I offer individual, one-on-one courses in which I introduce you to the fundamental techniques of metalsmithing for jewelry:
design and layout, cutting, forming, soldering, polishing, stone setting, and more...
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Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn basic and advanced jewelry making skills at your own pace, with the undivided attention of the instructor!
I never take more than one student at a time and can tailor the content of the course to meet your specific interests.
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You will be working at my bench and
using the same
tools
and
equipment that I use for everything that I make. I will personally guide you through every step of the process of fabricating jewelry in precious metals. Very few jewelry schools can offer this kind of individual instruction! |
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Courses and Rates |
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| 3-Day Introduction: 350 euro |
This course is structured around the creation of a
basic piece of jewelry, either a ring or a pendant. This is the ideal
introduction for someone to get a sense of what's involved in the art
of silversmithing; techniques covered include design and layout,
sawing, filing, soldering, pre-finishing, and polishing, as well as the
proper use and maintenance of bench tools and equipment. Over the course of three days we will spend fifteen to twenty hours completing a piece of finished silver jewelry that you will be able to wear home. Each process is first demonstrated by me and tested by you on a 'learning' version of your design, and once you are comfortable with the technique, you carry it out under close supervision on your actual piece. The cost of all materials
is included in the price of the Introduction course!
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| Individual Instruction: 25 euro/hour |
For continuing beyond the Introductory course, or for
individuals who have some experience and are interested in taking their
jewelry making to the next level, I provide one-on-one direct
instruction in a variety of specific techniques. If you would like to incorporate stone-setting, advanced forming and fabrication techniques, decorative finishes, the use of gold and mixed metals, or the fabrication of your own findings, I will design a short or long course based on learning and refining the techniques, rather than completing finished pieces. For example, I can help you to refine designs you are already by incorporating handmade findings and soldered joints. The cost of materials
(silver, gold, gemstones, etc.) are not included in the hourly rate for
individual instruction.
You may bring your own materials or I am able to provide materials at market cost. |
| Intensive Courses: 750 euro per week 2750 euro per month |
If you are interested in a more formalized and
comprehensive style of training, please contact me for availability
regarding longer courses. There are several excellent jewelry schools
in Florence, but I am offering a different kind of experience: day in
and day out at the bench of a working jeweler. No school can
offer the kind of individualized attention that you will have as my
private student. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a
foundation of knowledge and skills in one of the greatest jewelry
cities in the world. In addition to the skills outlined above, I will teach you everything I've learned from my years working at all levels of the jewelry trade, from commercial silver jewelry retail to platinum and diamong wedding boutiques. Learn about the different levels and sectors of the jewelry market, designers and lines, how to take pieces into production, and the similarities and differences between designers, bench jewelers, and the art jewelry movement. For intensive courses you must have or acquire your own hand tools (saw, files, pliers, hammers, etc.) My bench tools (torch, flex-shaft, polishing wheels, mandrels, etc.) are available for you to use. If you already own tools I will provide a detailed list of what you should bring. Otherwise our first field trip will be out to Arezzo where the wholesale suppliers are! Furthermore, I can assist in locating rental accomodations close to the studio and with helping you find your way around daily life in Florence. If you are considering an intensive course, please feel free to contact me directly at (+39) 392 367 1664 to discuss your options. What I offer is different from what's available at the various jewelry schools here, and I can help you decide which of the many jewelry programs in Florence is the best match for your interests and goals. |
for more information or to arrange courses please email zachary@androusjewelry.com |
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