Jasper Canyon Earrings | Jewelry Making Class in Albuquerque
Our Jasper Canyon Earrings jewelry making class in Albuquerque was a hands-on day of bezel making, forming, soldering, and stone setting. Each student created a pair of sterling silver earrings featuring natural jasper.
Inspired by the warm colors and layered landscapes of the Southwest, the project gave students plenty of room to make the design their own. With different jasper stones to choose from, each pair developed its own look.
Finding the Right Jasper
Choosing the jasper was an important part of the process. Natural jasper varies widely in color and pattern, giving each student the opportunity to create a unique combination.
Some chose rich, earthy tones, while others were drawn to brighter colors and more dramatic patterns.
A Day of Making
With their stones selected, students worked on the sterling silver components, including forming, bezel making, and soldering.
The studio was filled with students working through each step, checking their pieces, refining details, and watching their earrings take shape.
Setting the Stones
Once the silverwork was ready, students set their jasper stones into the bezels. The natural patterns and colors of the stones stood out beautifully against the sterling silver.
Although everyone started with the same project, each pair of earrings looked different based on the stones and design choices.
Finishing the Earrings
Students finished their earrings by oxidizing and polishing the sterling silver. The final step brought out the details of the silver and gave each pair its finished character.
What began as individual pieces of jasper and silver had become wearable jewelry made by the students themselves.
What Students Learned
The Jasper Canyon Earrings project brought several techniques together in one wearable piece:
Bezel making
Forming and soldering
Stone setting
Oxidizing and polishing
Students also had the freedom to make choices throughout the process, from selecting their jasper to creating the look of their finished earrings.
A Little Southwest Inspiration
The Jasper Canyon Earrings were inspired by the colors and textures of New Mexico. It was fun to see that inspiration interpreted differently around the studio, from warm and earthy combinations to brighter, more contrasting designs.
By the end of the day, students had new jewelry-making skills and a finished pair of earrings to take home.
Explore More at Meltdown
Interested in learning jewelry making in Albuquerque? View our upcoming jewelry making classes at Meltdown Studio and find your next project at the bench.
