Description
THE HOOP LAB
Design and Make Your Own Sterling Silver Hoops
Go beyond assembling earrings and learn how hoops are actually made.
The Hoop Lab is a two-session metalsmithing class centered on one of jewelry’s most enduring and expressive forms. You will design and fabricate a pair of sterling silver hoops while learning how jewelers transform wire into balanced, wearable forms.
Choose from a selection of studio-approved silhouettes, including classic circles, elongated ovals, organic shapes, and softly geometric forms. Add texture and finishing details to make the design your own.
This is a beginner class, but it offers more design freedom and studio time than a quick jewelry workshop.
Class Details
Age: Adults 18+
Experience level: Beginner
Format: Two session class
Length: Two 2.5-hour sessions, 5 hours total
Class size: Maximum of 4 students
Location: ARIMAS Studio at the Village of Industry & Arts, Philadelphia
Materials: Included within the class design allowance
Registration includes both sessions. Students should plan to attend the complete series.
What You’ll Make
One finished pair of handmade sterling silver hoop earrings.
Students may choose from approved shapes and surface treatments while working within material and size limits designed for comfort, wearability, and completion during class.
Extra-large, highly complex, or heavily embellished hoops are outside the scope of this introductory edition.
Session One: Shape + Form
During the first session, you will:
- Explore hoop shapes and proportions
- Sketch and select your design
- Measure and prepare sterling silver
- Form two coordinating hoop shapes
- Learn introductory annealing and torch safety
- Solder or construct the required connections
- Begin filing and refining the pair
Session Two: Texture + Finish
During the second session, you will:
- Correct and balance the hoop shapes
- Add an approved hammered or polished texture
- Create or attach the earring closure
- File, sand, and refine the edges
- Polish the finished earrings
- Learn how to care for sterling silver jewelry
- Photograph your finished pair at the studio
What You’ll Learn
- How hoop size, weight, and proportion affect wearability
- How to create two coordinating earring forms
- Basic annealing, forming, and soldering
- How to use hammers and forming tools
- Filing, sanding, and surface finishing
- Basic earring construction
- How to make design decisions within practical jewelry constraints
What’s Included
- Sterling silver within the class design allowance
- Earring findings and required components
- Access to jewelry tools and studio equipment
- Safety glasses and shared protective equipment
- Soldering and finishing supplies
- Step-by-step demonstrations
- Individual design support
- A pouch or container for your finished hoops
Additional metal, gemstones, chains, and advanced attachments are not included in this introductory class.
What to Wear + Bring
What to Wear
Closed-toe shoes are required. Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that may collect dust or metal residue. Long hair must be tied back, and loose sleeves or accessories must be secured before working.
What to Bring
Bring a labeled water bottle and, optionally, a few visual references showing hoop silhouettes you enjoy.
References are used for inspiration and design discussion. Another artist’s design will not be copied exactly.
Safety + Before Booking
This class uses jewelry torches, heated metal, hand tools, hammers, polishing equipment, and abrasive materials.
Students must attend the required safety introduction and follow all studio directions. Anyone who misses the orientation may not be permitted to participate in torch work.
Registration is for the complete two-session class. The two sessions cannot be purchased separately, divided between participants, or attended as stand-alone workshops.
About Handmade Variation
The goal is to create a balanced and wearable pair, but handmade earrings will not be mechanically identical.
Slight variations in shape, texture, and finish are natural parts of the metalsmithing process and contribute to the individual character of jewelry made by hand.
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