Summer

Jewelry Intensive

Entering Grades 9-12, up to age 17*

Designed to introduce students to jewelry design, this program emphasizes developing comfort with fundamental metalworking techniques, through demonstrations and hands-on experience. Students will learn about the history of jewelry, learn basic metalsmithing skills, and produce a variety of finished work in a short amount of time.

*This is a Teen program and will follow those guidelines outlined in our FAQ section.

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Dates

July 11 – July 24, 2027
Two-week session

Student Exhibition

Student Exhibition
Friday, July 23, 2027 at 6:00 PM
Parks Exhibition Center

Ages

Entering Grades 9-12, up to age 17

Residential Student Cost:

(includes tuition, room & board, and all fees)
$5450

Day Student Cost:

(includes tuition and all fees)
$2725

Learn more about our cost breakdown

Skill Level

All Levels

Enrollment Capacity

8 Students

(Total Capacity includes Residential and Day Students)

Overview

Join us this summer for two weeks of exploring foundational jewelry and metalsmithing skills. Students will receive guided instruction in sawing, piercing, filing, soldering, stamping, riveting, texturing, polishing, gemstone setting, and assembly using brass, copper, and sterling silver. Through fun, hands-on projects, students of all skill levels will build confidence using essential metalsmithing tools and techniques—no experience necessary.

Guided by professionals in the contemporary jewelry community, students will receive not only technical training but also insight into studio practice and real-world applications. By the end of the program, each student will have developed a collection of finished pieces that reflect their individual vision. The program will culminate in a final exhibition where students can showcase their work for family and friends.

Students are encouraged to bring jewelry they already own for inspiration, broken jewelry that can be repurposed into new projects, and a collection of inspiration images that will help us understand the kinds of jewelry and aesthetics they are interested in exploring.

A lab fee covers the use of all tools, equipment, and materials.

*The final culmination is Friday evening, with Saturday being a move-out day.

Additional Information

Jewelry Intensive does not require any type of assessment or portfolio to get into the program. Come as you are, open to all.

Closed-toe shoes for navigating gravel pathways and maintaining studio safety.
Natural-fabric clothing is encouraged for studio use. If you choose to wear other fabrics, you may want to bring an apron to help protect your clothing.
Hair tie or clip to keep long hair securely pulled back.
Optional: A sketchbook and any materials you think would be fun to experiment with or incorporate into your jewelry.

We begin by exploring the jewelry industry and the many creative and professional paths one can take within jewelry design. During the first few days, students learn foundational techniques and become familiar with the tools and equipment in the studio. Through guided projects, students build confidence with these techniques and tools. Toward the end of the first week, the focus shifts to applying these skills to their own ideas, giving students the opportunity to develop personal projects and begin bringing together a collection of their own designs.

Fernanda Gaspar is an artist and jeweler from Guadalajara, Mexico, currently based in San Diego, California. She received her BA in Business Administration from San Diego State University, alongside a minor in Jewelry and Metalwork. Passionate about the cultivation and sharing of craft, Gaspar’s practice extends beyond her studio work, she was the Pocosin Arts Metals Artist in Residence for 2024–2025 and has taught at renowned craft institutions such as Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Currently, she produces work in her San Diego studio, teaches part time at Grossmont College and the San Diego Jewelry Academy, and coordinates the Summer Metals J.A.M. program at Idyllwild Arts.

Check out our Kids & Teens FAQ’s to learn more about our summer programs

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