welcome to meltdown studio
jewelry making school & co-working studio
Classes - STUDIO ACCESS - Bench Rentals - special events
Where would you like to start?
current classes
$195
Friday, June 5 ((10:00am-3:00pm))
Friday, July 3 ((10:00am-3:00pm)) +++ ONE LAST MINUTE OPENING +++
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Some pieces become part of your everyday wear. The South+West Standard Cuff is one of those - clean, balanced, and easy to wear with everything.
In this class, you’ll create your own sterling silver cuff from start to finish, shaping and refining the form at the bench. You’ll select from a curated collection of stones to set into your piece, adding color and character to a design that remains timeless and wearable.
This project focuses on strong fundamentals and thoughtful construction, resulting in a cuff that feels substantial, comfortable, and made to last. It’s a piece you’ll return to often, one that fits seamlessly into your collection while still carrying the story of how it was made.
Techniques we will cover:
• Soldering
• Filing and shaping
• Stone setting
• Oxidation
• Polishing
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver
• A curated selection of beautiful stones (turquoise and coral pictured)
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
$160
Saturday, June 27 ((10:00am-3:00pm))
or
Sunday, June 28 ((10:00am-3:00pm))
This class is currently sold out. Please sign up here to register for our waiting list and will notify you of our earliest availability.
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We’re excited to introduce this special limited edition project, a bold, sculptural ring designed to feel as good as it looks. Our limited edition classes are offered when we have a limited supply of special materials, and in this case, a beautiful selection of natural tourmaline stones.
In this class, you’ll create your own Tourmaline Wrap Ring in sterling silver, featuring a comfortable, adjustable wraparound design that naturally contours to the finger. Each ring is set with a vibrant tourmaline paired with a selection of other faceted gemstones, resulting in a piece that feels both personal and one of a kind.
This project brings together form and texture, with stamping, surface detail, and granulation adding depth and character to the ring. The result is a piece that feels substantial yet easy to wear, a piece that stands out while remaining part of your everyday rotation.
Join us for a hands-on class filled with creativity, connection, and time at the bench. Whether you’re new to jewelry making or building on existing skills, this class offers a rewarding process and a finished ring you’ll be proud to wear.
No previous jewelry-making experience required.
Techniques we will cover:
• Stamping and surface texturing
• Soldering
• Forming and shaping
• Stone setting
• Polishing
Materials we will use:
• Sterling silver
• Tourmaline and a curated selection of faceted gemstones
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
$160
Sunday, July 26 ((10:00am-3:00pm))
This class is currently sold out. Please sign up here to register for our waiting list and will notify you of our earliest availability.
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A ring with movement, intention, and edge.
In this class, you’ll create perhaps our most comfortable ring yet: the stunning “Make it at Meltdown” Teardrop Wrap Ring. It’s a bold, sculptural design that wraps gracefully around the finger and holds bezel-set stones in its flowing curves. This ring combines balance and contrast, with each teardrop form acting as both frame and focal point for vibrant, eye-catching gems.
You’ll start with sterling silver wire and learn how to shape, solder, and form it into a custom-fit wrap ring. You’ll then bezel-set two cabochon stones of your choosing - turquoise, carnelian, coral, black onyx, and more -bringing color and personal energy into your design.
This is the perfect class for practicing key silversmithing skills in a fresh, modern format. You’ll leave with a statement ring that feels strong, expressive, and entirely your own.
No previous jewelry-making experience required, fun for all levels.
Techniques we’ll cover: forming, soldering, bezel-setting, shaping, texturing, oxidizing, polishing
Materials we’ll use: sterling silver, assorted cabochon gemstones (turquoise, carnelian, coral, black onyx)
Before registering for class, please review our cancellation policy here.
Reviews
“My daughter and I had the most wonderful time at a metal working class at Meltdown! What a fabulous place! And we walked away with some gorgeous jewlery that we created ourselves. Highly recommend!”
J. Mathews“I have attended a number of classes at Meltdown and everyone of the classes has been fun filled, informative and I learned so much.”
Bev P.“Lauren was a joy to learn from, her love of jewelry making shines through her smile and encouraging method of teaching. Each step was explained and demonstrated thoroughly. I was able to incorporate all my sentimental marks, making my ring truly one of a kind. I cherish my beautiful ring and time spent at Meltdown Studio.”
Ru R.
Jewelry Making Classes in Albuquerque | Meltdown Studio
Meltdown Studio is a jewelry making school and open studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico offering hands-on classes in silversmithing, lapidary, stone setting, lost wax casting, metalsmithing, and turquoise jewelry. Students of all levels can learn traditional techniques, rent bench time, or book private jewelry instruction.
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