Jewelry Making Class in Albuquerque: Turquoise ID Bracelet
Our Turquoise ID Bracelet jewelry making class in Albuquerque, spending the day at the bench working with sterling silver and genuine turquoise. The class brought together several hands-on metalsmithing techniques, including repoussé stamping, texturing, chain making, soldering, and stone setting.
Starting With the Silver
Students began by giving the sterling silver centerpiece its own character with repoussé stamping and texturing. Each student had the opportunity to create a surface with its own handmade details before moving on to the turquoise.
Once the centerpiece was ready, students chose their genuine turquoise and created a custom bezel to fit the stone.
Building the Bracelet Link by Link
One of the most satisfying parts of the project was making the bracelet chain by hand. Students formed each link from wire, learning wire forming and soldering as they slowly built the adjustable chain.
Piece by piece, the bracelet started to come together.
Setting and Finishing
With the main components ready, students soldered their pieces together and carefully set their turquoise stones. The final steps included oxidizing and polishing the silver, which brought out the stamped texture and handmade details.
By the end of the class, each student had created a substantial, comfortable turquoise bracelet with its own character and details.
A Day at the Bench
We loved seeing how each bracelet came together differently. Although everyone started with the same project, the textures, turquoise, and small handmade details gave each piece its own personality.
The class was also a great opportunity to work through several essential jewelry-making techniques in one project, from forming and soldering to bezel fabrication and stone setting.
Most importantly, students left with something they had made themselves, and a new set of skills to bring to their next project.
Keep Creating at Meltdown
Learn more jewelry-making techniques - view our upcoming jewelry making classes in Albuquerque and find your next project at the bench.
Looking for more time to work on your own jewelry? Learn about jewelry open studio access at Meltdown Studio.
