Metalwerx

💎 Warning: This is NOT your typical gemology class... it is so much more! Join Christine Dwane for a new virtual class on Tuesdays from July 7–21 for "Gem Essentials: What Every Jeweler Should Know!"

Designed for jewelers and metalsmiths who work directly with gemstones, Christine's class will focus on three key skills:
🔎 How to observe and describe gemstones clearly
⚒️ How to assess durability and risk
🔥 How treatments affect gemstones (and how to avoid damaging them!)

If these apply to you and your work, sign up for Christine’s virtual class at metalwerx.org/class-detail/gem-essentials-what-every-jeweler-should-know

Join our metalsmith and Metalwerx Education Director Kristin Mitsu Shiga for Metalwerx’s *FREE* OG virtual monthly social event! June’s Wear & Share takes place this Wednesday, June 24th at 5:30PM Eastern. Come share what’s on your bench, get answers to your technical questions or just sit back and listen! All are welcome at this fun, laid-back online event.

Visit metalwerx.org/wear-and-share (link in bio) to RSVP for the Zoom link. See you soon!

Harold O’Connor is joining us at Metalwerx this summer from August 19–23 for his master class “Reticulation & Granulation: Surface, Heat & Transformation,” and we can hardly wait to have him! Harold will explore two of the most dynamic and historically rich surface techniques in metalsmithing–reticulation and granulation–in his hands-on master class focused on heat, control, and transformation. Through demonstration and guided practice, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how heat, material, and surface interact, leaving with new technical skills and expanded possibilities for incorporating texture and pattern into their work!

Educated in the art of jewelry creation in Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Austria, Harold has been a practicing metalsmith for over 60 years while conducting 300 workshops in 23 countries over 50 years. He is the author of several books, including “The Jeweler's Bench Reference.” His works are in private and public collections worldwide, including: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC; Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England; and the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. The Smithsonian has called Harold “an American treasure,” and we have to agree!

Visit metalwerx.org/class-detail/reticulation-granulation-surface-heat-transformation to learn more about Harold and his master class.

Last week, Wayne Werner was at Metalwerx to teach not one but TWO Master Classes! Students learned so much, from microforging to soldering. Everyone was sure to take home a couple of new skills to apply next time they are at the bench. Were you in one of Wayne’s Master Classes? If so, what was your favorite part? What did you make? We would love to hear from you!

Swipe through to peek some moments from Wayne's classes and his free Thursday artist talk.

To check out all the other Master Classes we are offering this summer, visit metalwerx.org/masters-workshops!

On June 12, 2026, Metalwerx hosted an unforgettable hybrid Boston Edition of the Alchemist's Picnic!

Conceived by artist and community-builder Wayne Werner, the day included live demos, a portfolio critique, shopping, a panel discussion, and lots of opportunities to connect and talk. This year's event was sponsored by Pepetools and Halstead Jewelry Supplies and featured Wayne Werner, Cynthia Eid, Will Vanaria, Joost During, Eddie Spencer, Monique Rancourt Jewelry and Artisan Gallery, Lindsay Minihan, and Jesse and Azur McHugh of Azurz. Thanks to all who joined us for an incredible day - enjoy these photos from throughout the day.

📣 Metalwerx is hiring! We're looking for a stellar full-time Office Manager and energetic part-time Program Coordinator.

Swipe through to peek at these current opportunities or head straight to www.metalwerx.org/careers for all the details.

Our spring weekly classes came to an end this month and we are having so much fun reminiscing on all the amazing time we spent in the studio over the past few months! Did you make something amazing during a spring weekly this year? We would love to see it! Make sure to mention us in any posts of your creations from the last few months!

Enjoy these photos from Jewelry 1 and 2, featuring our team members AL and Sophie!

If you have ever looked at a knife or spoon and thought, “I wonder how they made this?,” we have great news for you in the form of Matthieu Cheminée’s virtual class, “Utensils: Knife and Spoon Making!”

On Thursdays, July 2-16, Matthieu will virtually teach students how to utilize standard jewelry tools to create silver spoons and a versatile knife suitable for all manner of utilitarian purposes. Students will learn various techniques such as sawing, drilling, filing, riveting, and heat treatment, as well as forging an ingot into a finely shaped utensil.

To sign up for this class, visit metalwerx.org/class-detail/utensils-knife-and-spoon-making-0 🥄🔪

We are so honored to share that Charles Lewton-Brain is joining us at Metalwerx this summer for his master class “Surface Alchemy: Texture, Pattern & Color.” In this rare, five-day in-person master class on August 12–16, Charles will explore the rich intersection of surface, texture, and color in contemporary metalwork. Students will have the unique opportunity to explore how multiple decorative surface techniques can be brought together in a single, immersive experience—offering a broad yet deeply informed approach to transforming metal surfaces.

Throughout his career, Charles Lewton-Brain studied and worked in Europe and North America. He lectures and publishes internationally on his research into the rapid manipulation of metal and its surface for artistic and manufacturing purposes. He invented Fold-Forming, an internationally recognized approach to working sheet metals. Head of the Jewelry/Metals Program at the Alberta College of Art and Design, he writes, exhibits and works in his studio. He is also the President of the Canadian Crafts Federation. He is a founding partner in the world's largest free educational website for jewelers, ganoksin.com, and has over 700 pages of his writing there. Charles thinks of himself as an artist who works primarily in the context of body ornament.

To learn more about Charles and his master class, visit https://metalwerx.org/class-detail/decorative-surface-treatments.