Description

During this intensive program students are immersed in the techniques of fine jewelry fabrication…..
Topics covered in the program include
Fabrication/Metal Work, Stone Setting, Tool Making, Repair, Craftsmanship, Sketching/Design

During this comprehensive training program, equip yourself with the skills needed to enhance your jewelry techniques or if you are a beginner, start your journey in the jewelry trade.

With a focus on fine jewelry fabrication, GAP (Goldsmiths Apprentice Program) is designed to train the student as an apprentice, as it was throughout history when apprentices were taught the age-old practice of repetition to develop a skill while working under a master craftsperson.

GAP students will learn skills such as  sawpiercing, filing, soldering, hand fabrication, stone setting, wax carving and casting, finishing, polishing and tool making, all with the focus being fine jewelry. Sharpen your skill set, strengthen your technique and level up your hand fabrication and finishing.

The Goldsmiths Apprentice Program is structured into three-week sessions focusing on the fundamental skills of fine jewelry fabrication. Each apprentice is different so the program is designed to be flexible and move at each individuals pace. We meet you were you are at and we take you where you want to be.

Session #1 Fundamentals, Fire + Fabrication

Learn the fundamental basics of jewelry fabrication such as sawpiercing, filing, texturing, soldering, pouring ingots, rolling out metal, pulling wire, make a tool with precision measuring (learning to use dividers), prepare a bench pin. Simple fabrication such as making a bezel and bail for a cabochon stone pendant and setting it. Fabricate and solder a chain link bracelet with a toggle clasp.

Session #2 Ready, SET, Go

Beginning Stone Setting Fundamentals and Practice! The key word is PRACTICE. We provide ring blanks for the student to practice over and over until they are proficient to set the stones in the rings they will fabricate. Fabricate a tapered band and set a pearl, fabricate a tapered bezel ring and a tapered wave ring. Fabricate a wire setting for a pendant, set stone in wire setting and tapered bezel ring and tapered wave ring. Begin some ring sizing if time permits.

Session #3 Design, Carve, Cast + Finish

Practice wax carving and the skills needed to produce a finished wax to be cast. Learn the casting process and finishing work, which is emphasized. Finish work is IMPORTANT. No cutting corners. Set stones in the finished pieces. Multiple pieces are made to practice.

Session #4 Advanced Fabrication + Setting

Hand fabricate a three stone ring from stock. Hand fabricate a box clasp and chain. Advanced stone setting such as channel and bead setting.

Apprentices may continue to attend GAP 2, a continuation of the program which carries on training the student in advanced skills. For more detailed information, please email the school.

All sessions are taught by Michael R Kosinski. The structure of the class is a lecture, demonstration, then practice, practice, practice. Handouts are given and we encourage apprentices to take notes on the lecture and demonstration. Recording of lecture and demo is accepted.

Monday-Thursday Instruction Days 10am-5pm
Friday Lab Day 10am-2pm

DATES:

Fall/Winter 2024/25

Sept 23-Oct 11 FULL

Nov 4-22 FULL

Dec 2-20 FULL

Jan 13-31 FULL

Spring/Summer 2025

March 3-21

March 24-Apr 11

April 28-May 16

May 19-June 6

Fall/Winter 2025/26

Nov 3-21

Dec 1-19

Jan 12-30

Feb 2-20

*Dates Subject to Change

PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] TO GET ON THE WAITLIST OR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
THANK YOU!

Session Tuition: $2250
Register to save a seat at the bench: $750
Tool Kit: $380 *can be purchased from Otto Frei

*Please see special Refund Policy for GAP on the Cancellation/Refund Page

For more information and to apply, contact [email protected]

*Scholarships Available