Jewelry: All Levels (Monday, AM)
Adult Class | Registration opens Monday, July 6, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
This course is for students at all levels. For beginners, this course is designed to introduce you to a variety of technical processes, design concepts, and tools essential for understanding and working with non-ferrous metals (such as copper, brass, and silver) on a wearable scale. Attention is given to material sourcing, the production and critique of metalwork, and the cultural and historical aspects of jewelry as artistic expression. Some basic techniques that will be covered include sawing, filing, simple forming, hammer texture, electrolytic etching, soldering, cabochon stone setting, and finishing.
What You Will Learn:
- A cultural history of jewelry and small-scale metals
- Design concepts as they pertain to wearable and decorative metals
- Working with specialized tools
- Basic jewelry-making techniques
Accessibility Note: This studio is only accessible by stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org.
Please note: Studio fees help cover the ongoing cost of studio resources, including tools, equipment maintenance, gas, soldering materials, abrasives, and other supplies available for student use.
Please note: There is no class scheduled for 9/21 (Yom Kippur) or 10/12 (Indigenous Peoples' Day).
- Please note: The supply list below is for people who are new to the class. If you have a specific project in mind and want to discuss with the instructor ahead of the start of term, please email adulteducation@fleisher.org.
Recommended Local Jewelry & Metal Suppliers
- T.B. Hagstoz & Son Inc., 709 Sansom St, 215-922-1628, hagstoz.com
- Pamma Tools, 809 Samson St, 215-928-6004, pammatools.com
Recommended Online Jewelry & Metal Supplier
- Rio Grande, 1-800-545-6566, riogrande.com
All students should start the class with these supplies:
- Sketchbook and pen/pencil
- Black thin and fine tip permanent marker
- 2 dozen Herkules sawblades 2/0 (24 total)
- 3” x 6” 20 gauge copper or brass sheet
- 1' 18 gauge copper or brass wire
- 1' 20 gauge copper or brass wire
- 1 sheet each of 220, 400, and 600 grit sandpaper
- 1 drill bit - size #52 or 1/16”
- 6” each of easy, medium, and hard silver solder wire
- An old t-shirt or rag for drying metal
All students will need these supplies midway through the class:
- 10-12mm (~1/2") round or oval cabochon cut gemstone
- 1"x1" 24 gauge sterling silver sheet
- 3" sterling silver bezel wire
- 3" sterling silver round and/or half-round wire
Intermediate and Advanced Students:
You will be designing and producing a project of your own design. Designs will be approved in class by your instructor. Materials needed to complete your project will be discussed in person and may vary from those listed above. Please contact adulteducation@fleisher.org if you have any questions.
Please note: All metals are at your own expense. You are able to use copper, brass, or sterling silver in this class. Students should choose a metal that works best for their personal budgets (copper and brass tend to be more budget friendly). The use of gold should be discussed with your instructor prior to purchase. No nickel or steel is permitted in the Fleisher jewelry studio.
Maureen Duffy
Maureen Duffy is a studio jewelry artist and professor based in Philadelphia, PA. She currently serves as an 3/4 time professor of Jewelry and Metalsmithing at Rowan University in New Jersey and a jewelry instructor at Fleisher Art Memorial, one of the country’s oldest art centers, where she has played a key role in developing its jewelry program. Additionally, Maureen teaches workshops at Peters Valley Craft School, Snow Farm, and The New England Craft Farm. Other schools that she has taught at include; Tyler School of Art & Architecture, Towson University, Moore College of Art & Design, Millersville University, and SUNY at New Platz, NY.
https://www.maureenduffyjewelry.com/