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Jewelry & Metalsmithing I
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of jewelry and metalsmithing. Among the many techniques covered, students will learn how to effectively shape, join, polish, texture, and patinate metal. Other jewelry techniques such as stone setting will be covered briefly, as well. The science of metallurgy as it pertains to jewelry will also be touched upon, and students will learn the “whys” and “hows” of metal as they are working with it. Students can expect to walk away with many samples, at least one finished piece of wearable jewelry, and foundational jewelry making skills that are the prerequisite for many other classes.
*No Class: October 12th (Indigenous People’s Day)*
**Class WILL be held the Monday of Thanksgiving week.**
Please be advised: Due to the need to order supplies, we customarily close registration for our on-site offerings one week before the start date. If you wish to join the class after registration closes, please contact us at [email protected] or 781-891-3854.
Meet the instructor
William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.
William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."
Materials & Tools
There is a $107 materials fee for this workshop that is payable upon registration. The materials kit includes several pieces of copper and brass sheet, sterling silver ring stock, silver bezel wire, sterling silver sheet, sawblades, a cabochon, wire, solder, and various different rotary attachments for fabrication and polishing.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unpredictable cost of precious metals, starting in Fall 2026, Metalwerx will no longer provide unlimited solder for use in the studio. Your instructor will order the amount needed for use during class.
- Writing utensil and notebook
- Closed-toe shoes - required in the Metalwerx studio!
- Ultra-fine point black Sharpie
- Apron
- A box/container for in-progress projects/supplies
- Optional:
- Clearly labeled personal tools
- Supplemental materials for your projects
- Vision aid (e.g. Optivisors)
- Snacks & drinks (Metalwerx has a fridge)