Discover the Best Jewelry Soldering Classes in NYC
Jewelry soldering is a technique used to create and repair metal jewelry. A metal alloy called solder is melted and used to create a bond between two pieces of metal. The solder is melted with a soldering iron or torch, and a substance called flux is used to help it stick to the jewelry. Solderers use specialized equipment and need to have a steady hand. Expert solderers are often able to create a bond that is seamless and invisible to the naked eye.
Why You Should Learn Jewelry Soldering in NYC
Learning jewelry soldering means that you will be able to fix or modify your own jewelry. You’ll be able to make your favorite items last longer, and when something breaks you won’t have to pay a professional to repair it. If you get good enough at soldering, you might even be able to make some money repairing or modifying other people’s jewelry.
Soldering can also be personally rewarding. If you know how to solder, you’ll have the freedom to make unique and intricate pieces of jewelry that you couldn’t make any other way. Many people who solder jewelry say that they get a lot of satisfaction out of the creative expression involved, and also feel a sense of achievement by creating unique pieces that reflect their own personal style.
In-Person Jewelry Soldering Classes & Schools in NYC
New York City has a lively art scene, and you’ll find in-person jewelry soldering classes there. 92nd Street Y offers a class called Soldering Intensive, where participants learn about soldering, including sweat, stick, pellet, and dust soldering. This class is $285 and has five sessions. A supply list is available online. The 92nd Street Y is located near Central Park, less than 10 miles from Manhattan. This cultural and community center helps people connect through the arts, culture, and entertainment. It offers a wide range of different classes, including classes in soldering and jewelry-making.
Liloveve also offers a jewelry soldering class called Introduction to Silversmithing, which has six sessions, and costs $450. This class introduces students to the techniques used for creating handmade jewelry out of sterling silver. Students learn soldering, sawing, filing, forming and joining, ring sizing, polishing, and basic stone setting. They also get trade references and supplier resources. The class is appropriate for both beginners, and students who want to refresh their skills. Liloveve sells handmade jewelry, and offers jewelry-making classes. It is located less than five miles out of Manhattan, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Liloveve also offers a single-session class called Ring Making Intensive, where students learn jewelry fabrication techniques–including soldering–and create a set of sterling silver rings. That class is $180.
Another New York City option is Metalsmithing at Bushwick Jewelry Casting. In this course, students learn many different fundamental jewelry-making skills including soldering techniques, polishing, doming blocks, proper use of hand tools, and safe practices. They also learn metalsmithing techniques such as sawing and piercing, cold connections, chain making, and patinas. They will create a minimum of two to four pieces over eight sessions. This class costs $750. Bushwick Jewelry Casting is located in Brooklyn. It offers a range of different jewelry-making classes, and also offers studio time for jewelry makers.
Jewelry Design/Making is a six-session course at the Benlolo Studio. Designed for beginner and intermediate students, this class covers a variety of basic jewelry-making techniques, including soldering. Students learn to make a ring or a pendant, wax casting into metal, fabrication in gold or silver, bezel setting, and identifying gemstones and diamonds. The average class size is only four- to six people. Tuition is $660. The Benlolo Studio offers a variety of jewelry-making and jewelry design classes. David Benlolo has been creating jewelry for more than 20 years, and has worked for a number of prestigious jewelry houses, including Tiffany & Co.
EatMetal, a gallery and studio in Hoboken, New Jersey runs a class called DIY Textured Sterling Silver Rings, where students make a sterling silver ring while learning forming, hammering, soldering, and finishing. This class costs $195. EatMetal was founded by artist and jewelry maker Elizabeth Ann. She offers a number of different jewelry-making classes, and also creates one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Virtual Jewelry Soldering Classes & Schools
Virtual jewelry soldering classes are also a great way to learn this skill. When you learn virtually, you’ll probably have to supply your own materials, but you’ll get real-time instruction and the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, just like you would with an in-person class. Some people prefer in-person learning because they find it easier to learn something by seeing it demonstrated in person, however, other people love virtual learning because it allows you to learn from home, or any other location of your choosing.
EatMetal is a gallery and studio located in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was founded by artist and jewelry maker Elizabeth Ann, who creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, and also offers a number of different jewelry-making classes. Hammered Earring is a virtual class, which runs for two and a half hours and costs $50. It meets via Zoom. Participants learn about materials and techniques for making earrings, and get a live demonstration. They learn how to make a jump ring, how to solder, how to forge, how to make findings for the earrings, and finishing. There is also an open forum for questions and answers.
Another virtual class option for students who want to learn to make jewelry is Wire Art Jewelry Making. This class is offered by East Los Angeles College. Founded in 1945, East Los Angeles is a community college that serves more than 30,000 students, with both in-person and virtual class options. Wire Art Jewelry Making is designed to teach students a number of different linking techniques for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. They learn about making jump rings, charms, spacers, and clasps, and attaching beads with solderless wire. The class has an average of 20 students, and costs $35. Students should request a list of required materials at the time of registration.
If you want to learn to make jewelry, you might also be interested in wire wrapping, which is a solderless technique. In Jewelry Making: Wire Wrapping Colorful Jewels students learn wire wrapping techniques. They use solderless wire to make an outline of an object, and then they wrap it with wire and beads. This technique can be used to make figures for bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. Students who want to take this class need round nose pliers, chain nose pliers, a flush-wire cutter, flat-nose pliers, and a black Sharpie marker. Tuition is $35. Los Angeles City College has been operating for more than 90 years, and is one of the oldest community colleges in the Los Angeles area. It is located near the downtown area.
Private Group Jewelry Soldering Classes in NYC
In addition to offering virtual and in-person jewelry soldering classes, CourseHorse offers jewelry soldering classes for private groups. Jewelry soldering is a unique activity that can be engaging and entertaining to learn as a group. When you book through CourseHorse, you’ll find every step of the booking process easy; you don’t need to register, there is no booking fee, and you’ll get confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. Many providers also allow you to make changes to your booking up to 72 hours before the event.
For New York City-based groups who want to do something jewelry related, the Private Ring Making Party is a popular option. A cheese and fruit plate is provided, and groups can bring in their own beer and wine. Participants learn about measuring ring size, and will fabricate three sterling silver rings. An expert instructor covers a variety of silversmithing techniques including hammering, annealing, filing, forming, soldering, shaping, and polishing. Students take at least three bands home: a polished band, a hammered band, and a twisted band. They also leave with information about where to buy metal and tools, and the option to come back and rent a bench to make more rings. This class takes place at a jewelry studio in Brooklyn, runs for two hours, and costs $500. Up to six people can attend.
Polymer Clay Jewelry is another jewelry-related for groups, and takes place virtually. This one can be taken by up to 500 people at once, and costs $85 per person. In this class, participants learn a number of basic jewelry-making techniques, then make customized jewelry out of polymer clay. Students can make their designs as simple, or as complicated, as they want. All materials are supplied before the beginning of the class, including polymer clay, sculpting tools, and accessories for making earrings and keychains.
Many CourseHorse providers can bring your private group event to your home or office, or provide an external venue. For virtual events, participants usually meet via Zoom, however, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx can also be accommodated. For more information about scheduling a private group class like jewelry soldering, contact CourseHorse.