A R I M A S METAL LAB

SILVER STACKING RINGS

Beginner Metalsmithing Workshop

Create two sterling silver stacking rings with your own hands.

In this beginner friendly workshop, you will learn the foundations of traditional metalsmithing while making a set of sterling silver rings from start to finish. Measure, form, solder, texture, file, sand, and polish your rings inside an intimate working jewelry studio.

Choose from a small selection of ring profiles, textures, and finishes to create a set that feels clean and minimal, richly hammered, softly organic, or somewhere in between. Make one ring smooth and one textured, give each ring a different finish, or create a coordinating pair.

Wear them together, divide them between different fingers, or give one to someone special.

No previous jewelry making experience is required.

Workshop Details

Age: Adults 18+
Experience level: Beginner
Format: One day workshop
Length: 3.5 hours
Class size: Maximum of 4 students
Location: ARIMAS Studio at the Village of Industry & Art, Philadelphia
Materials: Included within the workshop material allowance

You Will Create

Two handmade sterling silver stacking rings.

Students will select from a small range of studio-approved sterling silver wire and strip profiles. You will then create your own textures and finishes using jewelry hammers, forming tools, abrasives, and polishing equipment.

The project is intentionally limited to two simple stacking bands so every student has enough time to complete and properly finish both rings.

Wide bands, gemstone settings, advanced decorative attachments, and complex ring designs are not included in this introductory workshop.

You Will Learn

• How to determine and measure your ring size

• How to calculate the correct length of metal

• Basic metal cutting, forming, and shaping

• How to prepare a clean ring seam

• Safe introductory torch use

• How solder joins metal

• How to create hammered and polished surface finishes

• Filing, sanding, refining, and polishing

• How jewelers transform raw metal into a finished wearable object

Your Workshop Experience

The workshop begins with a studio introduction and required safety orientation, followed by a demonstration of the complete ring making process.

You will then measure and prepare your sterling silver, form your rings, align the seams, and work through the soldering and finishing stages with individual guidance.

Students will rotate through shared tools and equipment during the workshop. Because the class is limited to four people, you will have room to ask questions, work at your own bench, and receive direct support throughout the process.

This is a hands-on working studio experience. You will use jewelry torches, hand tools, hammers, abrasive materials, polishing equipment, and heated metal under supervision.

Included With Registration

• Sterling silver for two stacking rings within the workshop material allowance

• Access to all required jewelry tools and studio equipment

• Safety glasses and shared protective equipment

• Solder, flux, and studio approved solutions

• Texturing and forming tools

• Sanding, finishing, and polishing materials

• Step by step demonstrations

• Individual guidance in a four person class

• A small pouch or container for your finished rings

Additional silver, gemstones, advanced decorative elements, and additional rings are not included in this introductory workshop.

What to Wear

For your safety, please arrive wearing:

• Closed toe shoes

• Comfortable clothing that may collect dust or metal residue

• Natural fiber clothing when possible

• Fitted sleeves or sleeves that can be securely rolled up

• Long hair fully tied back

Loose sleeves, flowing garments, dangling accessories, open toe shoes, and highly flammable clothing are not appropriate for torch work.

You may be asked to remove bracelets, long necklaces, scarves, or other items that could interfere with tools or equipment.

What to Bring

Bring a labeled water bottle and your creativity. All required tools and project materials are provided.

Food and alcohol are not permitted in the active metalsmithing area.

Before Booking

This workshop requires steady hand control, close attention to demonstrations, and the ability to follow studio safety directions.

Students must arrive on time for the required safety orientation. Anyone who misses the orientation may not be permitted to participate in torch work and may need to transfer to a future workshop according to the studio’s booking policy.

Registration is for one participant and one scheduled workshop. Seats may not be shared between participants.

Important Notes

Your rings will be formed and finished entirely by hand. Small variations in texture, shape, and finish are natural parts of the metalsmithing process and make each set unique.

The goal is not factory perfect duplication. The goal is to leave with two well made rings that carry visible evidence of your own hands and creative decisions.

Because this is a small class with limited seats, please review the workshop and studio policies before registering.

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