NYC's Best DIY Jewelry Classes
If you're looking for a truly standout piece of jewelry, why not make your own? Several shops and studios around the city offer classes in creating one-of-a-kind bracelets, rings, earrings, or necklaces and even in starting a jewelry-making business. You can go in alone or get a group of friends together for a fun afternoon. By Jessica Allen.
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Beads of Paradise sources its amazing array of beads, fabrics, gems, and other artifacts from around the world. At this Union Square shop, you're guaranteed to discover something funky. The Findings Crash Course (ages 13 and up) is capped at eight, so you'll get lots of attention and one-on-one time as you learn to make and repair bracelets, necklaces and earrings -- all supplies provided! In addition to the aforementioned jewelry, you'll leave with a bead organization box, various pliers and cutters and the confidence to turn your creativity into a reality.
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The Brooklyn Bead Box is focused on helping anyone and everyone design and create their own jewelry. In other words, beginners are totally welcome. The Cobble Hill store provides the tools, but you'll need to supply your own beads—and lucky for you, there are millions to choose from on-site. There's almost as many courses too, from those that will let you make your own wrap bracelets and wire cuffs to those in peyote (gourd) stitching. Note: some classes have prerequisites -- and some are just for kids -- so have a close look at the calendar and schedule before registering.
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Brooklyn Charm's website says it best: at this Williamsburg shop, "you are the designer." Literally. The friendly staff will work with you to browse the ginormous selection of beads, charms, chains, and even taxidermy creatures to put together something utterly one-of-a-kind and absolutely you. (Check the store's Instagram for the latest and greatest creations.) Classes are offered several times a week, ranging from stamping and engraving to wire-wrapped pendants and rings to the basics of charm necklaces.
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Unlike the other spots on this list, Liloveve is by appointment only. But just because you can't drop in whenever doesn't mean you won't find exactly what you're looking for when you get there. DIY activities at this Williamsburg studio include one-day intensives in bangles, salt casting, and drama earrings, along with workshops and six-week classes in wax, silversmithing, mold making, pendants, granulation and gem setting. The studio specializes in wedding and engagement rings and specialty pieces, and the name is a play on the words live and love.
A graduate of FIT and a self-taught jewelry maker, Elise Perelman opened Lunessa in 2005. The Soho boutique caters specifically to women, offering collections designed in-house or by other artisans who share the store's emphasis on sustainability, positivity, femininity, kindness, ethical responsibility, and love. Rather than classes, Lunessa hosts private jewelry-making parties, letting you and five to nine of your closest friends learn to bead and wire-wrap. Refreshments and professional instruction are provided. Options for kids too!
