The first week of this course introduces the students into most jewelry making tools, hand tools, bench, motors, rolling mill, wax pot, vulcanizer, casting machine, polishing machine, ultrasonic, steam machine, plating machine and solutions, etc.

During the weeks that follow, you will exercise and practice the use of most tools and will see demonstrations of daily jewelry store tasks, from repairing chains, making bands, ring sizing, soldering settings, setting stones, replacing prongs, installing clasps, plating, etc.

Introduction to precious metals: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.

Learn how to obtain the different Karats and Colors of Gold. Explanation of procedures working with hollow jewelry, general explanation of jewelry repairs. Findings, tools and other supplies and suppliers. Repair friendly and unfriendly stones.

Testing of metals: hands-on. Learn how to use acid testing techniques for separating the different karats of metal. Metals and oxidation. FTC rules and regulations, Trading of precious metals. Units of weight. Handling of shop sweeps, fillings and scraps for maximum recovery.

Cutting, drilling and filing: explanation and practice for the making of nameplates. Handmade letters, Layout. Completion and finishing procedures. making of bails and jump rings. Using round nose pliers and dowels. Single production and mass production. Methods explained and practiced.

Rings: Practice of single and multiple ring sizing. Hardening and annealing techniques explained and applied. Rings sizing of rings with stones, channel set and with low tolerance heat. Multiple exercises in rings: sizing rings up, down replacement of shanks in single rings. Shank replacement in wedding engagement rings. Create and assemble a solitaire ring. Making of a shank. Preparation of a finding. Attachment of setting, the student will learn how to handle the re sizing of a designer ring with a pattern Sizing up by matching an existing design.

Bracelets, Chains Pendants: Learn to make bracelets and chains starting from an idea. Replacing end caps. Installation and replacement of spring rings and lobster claws. Practice on fixing different types of chains. Curb link, box link, rope, Figaro, anchor, s link. Explanation of inner workings of clasps.

Making of hinges for bracelets. Mechanics and placement of a figure 8. Final assembly and high luster polishing for final presentation and delivery to the customer. students make a bezel by utilizing the sweat soldering technique. This bezel is worked into a custom made pendant in which the student has to hand fabricate the décor and bail. The bezel setting technique is also taught and practiced.

Hollow bangle, different repairs to be performed: Fixing dents, installing a safety chain. The student will learn how to solder a jump ring unto a hollow ball. Different ways of fixing a hollow bracelet or necklace will be practiced and a box clasp will be installed

ID Bracelet: This bracelet will be constructed by making a plate, attaching it to a chain using tubing and installing a hidden clasp and figure 8. The student will then learn the best way to solder initials on top of an identification plate.

Earrings: Practice for fixing, soldering and placing posts, creating a pair of earrings.

Stone setting: Techniques for setting stones in different setting styles. Replacement of existing stones. Learn to provide a seat for round stones. Prong setting.

Prong replacement: Exercises for prong replacement and re-tipping.

Melting Metals and Soldering Procedures: Preparation and cleaning of metals for soldering. Soldering is immediately introduced into the program. Students practice a wide variety of exercises hands-on. explanation and adjustment of the torch. Use of mold for making ingots. Use of the rolling mill for producing metal wires and plates.

Finishing of Castings: Introduction and explanation of castings and the most common tools used for finishing the pieces.

Rough castings will be cleaned, sanded, pre finished and polished ready for final delivery.

Final finish, Polishing: Finishing and marking jewelry in preparation for polishing. Polishing techniques, common tools, tumblers, chemicals and general use of equipment. Polishing with Tripoli and rouge. Finishes and Textures.

Ultrasonic and steam pressure machine: General information on use and common repairs.

Plating: Cleaning, electro stripping and plating with rhodium, copper, nickel and/or gold, will be explained. Plating demonstrated.

Watches: Hands on watchbands adjustment/ replacement and batteries replacement.

Sales Techniques: Sales techniques will take place in the premises with real customers in different areas of the training process.

SHOWS: The students will work on a project of their own and will finish it in a given time, the designed jewelry piece will be presented to the Family, friends and customers in a special event to take place in the Academy in the third month of training and before graduation time.