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 a 12 week program 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 Practice, Set, Practice

Continue saw piercing practice with inlay and domed pieces. Fabricate three different forged tapered shanks with settings. Fabricate a four prong wire pendant setting with bail.
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 three forged tapered shank rings with three different settings.

Session #3 Ready, SET, Go

Flush setting, shared prong setting, channel setting…
Setting fancy shapes in prongs. Practice a channel and shared prong setting. Fabricate a channel band and set stones. More ring fabrication such as a bypass ring with three stones.

Session #4 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. Introduction to jewelry repair such as ring sizing, re-tipping, and chain repair.

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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:

Spring/Summer 2025

March 3-21 FULL

March 24-Apr 11 FULL

April 28-May 16 2 spaces available

May 19-June 6

July 7-25

Fall 2025

Nov 3-21

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