Learn Jewellery MakingPart of the JDMIS learning network

From first beaded bracelet to silversmithing — a beginner's road into jewellery

Bench project

Your first silver ring — what you actually make in class

Student rings — a bezel-set stone and a hollow dome. Both first-year work.

A plain silver band is the perfect first project: every fundamental bench
skill in one small, wearable result.

The steps and what each teaches

  1. Measure and cut — ring size + metal thickness maths; saw control
    starts here.
  2. File the joint — perfect fit before heat; soldering is 90% preparation.
  3. Solder the seam — heat control, flux, the moment the silver shouts
    orange and flows.
  4. Shape on the mandrel — hammering round; this is where the ring becomes
    YOURS.
  5. Sand and polish — grits in sequence, no shortcuts; the difference
    between handmade and homemade.

What surprises beginners

How physical it is (bench pins, leverage), how much of the work is filing,
and how good the first ring looks anyway — hammer marks are character.

This is precisely the opening project of
Foundation Metalwork Skills
— torch time, tools and silver included. The
skills list maps the whole ladder.

What students say

“I enjoyed fancy weaving because its something unusual and nice.”

— Nikoletta M. (Cyprus) · published student feedback

“I enjoyed glass fusing because I wanted to learn about glass fusing and the class conducted provide enough information to play around with glass fusing.”

— Melani A. (Indonesia) · published student feedback

Free ways to explore

No sign-up, no payment — start with any of these.

TTake the 2-minute course finderFREE
Answer a few questions, get personal course recommendations.TThe complete course guideFREE
Every course, family and diploma in one PDF.FFree gem webinar replaysFREE
Full recorded sessions on gems and the jewellery trade.PPlay Name That GemFREE
The school's free gem-identification game.

Keep exploring

Pearl types explained — freshwater, saltwater and shellFreshwater vs saltwater vs shell pearls — how they are grown, how to judge quality, and hoLearn Jewellery Making — a beginner's road from first bead to silverHow to start jewellery making as a complete beginner — the three craft families, real clasGemmology for makers — know what you setWhy jewellery makers should learn basic gemmology — hardness, treatments, imitations and tMetal clay for beginners — silver in a putty's clothingWhat silver metal clay is, how it works, firing basics and where it sits next to sheet-met

Try a one-day jewellery class

Short experience classes at JDMIS need no tools, no experience and no commitment — a single session gives you a real taste of the craft.

Visit jdmis.edu.sg