Style Weekend: Learning the art of jewelry making—no experience required

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Jewelry is one of the best examples of wearable art. It takes discipline to mold, sculpt, and bend precious metals. Imagination also plays a key role in drafting designs that perfectly highlight gemstones and diamonds. Jewelry-making involves numerous tools and techniques, which can be a little intimidating for novice hobbyists and crafters. But there is a studio in White Plains, Quezon City, where jewelry lovers can create their dream pieces—no professional skills required.

 Chad and Abb Manlapaz

Founded by Abb and Chad Manlapaz in 2018, Metals and Gems Jewelry Studio began as a brand producing made-to-order jewelry. Jewelry-making runs in Abb’s family in Meycauayan, Bulacan—her grandfather was a platero, or silversmith. She studied jewelry appraisal and diamond grading in the Philippines and pursued jewelry design at the Gemological Institute of America. Her husband shares the same passion. After managing his family’s business, Chad became a qualified jeweler and earned a Certificate III in Jewelry Manufacture from Australia.

After a year of managing the studio—and following a series of online inquiries—Abb and Chad decided to share the art of jewelry-making with others through their studio, now filled with modern equipment and tools for students to use as they learn the basics of the craft.

Inside its studio in White Plains, Quezon City

“As jewelry makers, we are committed to continuous education and practice so that our skills can be constantly refined. We are also committed to sharing what we know with our students, thus enabling them to improve as well,” the couple said. “We work with Australian master jeweller and educator Peter Keep, who has created a popular online learning platform for hobbyists and professionals.”

Though they had to close their first studio during the pandemic, Metals and Gems Jewelry Studio now operates in two locations where people can spend a day designing and creating their own jewelry—or go beyond the basics and continue learning advanced techniques.

A day as a silversmith
Metals and Gems Jewelry Studio offers classes in four categories. First is the Everyday Workshop, where participants can make rings and bangles and learn the basics of silversmithing. The Basic Themed Workshop includes more elaborate but beginner-friendly designs. The Advanced Themed Workshop involves stone and prong setting. Lastly, the Educational Program offers a multi-stage curriculum for those who wish to pursue jewelry-making professionally.

Ring designs for projects

Style Weekend got the chance to experience the studio’s Everyday Workshop at its White Plains location. Priced at ₱1,800, the session is an ideal weekend activity. It includes all the necessary materials and lasts up to two hours. Participants can choose to create either a ring or a bangle. As for this author—I chose the latter.

The process begins with taking measurements using a bangle sizer. Once that’s done, your guide uses the measurement to cut a strip of silver. Work begins with customizing the piece through letter stamping and texturing. The next steps involve filing and sanding the edges smooth using emery sticks.

 Filing and sanding step

After the pounding and buffing, the silver piece goes through more technical stages like annealing and pickling. A micro torch is used to anneal—or soften—the metal before placing it in a pickle solution for cleaning. The strip is then bent into a bangle during the forming stage. Finally, the bangle is placed in a rotary tumbler for polishing, which hardens it and gives it a shiny finish.

Silver bangle with bark design

A true original
All in all, Metals and Gems Jewelry Studio’s Everyday Workshop is a perfect activity for hobbyists—especially jewelry lovers—looking to take their passion to the next level. The studio is not only equipped with the right tools, but also has friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable guides who share trivia and tips throughout the process.

 Instructors Franco, Lara, and Kim with Jhaycee Alipo-on, the studio's general manager

Booking a session is a breeze—just visit the studio’s website to check available dates and reserve a workshop. Each workstation is equipped with a phone stand to help you capture moments as you work on your piece. It's even better to bring friends and loved ones to share the experience of creating something that truly reflects your personality.

To learn more about Metals and Gems Jewelry Studio, visit @metals_and_gems or metalsandgems.com.ph.

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