I’ve liked jewelry since I was a kid, I have a degree in fine art and do a lot of fine motor skill based hobbies like knitting and drawing. but the one hobby that has invaded me is jewelry making - specifically gold/fine jewelry. I took one silver class in high school but the place closed. I haven’t had the time to try something like that since.
I’m about to graduate with my graduate degree, and my husband and I already agreed I can take the summer off to recover from burnout and begin looking around for jobs in my field. This is probably the last time I will have a large block of time off for the foreseeable future.
A few jewelers have told me about New Approach in Tennessee, and I don’t live that far from the GIA school in Carlsbad. I was thinking of finally taking the plunge into a couple of bench jewelry making classes, because I have the savings to pay for it and cover our bills.
My main concern is that this won’t be a feasible hobby to do myself afterwards, equipment & cost wise. I don’t want to end up in a situation where I need to spend 10 grand for even a basic set up. I wouldn’t mind working part-time somewhere on weekends doing repairs to improve, but I don’t know how likely that is.
So for those that are jewelry designers, is this a dumb idea? I’d love to sit and hand carve tiny fiddly details all weekend and wear my own work, but if it’s a bad idea I’d appreciate the honesty!
I’m about to graduate with my graduate degree, and my husband and I already agreed I can take the summer off to recover from burnout and begin looking around for jobs in my field. This is probably the last time I will have a large block of time off for the foreseeable future.
A few jewelers have told me about New Approach in Tennessee, and I don’t live that far from the GIA school in Carlsbad. I was thinking of finally taking the plunge into a couple of bench jewelry making classes, because I have the savings to pay for it and cover our bills.
My main concern is that this won’t be a feasible hobby to do myself afterwards, equipment & cost wise. I don’t want to end up in a situation where I need to spend 10 grand for even a basic set up. I wouldn’t mind working part-time somewhere on weekends doing repairs to improve, but I don’t know how likely that is.
So for those that are jewelry designers, is this a dumb idea? I’d love to sit and hand carve tiny fiddly details all weekend and wear my own work, but if it’s a bad idea I’d appreciate the honesty!