JewelryClassDC

"JewelryClassDC is a fantastic place to learn jewelry making. I took Dan’s workshop sometime ago, and I am now attending the extended study program. I like how he helps students approach different projects and technical problems. Every time I’m at the studio, I learn something new! If you are interested in learning jewelry making, I’d recommend you chat with Dan."

"This is the absolute best place to learn jewelry making. Most of the reviews on here talk about classes and while I cant speak to these directly, if anyone ever has a desire to make an engagement ring or wedding bands, really any piece of jewelry. I highly recommend this place! I approached the owner, Dan, with an idea for an engagement ring with a stone, a few pictures of generally what I was looking for the ring to look like...and that's about it. He was able to take my idea and fully walk me through the cost breakdown of materials and lessons, process of purchasing materials (including the stone), and then the actual implementation of making the ring. He taught me the basic flow of how a ring gets made: shaping the metal via hammering, carving the extra accents on the ring in my specific request, making the setting, filing, soldering the pieces together, and polishing the piece as a whole. We practiced in silver first which I really appreciated having never done this before. So I ended up actually with two finished pieces in end, a practice ring (silver), and the actual engagement ring (platinum). The final engagement ring cost less than what I would have paid for in a store and is physically stronger than a ring from a store due to it being handmade and not cast. Honestly if my house were closer to the studio, I'd sign up for the classes that this place offers. Even though most of my lessons were largely private sessions, I still got to interact with other people taking his classes and his extended study students. This place completely exceeded my expectations in every way. I'll definitely be coming back here to make the wedding bands with my fiancée."

"Dan is a great instructor, and the studio setup is incredible! He has decades of professional goldsmithing experience and everything you'll need to develop your metalsmithing skills. Plus, the classes are fun and the community is great."

"Pros: Excellent Teacher, Best Tools and Workshop, Amazing Community. Cons: Highly addicting! I’ve been taking classes at Dan’s studio for over 3 years and frankly can’t seem to stop. The studio is fully equipped with any kind of goldsmithing tool you could imagine, modern or old-fashioned. The class sizes are small enough to get plenty of one-on-one assistance. The projects each semester are different and offer new skills to learn. Most importantly, the skills Dan teaches are the real deal, learning techniques in hammer forging, soldering, fabricating heavy bezels, and working in sterling silver. Dan is a master goldsmith and an excellent teacher. Classes are an amazing creative experience but also really fun. If you’re thinking about learning more about the art and engineering of jewelry metalsmithing, or just want to learn a new skill for fun, this is the place to do it."