Jewelry making (silversmithing) private course program
Length: 4 lessons, up to 5 hours each.
Number of participants: Just you (one person/a couple/pair of friends). 100% personal approach.
Dates: It's flexible. We set your individual schedule together.
Price: 580€ per person. All materials included (fine and sterling silver, semi-precious stones)
Language: English or Russian.
Location: Rossio, Lisbon, Portugal.
Focus: Create stunning silver jewelry at home with simple hand tools and minimal expences.
Goals: Get dope skills. Learn everything you need to set up your own studio and kickstart a jewelry business. Leave with 3-4 ready to wear pieces made by you.
Who is your teacher
Me, Maria Boytunova—a self-taught silversmith with 7 years of experience. In first 3 years of my career I transformed from a clumsy rookie working with old-school tools in Bali to a finalist at Milano Jewelry Week and a Paris Fashion Week participant.
I loved that experience, but as an introvert, I discovered that my true passion lies in sharing my knowledge and inspiring others to create their own beautiful jewelry through one-to-one lessons.
Lesson 1: Let’s Get Started – Tools, Basics, and Your First Jewelry Piece
We’ll kick things off with the basics and dive straight into creating your first silver piece.
• Getting to Know Your Materials and Tools:
I’ll introduce you to all the essential tools, materials, and chemicals, and provide a handy list so you won’t miss a thing.
• Prep Your Metal:
Learn about different types of silver (what’s the deal with sterling silver vs. fine silver?). How to smelt, form, cut, and prep your metal so it’s ready for action.
• Basic Techniques You’ll Use All the Time:
Get comfortable and build confidence by practicing sawing, filing, texturing, and stamping.
• Your First Project: A silver pendant with matte finishing.
From silver grain through fire and blades to a solid piece of jewelry.
Why This Lesson Rocks: You'll walk away with lots of valuable knowledge and already feel like a silversmithing wizard.
Lesson 2: Soldering and Building Cool Stuff
This is where things get hot. Literally.
• Soldering 101:
I’ll introduce you to the basics of soldering: torches, flux, solder, and all that jazz.
Important part - you'll learn how to set up a SAFE soldering station at home.
• Let’s Solder!
Prepping your metal so everything joins seamlessly. Get to know easy tricks and different ways to position and flow solder perfectly (no mess-ups here).
In addition, I can include a short practice session on fusing for some freehand designs.
• Your Project: Create earrings or/and a ring from scratch to ready-to-polish and to set stones. Solder jump rings or bezels, ring bands or studs, add details. Here your creativity gets to shine.
Why This Lesson Rocks: You’ll learn how to join pieces together, opening the door to endless design ideas.
Lesson 3: Polishing, Finishing, and Stone Setting
Time to make your jewelry look as good as it feels.
• Finishing Touches:
How to polish your silver to a professional shine.
• Stone Setting:
Get to know about different types of stone settings and practice setting a cabochon in your own jewelry piece.
Your Project: Refine and polish the pieces you created in the first two lessons until they're ready to wear or even ready to sell.
Why This Lesson Rocks: Your jewelry will look finished, professional, and totally you.
Lesson 4: Your Jewelry Vision + Business Basics and a Signature Piece
• Imagine Your Future Collection:
Learn how to sketch out your dream designs, avoid common beginner's mistakes and balance creativity with making pieces that are easy to recreate at home.
• Your Final Project: Create a signature piece that screams you.
• Starting Your Jewelry Biz:
I’ll share tips on where to find quality, affordable tools and materials, recommend helpful devices, and show you how to set up a comfortable workspace without breaking a bank.
I’ll advise you on how to price your jewelry effectively to ensure you make a profit.
We’ll also discuss the best places to sell your creations, whether online or in your local community.
You’ll also receive valuable information, including contacts, for local industrial services that can greatly support your production process. Lastly, I’ll share everything you need to know about obtaining the necessary licenses and legitimizing your business in Portugal.
Why This Lesson Rocks: You’ll leave feeling ready to take on the jewelry world—whether it’s a hobby or your true vocation.
What’s Special About a One-on-One Course?
• All About You: We go at your pace and focus on what you want to make.
• Instant Feedback: I’ll be right there to help with every step, tweak, or “uh-oh” moment.
• Your Style, Your Goals: We can explore whatever designs or techniques excite you most, adapting the course program to fit your ideas and ambitions. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to schedule lessons at times that work best for you, making the learning experience even more convenient and enjoyable.
Bonus: 3 Months of Support
After the course, I’ve got your back. For 3 months, you can reach out with questions—whether it’s about tools, techniques, or starting your biz. I’ll share extra tips, advice, and resources to help you hit the ground running.
How to enroll
To book your course, start by contacting me so we can choose the best dates. Once that’s settled, use this link to make your payment and confirm your spot.
Let’s make something beautiful!