07/16/2026
If you’ve ever thought about whether or not to take an online jewelry class, listen up, this might help you!
My options for in person learning opportunities here in Boise are more limited than bigger cities and I’ve been dying to learn proper stone setting techniques.
So I took a 3-day stone setting class with Silvera Jewelry School last weekend and our instructor was Joe Silvera himself. 💪
I prefer in person learning…but online classes open up a world of possibility for learning new skills.
This class focused on tube, flush, and prong settings. The first half of the day was for watching demos and practicing the skill. The second half was for making a project (pendant, ring, etc) using our newfound skills.
PROS:
• The class was well structured and organized - we got a supply list well in advance, a handout about a week or two beforehand as well as a kit of materials needed for the class practice and projects.
• Being remote means you can work comfortably in your own space and take your time - no pressure to necessarily finish by the end of the day or session if you want to take your time.
• As with all things remote, you can wear whatever you want. No pesky “getting dressed” for the day. What a waste of time! KIDDING. Sort of.
• Multitasking! It was nice to be able to stand up, move around, clean up, or even keep working through certain demos I didn’t need to pay as close attention to. PLUS you get the recordings of each class afterward so if you do miss something you can go back and re-watch it later!
CONS:
• In person learning is always best, hands down, especially when you’re troubleshooting something
• TOOLS: The studio has so many amazing tools you probably don’t. Finger mandrels! Miter vises! Planishers! Your Rio cart will fill up with all sorts of things you didn’t know you needed.
• Questions: I had more questions than I had time to ask. I definitely had plenty of opportunities to ask questions, Joe was great about checking in with the online crew - but in person I would have asked a lot more questions!
TLDR: Loved it, will definitely look for more classes in the future.
Have you taken any online courses? If
