Fabricated Rings
In this class we will utilize rolling mills, hand- tools, and an artisanal touch to transform a length of sterling silver wire into a fabricated band ring.
We will measure, cut, solder, texture, sand, and polish (or patina) to reach a beautiful and wearable final product of a singular ring, or a series of thin stacking bands.
Students can choose from our existing styles like the Classic Band, Bessemer Ring, Thompson Ring or Lodge Ring for inspiration, or pave their own way in designing their own unique piece.
Tuition includes sterling silver material, three hours of workshop time and instruction.
10am-1pm
Class is priced per person. Attendees will receive a follow up email with further details one week before class date.
*Non-refundable.
My wife and I got tattoos after our wedding but never got rings (neither of us are big jewelry people). Fast forward a decade and change and we started thinking about rings, and my wife Virginia said she'd like to make them ourselves. The first class we wanted filled up fast, but we got on the mailing list and both signed up for the ring-making class a few months later. The whole day was great, from the welcome to the tour of the building and it's history (part of Pittsburgh's rich metallic heritage), and then on to the actual ring-making. Mike and Michael were patient and engaging teachers, offering guidance and examples every step of the way, and helped with everyone's inevitable mistakes without batting an eye. Most importantly, they handled every random question from my wife, who is both a high school chemistry teacher and an aspiring craftperson/maker. They were thrilled to explain minutiae of different alloys and microscopic effects of the varieties of hammers and files. Very clearly nerds (affectionate) of metalworking. My wife said it was the best day of her life, so take that for what you will. Also, weeks later, when I decided that I had made my ring too big for my finger, I took it back on my lunch break and Michael dropped what he was doing, ran it back to the workshop and cranked it a few sizes smaller. Took less than five minutes. So, the class was great, the building is so cool, all the pieces are beautiful, and the folks are helpful and humble in addition to being talented. Highest recommendation. Thanks Studebaker Metals.
When I first went into Studebaker last year to talk about a custom project, we were greeted by Shelby and Peter da-cat who walked us through their stock and got us sized. She was warm and knowledgeable and even gave us the name of another jeweler if Studebaker couldn't create our vision - which, spoke volumes. I signed up for the ring class and opted for bringing my own materials. Shelby was very helpful in the early email communications to make sure I had what needed in order to feel comfortable in preparation for the upcoming workshop. She even let me come into the shop early on two occasions to be sure I had the materials needed and we sat at the desk going through my grandfather's old trinkets. This Reclaimed Ring Workshop was nothing short of wonderful. The team welcomed us with freshly made in-house lattes and gave us a tour of the facilities and provided us with a little history of the building and company. These are people who love the place they work in, honor its history, and respect the materials that they work with. Michael, Mike, Shelby, and Ash are wonderful human beings and experts in their craft. The workshop lasted longer than anticipated, but I never felt rushed and was always met with kindness from every member of the team. I couldn't recommend this enough. I am so pleased with how the ring turned out and cannot wait to take another class.
