stage courses require 3.5 hours per week. Intensive options include 2-4 day workshops. Summer schools and weekend beginner programs compress fundamentals into 3-day intensive formats. Progression stages (Stages 1-9) allow students to advance at their own pace, with each stage consisting of 5 weeks of classes.

• What skills can I learn in jewellery making classes?

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  Classes cover core metalsmithing techniques including sawing/piercing, soldering, annealing, filing, and polishing. Specialised skills taught include gemstone setting (bezel, collet, and gypsy/flush mount techniques), roller printing, hammer texturing, stamping, wire twisting, and wax carving for lost wax casting. Alternative materials covered include polymer clay, resin (UV and epoxy), enamel, and glass fusion work. Advanced students learn design development, hollow form techniques, and working with facetted gemstones.

• Are jewellery making classes suitable for complete beginners?

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  Yes. Classes explicitly designed for absolute beginners include Jewellery Taster (no prerequisites), Make a Ring in a Day Workshop, Beginners Jewellery Making Evening Course, Jewellery Summer School for Beginners, and Weekend Beginners classes. These courses state 'no formal entry requirements' and require no artistic background. Instructors guide beginners through fundamental techniques, design development, and problem-solving. All tools and base materials are typically provided for beginners.

• What is the cost of jewellery making classes?

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  Pricing varies by duration and format. Taster/one-day workshops range from $220-$615. Multi-week evening courses (7-8 weeks) cost $615. Five-week stage courses cost $513 (including GST). Intensive 2-4 day workshops range from $513-$615. Additional consumable charges apply in some courses (e.g., Stage 4-9 includes a $30 consumable charge). Some classes require separate payment for materials like silver based on weight used.

• What class sizes are typical for jewellery making courses?

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  Classes maintain small group sizes to ensure individual instruction. Maximum class sizes include: Jewellery Taster (7 people), Learn to Make Jewellery (10 people), Designing Jewellery in Wax (11 people), Pounamu workshops (12 people), Resin Jewellery (15 people), Hammered Bangle and Sterling Silver Textured Earrings (8 people each). Smaller group sizes allow tutors to provide personalised guidance with design development, technical issues, and problem-solving.