Wax Carving Gemstone Pendant - Two-Day Metalsmithing Workshop

In this 2-day workshop, learn how to carve a pendant from wax and how to create a bezel cup to add a gemstone. Create a wax carved gemstone pendant, which will be sent out to be cast in Bronze or Brass* after the first workshop day of November 1st. You will finish the pendant on the second workshop day of December 13th by adding a bezel cup and setting the gemstone. *You will have a choice of bronze or brass for the cast item--see kit options under the description. The materials kit fee must be paid to the instructor on the first workshop day via Venmo, CASH, or credit card. VERY IMPORTANT! Due to the high cost of silver from the metals market fluctuation in 2026, if you want to have your item in sterling silver it is imperative to carve out the majority of the bulk from the backside of the pendant to reduce costs, or make a smaller and less heavy item. If you want to make a huge piece, you must be willing and able to prepay the instructor before she sends them out to the caster. DAY ONE - November 1st from 9:30AM-4:30PM In the first class, students will learn to carve a pendant from wax and quickly get to work. Once our design is finished at the end of class we will send the pendant out to a caster and then receive them in time for the second class. Students will choose one gemstone to set in the pendant. PLEASE BRING A SKETCHBOOK AND PENCIL. DAY TWO - December 13th from 9:30AM-4:30PM In the second class, you will learn how to clean up a casting in metal, measure a stone for creating a bezel cup, solder sterling silver bezel cup to your pendant, learn the steps of filing, sanding and polishing your pendant, and then set your stone. Non-members: $225 / Members: $180 12-hour workshop fee does not include materials. The materials kit must be purchased from the instructor on the first workshop day via Venmo, CASH, or credit card. Students can choose to make a bronze or brass pendant for an estimated* materials cost of $55 each OR $80-$140 materials cost per pendant for sterling silver. Kit includes: Jewelers Carving Wax, Gemstone, Casting Labor Fee & the cost of the metal. *NOTE: This is an approximate cost and actual kit cost may be different due to the metals market fluctuation in 2026. (For safety, be sure to wear closed toe shoes and have long hair pulled back with clips or in a ponytail.) NOTE: Eventbrite charges non-refundable processing fees for online payments and now displays these fees in the total ticket price shown on this event listing. We will have an hour break for lunch on both days. The studio will be closed during this break, but there are nearby parks where you can eat lunch if you brought your own, or you can check out one of the local restaurants in the area. Open to adults only. About the instructor: Olivia Boi creates jewelry at her home and metals studio in Maine. Sterling silver, brass, and beautifully cut stones are the bread and butter to her practice. She started Strong Moon Metals December 2017 and hasn’t looked back ever since. You can find more of her work on her website, or in person at local shows around the Portland area. Click here to view our cancellation policy.