Description
Choose your workshop date in the booking calendar. Each registration reserves one seat for one 75 - 90 minute session.
Make two pairs of sterling silver stud earrings from raw silver using fire, solder, and traditional metalsmithing techniques.
In this beginner friendly workshop, you will transform small pieces of sterling silver into polished ball studs from start to finish inside the intimate working ARIMAS Metal Lab.
Using a jeweler’s torch, you will heat sterling silver until the metal melts and naturally pulls itself into a sphere. You will then prepare and solder sterling silver posts, refine your earrings, and finish them for a bright polished surface.
You will create two pairs in two different sizes, giving you a small coordinating set that can be worn alone, mixed between piercings, or paired together.
No previous jewelry making experience is required.
Adults 18+ • Beginner • One-day workshop
Length: 75 - 90 minutes • Class size: Maximum 5 students
Location: ARIMAS Studio at the Village of Industry & Arts
320 South Broad Street, Space 151
Philadelphia, PA
Materials: Sterling silver and all required workshop materials are included
What You’ll Make
You will create two pairs of handmade sterling silver ball stud earrings in two different sizes.
Each stud begins as a small piece of sterling silver. Under the heat of the torch, the metal melts and draws itself into a sphere before being cleaned, prepared, and soldered to a sterling silver earring post.
Your finished earrings will be polished and ready to wear at the end of the workshop.
Because each sphere is formed individually by hand and fire, slight variations in shape and size are a natural part of the process.
Want another pair? A third pair of sterling silver studs may be added for $15, allowing you to create a three size set.
What You’ll Learn
- Safe introductory torch use
- How sterling silver behaves as it reaches its melting point
- How to form small silver spheres using heat and surface tension
- How to prepare metal for soldering
- How to position and solder sterling silver earring posts
- Basic cleaning, refining, and finishing techniques
- How raw sterling silver becomes a finished wearable object
What’s Included
- Sterling silver for two pairs of ball studs
- Sterling silver earring posts and backs
- Access to all required jewelry tools and studio equipment
- Safety glasses and shared protective equipment
- Solder, flux, pickle, and studio-approved solutions
- Finishing and polishing materials
- Step-by-step demonstrations
- Individual guidance within a five-person class
- Packaging for your finished earrings
An optional third pair may be added for $15.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for adults ages 18 and older who are new to jewelry making, curious about metalsmithing, or simply want to spend a creative session making something they can immediately wear.
No previous jewelry-making experience is required. The workshop does require steady hand control, close attention to demonstrations, and the ability to follow studio safety directions.
Registration is for one participant and one scheduled workshop. Seats may not be shared between participants.
Studio, Tools & Safety
The workshop begins with a brief studio introduction and required safety orientation, followed by a demonstration of the complete stud-making process.
You will prepare your sterling silver, form your silver spheres with the torch, prepare and solder your posts, and work through the finishing stages with guidance.
Students will rotate through shared torch and finishing equipment during the workshop. Because the class is limited to five participants, each student will have their own workspace and opportunities for direct support throughout the process.
This is a hands-on working studio experience. You will use jewelry torches, hand tools, heated metal, soldering equipment, and studio finishing equipment under supervision.
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.
What to Wear & Bring
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.
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.
Location & Arrival
The workshop takes place at ARIMAS Studio inside the Village of Industry & Arts in Philadelphia.
Please arrive on time so you can participate in the required studio and safety orientation before hands-on work begins.
Registration is valid for one participant and the specific workshop date selected during booking.
Cancellation & Studio Policies
Because this is a small class with limited seating, please review all workshop and studio policies before registering.
Your booking confirms that you understand the class format, safety expectations, arrival requirements, and studio policies.
About Your Instructor
Samira is a Philadelphia based jewelry artist, metalsmith, and art educator.
Her work explores adornment, identity, beauty, memory, protection, and transformation through metal and wearable objects. She brings years of teaching experience into the studio and is committed to creating a welcoming, focused environment where beginners can learn real jewelry techniques with thoughtful guidance.
Through the ARIMAS Metal Lab, Samira teaches students how raw materials become personal objects through skill, experimentation, and the work of their own hands.
