Discover the Best Ring Making Classes Near Me
Ring making is an art form that involves crafting a round band to wear as an ornament around the finger. Rings are usually made of metal but may also be crafted out of a variety of materials including bone, enamel, wood, and stone, among others. Each material requires different tools and techniques to work with. However, at the very least, all types of ring making require a mandrel for crafting rings for specific sizes. While ring making can involve difficult techniques appropriate only for advanced crafters, there are plenty of beginner techniques that anyone can learn for making beautiful rings in a short amount of time.
Why You Should Learn Ring Making
Learning ring making can have several physiological benefits. People commonly report feeling happier after engaging in a creative activity. This is because creative hobbies are often fun and provide an outlet for self-expression. Getting into the physical flow of a craft is also known to relieve stress. Many people get a sense of accomplishment when discovering their ability in a new skill or completing a craft, which can boost confidence.
Starting any new hobby can introduce you to new and like-minded people. Whether you learn to make jewelry in a physical classroom or online from home, people often reach out to their peers for guidance and motivation. This may be your classmates or an online community. Connecting with others over a new hobby can lead to discovering life-long friends or simply decreasing feelings of loneliness.
While many people start a new hobby simply to have fun, it is possible to make side income through ring making. Crafters may sell their creations online or at art fairs. This extra income may simply accumulate in enough cash to cover the cost of materials and tools for the hobby. However, some ring makers earn enough to equate to a full or part time job.
5 Ways to Learn Ring Making
There are several approaches you can take to learn how to make rings. Which one you choose depends on your learning goals.
In Person Classes
In person classes are excellent choices for learning any new skill. Many students find they learn topics faster when guided by an instructor, and the in-person format works well for hands-on projects. Any materials a student needs are often provided, and students often have access to studio tools and resources. The downside of in-person classes is students must travel to attend them and often have inflexible schedules.
Live Online Classes
Live online classes are great alternatives to in-person classes. Through online video and other virtual tools, online classes provide similar interactivity present in physical classrooms. Students can interact with their instructors and peers and even follow along with hands-on projects from the comfort of their home. There is also no commute required, and online courses often offer flexible scheduling. The downside of online classes is students often have to provide their own materials and tools for hands-on projects.
On-Demand Classes
On-demand classes usually include a mix of resources such as videos, presentations, PDFs, and other materials for students to work through at their own pace. These types of classes are typically cheaper than other courses and are ideal for students who have difficulty committing to online or in-person class schedules. However, they don’t include an instructor to turn to with questions and students must guide themselves through the course.
Online Video Tutorials
Online videos are highly accessible and usually free. It’s not uncommon for hobbyists to learn a new skill by following an online video. This has similar advantages and disadvantages to on-demand classes. Students can learn at their own pace, but they don’t have an instructor to guide them. Online videos may also be outdated. And while many videos typically exist as beginner guides to a topic, finding videos on advanced techniques may be more difficult.
Ring Making books
Going to the library may not be as popular in these modern times. However, like online videos, ring making books can be found for free. Books on ring making are also likely to provide more information than online videos. Hobbyists can learn about the history of the art as well as how to identify and use various tools. Ring making books can include several different projects to work on and provide detailed diagrams. As with videos, there is no instructor when learning from a book. Learning more advanced techniques will likely require purchasing books on specialized topics.
In-Person Ring Making Classes
In-person ring making classes are a great way to learn the hobby. The following list looks at classes available in major metropolitan areas, which are more likely to have in-person classes on niche topics. However, this shouldn’t dissuade you from searching for ring making classes near you regardless of where you live.
New York City, NY
Fitzgerald Jewelry is a combination jewelry store, school, and gallery located in Williamsburg Brooklyn. They exhibit jewelry from artists all over the world as well as locally. Their school seeks to train both hobbyists and career-oriented jewelers. All of their classes are private and usually limited to one person to allow for specialized instruction and skill development. Students need to reach out to the school about what they would specifically like to make before the start of class.
Fitzgerald’s currently available ring making classes include Stackable Rings, a two-hour private workshop for beginners. The student will learn how to shape, texture, and finish their ring using various techniques, and will develop at least three unique rings by the end of the course. Materials and tools are included in the class. The class is only intended for one person of at least 18 years of age.
The Wedding Band Workshop is available for couples and takes place over two sessions for a total of six hours. In the first session, participants will create a model for their rings and cast them. In the second session, they will finish and polish their creations and get to take them home. Students are responsible for the materials cost of their rings.
Similar to the wedding band workshop, students can attend the Wax Carving: Ring Carving class. This is a six-hour two-session course with the first day focused on modeling and casting and the second day on finishing. Various techniques for wax carving will be explored. The class is open to beginners. Tools are provided but students will need to pay the materials cost of their rings.
The Benlolo Studio offers jewelry making classes in Murray Hill, Manhattan. The studio was founded by David Benlolo who has been designing jewelry for over 20 years. Classes are available for beginning hobbyists and experienced jewelers alike. Class sizes are small, averaging around only a handful of students, to allow for personalized instruction.
Benlolo’s workshops are available over multiple sessions. Beginners can choose between four or six weeks of instruction depending on their budget or spending needs. Students can choose to craft a ring or pendant and learn how to craft a model out of wax. They will fabricate their craft in gold or silver and learn how to make settings and identify gemstones.
Students who have completed the beginner’s course can advance to the 6 Weeks Intermediate & Advanced jewelry making course. Students may craft a ring, earrings, brooch, or pendant. They will learn how to fabricate their creation with more advanced metals, work with twisted wire, and create more advanced stone settings. David Benlolo personally teaches advanced classes.
Los Angeles, CA
There are currently no in-person classes in Los Angeles that teach ring making. However, general jewelry making classes are offered that cover the creation of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. While these classes don’t specifically teach ring making, the techniques learned could be applied to the craft.
If the courses on offer don’t appeal to you, consider reaching out to the school to ask about possible future classes or if ring making could be covered within the courses on offer. Check CourseHorse in the future to see if any new classes have opened up near you.
Jewel City Beads is a bead store located in Montrose. They carry various jewelry supplies for hobbyists and professional jewelers alike, though they specialize in beads. The store primarily offers classes to beginners or intermediate learners in jewelry making.
Basic Beading teaches students how to create bracelets, necklaces, and earrings using wire and beads. There is an additional fee for the materials students choose to use while in class. Alternatively, students can bring their own supplies. The class lasts for two hours. Students must be 18 years or older.
Houston, TX
Multiplicity is an art studio located in Katy. They offer classes and workshops in a variety of artistic mediums, and they seek to inspire students and instill confidence. Courses are available for ages 14 and up.
Simple Sterling Silver Stacking Rings is the perfect course for beginners to ring making. Students will learn how to measure metal, use a mandrel, and solder. They also learn techniques and tools for sanding, polishing, and finishing their pieces. The course lasts for two hours with an additional hour break for lunch.
Spinner Ring is a course for intermediate learners. Students must have completed a simple ring course prior to registering. They will learn advanced techniques for soldering multiple joints and layering additional bands to create a spinning effect. The course lasts for three hours.
Dangle Stacking Rings is open for learners of all levels. Students learn how to wrap wire and work with beads for forming rings and charms. The course lasts an hour and a half.
Washington, D.C.
Jewelryclassdc LLC is a jewelry studio located near Capitol Hill. Their classes teach working with metal at a fully equipped studio and are taught by professional metalsmiths. Beginner and intermediate learners are welcome.
Metal I Intensive is a three-day introduction to jewelry making open to beginners aged 14 or older. Students learn the tools and techniques required for working with silver and setting stones. Over the length of the course, students will complete at least five individual pieces. All materials are provided, but students will need to provide their own lunch. The class lasts for seven hours each day. If an intensive course seems too demanding, students may study the same techniques through Metals 1. The course lasts for eight sessions and three hours each evening.
Students may continue their learning in Metals II. Like Metals I, the course lasts for eight sessions and three hours every evening. Students may alternatively choose to attend the Metal II Intensive course. The class teaches advanced techniques with a focus on advanced stone settings creating hollow forms.
Beginners may also try Introduction to Gold to learn how to work with metal to create rings, bands, and bracelets. The course lasts for seven hours with a break for lunch. Students must be 18 years or older. Materials are provided.
Virtual Ring Making Classes
Virtual ring making classes are just as effective as in-person classes. Through virtual tools, students will interact with their instructor and peers in real-time and follow along with hands-on projects. Learning online allows students to attend class from home without the need to commute. With the ability to attend online classes located anywhere in the country or even the world, students have more choices of which courses to attend. This is especially advantageous for students who can’t find the classes they are looking for near their city.
The main drawback to learning ring making online is the lack of access to a physical jewelry making studio. Students often have to supply their own materials and equipment. When dealing with jewelry making techniques that require specialized tools, students may only receive a demonstration of the craft rather than having the opportunity to use the tools themselves. Because of this, beginner’s ring making classes may be best suited to the online environment.
You can search for online ring making classes through CourseHorse. Currently available is the Hammered Earring course. The class is private and available for one or two people aged 18 or older. Students will view a live demonstration of how to make hammered earrings and jump rings. They’ll also view the techniques required for forging, soldering, and finishing. The necessary materials and tools will also be discussed. Time is allotted for questions.
If you aren’t interested in the courses available, continue to check back for future classes. You may also contact individual schools to express your interest in other courses. Previous online jewelry making classes have covered techniques for wax carving, wire wrapping, working with polymer clay, and beading.
Private Group Ring Making Classes
Businesses and corporations can take advantage of private group ring making classes for team-building events. The benefits of a creative hobby individuals also carry over to company events. Employees engage in an activity that reduces stress and increases happiness. This not only improves worker productivity but creative activities also boost creativity and problem solving. Employees also get to socialize outside of the workplace and assist each other in completing creative projects. This in turn improves workplace communication and collaboration.
Companies located anywhere in the world may attend the Virtual Polymer Clay Jewelry course provided by CourseHorse. The class lasts for an hour and thirty minutes and can host groups of up to 500 people. The course is open to all skill levels with the ability to make designs as simple or complicated as one is comfortable. Students will learn the techniques for working with polymer clay for creating earrings, keychains, or a brooch. Though this class doesn’t specifically cover ring making, the techniques learned within can be applied to the craft. All tools and materials are included in the price of the course and will be shipped to each attendee.
If CourseHorse doesn’t have a class currently listed that you are interested in, feel free to contact them to discuss options. It may be possible to alter an existing course or create a new one specifically for your group. CourseHorse provides tons of flexibility for your group. You may change your group size or reschedule your event at one additional charge, provided you give advance notice. CourseHorse also supports multiple virtual platforms, so you do not need to attend class over Zoom if you prefer an alternative program. CourseHorse does not charge booking fees, and you can expect confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. All of CourseHorse’s group classes include the cost of materials and will ship them to you and your teammates.
What Will I Need to Learn Ring Making?
The specific tools and materials one needs to begin ring making can vary wildly depending on the types of rings. You do not need all of these materials and tools to get started with ring making. While some materials and tools can be quite costly, others are very affordable in comparison. Depending on your interests, ring making can be an accessible hobby for any budget.
- All ring makers need a mandrel or finger gauge for measuring ring size.
- Wire ring makers require different gauges of wire, pliers, wire cutters, and a rubber hammer.
- Beaded ring makers will need similar wire crafting tools in addition to beads of various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials.
- Polymer clay crafters require clay, a rolling pin, a crafting knife, and equipment such as an oven and baking sheets for baking the clay.
- Metal workers will need different tools for soldering, forging, gem setting, and polishing. These might include a soldering torch, sandpaper, clamps, tongs, shears, and safety equipment, among others.
If you attend an in-person or virtual class, in many cases the materials you need will be provided to you. If not, you should receive a list of materials to purchase on your own. Some classes include materials in their price while others charge an additional fee. Make sure to read the description and requirements of any class you are interested in carefully.
Is it Difficult to Learn Ring Making?
Though ring making does involve complicated techniques for advanced jewelers who likely practice their craft in dedicated studios, these techniques don’t need to be learned by everyone. Nor do all ring makers need to reach such skill levels or devote space to a studio of their own. There are many accessible materials and tools for pure beginners such as jewelry wire, beads, and clay. Ring making kits can be purchased with basic tools and all materials needed to get started. In the end, ring making is a hobby that is approachable for all skill levels.
