-
June 2024 by Ryan Myers
Where do I begin? Oh I know—with pictures of the final product. Believe it or not (I can hardly believe it, and without the photo evidence my friends and family certainly wouldn't) this is a ring I made, with Dan—and without any prior jewelry making experience.
I worked with Dan to make my engagement ring, because they simply do not make a ring like I had wanted, they don't even cut jade the way I needed. The only option was to do it from scratch. I wasn't even sure that was an option! And I was far less sure, even outright skeptical, I could do it myself—but that was all before I met Dan.
As a craftsman he is not just skilled, but meticulous, and determined to make sure every product he works on meets his high standard of excellence. As a teacher he is patient, knowledgeable, and eager to share and show what he knows—which is a lot. As an artist making his own jewelry, you can see a signature style, and a refusal to compromise on quality, in every piece he make. As a collaborator helping you make jewelry, he knows how to steer toward your vision so you leave with a piece that feels entirely your own. And to top it all off, he is a real man of his word--exactly the kind of person you want to put your trust in when dealing with precious metals, stones, and memories. In short, they don't 'em like Dan anymore--that goes for his character, and his jewelry.
If you want to make serious jewelry—something to show off for the rest of your life…
If you want to learn this craft the way the professionals do it…
If you are looking for a truly unique experience, some truly unique jewelry, or just need work done on some treasured piece you already own…
…This is the place to be. Go see Dan and his team at JewelryClass DC!
-
June 2024 by Annie Wilson
I cannot say enough good about Dan and his classes, studio and community. It's an incredible place and an opportunity to learn this skill the old-world way.
I started taking classes a year ago with absolutely no knowledge of metalsmithing. I've learned more than I'd ever dreamed I could, with the guidance of Dan and Carlos - and often in collaboration with other students.
The studio is full of music, laughter, amazing tools, and artwork. It's a great place to be.
Learning to work metal the old school way is a huge bonus. Knowing I'm learning to do things the way we've done it for hundreds of years is such a joy.
-
May 2024 by Tawanna Neal
Must see
-
April 2024 by Ryan M.
How do I give 6 stars? 7 stars? 100? Dan and JewelryClassDC deserve them, and more. I worked with Dan to make my engagement ring and it was an unforgettable experience. It can feel like a real leap of faith to do something so personal and important in such an unconventional way, and to put your trust in a stranger and in your own ability to learn something you have never even considered before--but I am so glad I took it. I have an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, my fiancée (she said yes of course!) has a beautiful, truly one-of-a-kind heirloom she adores and values beyond measure, and we have a story we will tell over and over again. She is already getting questions about where I found her ring, and her friends are already gushing about how amazed they are I made it. Honestly, I am amazed too. I wasn't sure I could make a ring that looked better than a beginner's craft project!--but that was before I met Dan. I had a personal design idea that not only do they not sell in stores, they don't even really sell jade cut how I needed. As far as I can tell, no one had done this before. Well, now someone has, it turned out incredible, and it's all because Dan made it possible. He went above and so far beyond. As a craftsman he is not just skilled, but meticulous, and determined to make sure every product he works on meets his high standard of excellence. As a teacher he is patient, knowledgeable, and eager to share and show what he knows--which is a lot. And to top it all off, he is a real man of his word--exactly the kind of person you want to put your trust in when dealing with precious metals, stones, and memories. In short, they don't 'em like Dan anymore--that goes for his character, and his jewelry. If you need jewelry made, if you need jewelry worked on, if you need a guiding hand to make something yourself--do yourself a favor and see Dan and his team at JewelryClassDC.
-
April 2024 by Hagere Yilma
This is such an awesome company and I highly recommend the wedding band workshop for anyone hoping to create a ring with lasting memories. My fiancé and I have absolutely zero metal work experience, but Dan and Laura are phenomenal teachers and guide you as much (or as little) as you want or need. There’s a short consultation where you learn more about the process and pick the karat and color of your gold (or other metal). When you come back to make the ring, Dan and Laura walk you through the entire process and explain the science and tech behind each step. They really make the whole experience about you by taking pictures the whole time and giving you a ton of creative freedom, but they will make sure that you leave with rings you are proud of. My fiancé loved it so much, he’s thinking about taking a full class here now.
-
February 2024 by Jack Hsu
JewelryClassDC is a fantastic place to learn jewelry making. I took Dan’s workshop sometime ago, and I am now attending the extended study program. I like how he helps students approach different projects and technical problems. Every time I’m at the studio, I learn something new! If you are interested in learning jewelry making, I’d recommend you chat with Dan.
-
February 2024 by Matthew Stevens
I've gone through two classes with them and both were excellent. I learned new skills and was able to practice them at my own pace. I would highly recommend this shop for anyone who is interested in goldsmithing/jewelry making.
My experience with this shop was excellent. The instructors were knowledgeable and created a supportive learning environment. What sets this shop apart is that they are fully committed to teaching you the skills needed to learn their craft. They offered numerous demonstrations of skills as well as giving each student a dedicated workspace to practice at their own pace.
For anyone interested in delving into the world of goldsmithing and jewelry making, I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment
-
January 2024 by Patricia B.
JewelryClassDC is a wonderful place to learn goldsmithing/jewelry & Dan is the best instructor ever! He's truly an expert & a great dude . You'll learn a ton and have lots of fun too! Can't recommend it enough
-
December 2023 by Donte B.
I recently had the misfortune of visiting the Jewelryclassdc and I feel compelled to share my dreadful experience with others. Dans behavior was not only rude but also disrespectful and shockingly racist. Before even entering, I was met with an air of hostility from Dan, whose attitude was nothing short of appalling. The disrespect I experienced was particularly disheartening. I had hoped to make a piece of jewelry for a special occasion, but the manager's condescending attitude made the entire process an unpleasant ordeal. What shocked me most was the blatant display of racism from him. It is disconcerting to think that in this day and age, such behavior still exists in a supposedly reputable establishment. No customer should have to endure discriminatory treatment or witness it first hand while trying to enjoy this unique experience. Based on my experience, I strongly advise against visiting Jewelryclassdc. There are countless other jewelry making classes that not only offer a more positive and inclusive experience but also appreciate and value their customers. I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this store to anyone. In conclusion, if you are looking for a jewelry class where you will be treated with respect and courtesy, I implore you to explore other options and steer clear of Jewelryclassdc. Your special moments deserve to be celebrated in an environment that values customers of all backgrounds..
-
November 2023 by Bruce D.
Dan and Laura helped us create Beautiful Wedding Bands. Dan is a Master Jewelry Craftsman, Patient instructor and offers memories for a lifetime. Highly recommend his Services For couples who are looking for a unique experience. Dan's shop is wonderful. clean and full of interesting and nostalgic hand tools. Bruce and Teresa
-
October 2023 by Matthew Jallouk
This is the absolute best place to learn jewelry making. Most of the reviews on here talk about classes and while I cant speak to these directly, if anyone ever has a desire to make an engagement ring or wedding bands, really any piece of jewelry. I highly recommend this place! I approached the owner, Dan, with an idea for an engagement ring with a stone, a few pictures of generally what I was looking for the ring to look like...and that's about it. He was able to take my idea and fully walk me through the cost breakdown of materials and lessons, process of purchasing materials (including the stone), and then the actual implementation of making the ring. He taught me the basic flow of how a ring gets made: shaping the metal via hammering, carving the extra accents on the ring in my specific request, making the setting, filing, soldering the pieces together, and polishing the piece as a whole.We practiced in silver first which I really appreciated having never done this before. So I ended up actually with two finished pieces in end, a practice ring (silver), and the actual engagement ring (platinum). The final engagement ring cost less than what I would have paid for in a store and is physically stronger than a ring from a store due to it being handmade and not cast. Honestly if my house were closer to the studio, I'd sign up for the classes that this place offers. Even though most of my lessons were largely private sessions, I still got to interact with other people taking his classes and his extended study students.This place completely exceeded my expectations in every way. I'll definitely be coming back here to make the wedding bands with my fiancée.
-
October 2023 by Василиса Микулишна
A great place with friendly teachers! A huge number of hand tools! They don't do casting, but they have everything to solve your problems with their hands. I fell endlessly in love with this place?
-
July 2023 by Renee Jackson
Love the space, the instruction and the comaderi. I have learned so much and look forward to many, many more classes.
-
July 2023 by Nicholas RisCassi
Great classes and instruction! The pieces we get to make are interesting and Dan does a great job providing clear instruction! Highly recommend.
-
July 2023 by Spencer Smith
Dan is the best!