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. read more

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I wanted to get a broken clasp fixed on an old silver bracelet. So I reached out to Daniel to find out if he did that kind of work. He wrote back, "probably" and told me to bring it by that weekend and he'd have a look. I told him I would come Saturday and he wrote that he might have to go the DMV at some point, but that he should be around. I came by Saturday and he was not there, so I left the piece with a young woman who admired the bracelet and tagged it to give it to him and took my phone number and email. When I had heard nothing by Wednesday, I called and Daniel somewhat impatiently said that "I haven't even looked at it," but that he would. I waited another three days and called a week from when I had originally dropped it off, only to have Daniel say that he "hadn't even looked at it" and I told him I would just come over to take it back. I came and he dumped the bracelet in my hand, again saying, "I haven't looked at it." When I reminded him that he had said Wednesday that he would look at it, he barked "What do you want from me!!!!!" read more

Beautiful studio! Resized my ring beautifully. I DO want to take a class. thanks! Diana read more

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 read more

Jewelryclassdc - I was able to make this sterling silver twisted wrap ring on day one of metals 1!! - Specialty Schools Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Pros: Excellent Teacher, Best Tools and Workshop, Amazing Community. Cons: Highly addicting! I've been taking classes at Dan's studio for over 3 years and frankly can't seem to stop. The studio is fully equipped with any kind of goldsmithing tool you could imagine, modern or old-fashioned. The class sizes are small enough to get plenty of one-on-one assistance. The projects each semester are different and offer new skills to learn. Most importantly, the skills Dan teaches are the real deal, learning techniques in hammer forging, soldering, fabricating heavy bezels, and working in sterling silver. Dan is a master goldsmith and an excellent teacher. Classes are an amazing creative experience but also really fun. If you're thinking about learning more about the art and engineering of jewelry metalsmithing, or just want to learn a new skill for fun, this is the place to do it. read more

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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 read more

I have a very special someone in my life and I wanted to get the right engagement ring for them but I'm also on a budget. I also wanted a ring that showed my dedication to the relationship and so I wanted to make it myself. I looked up JewelryClassDC and contacted Dan. After a brief phone call with what I felt like was an overwhelming project, Dan broke it down into a quick and super affordable estimate and we met the following week to discuss it in person. Next thing I knew, we ordered a stone, Dan had me create a silver ingot, forge it into a beautiful ring and suddenly I had this amazing ring that was the perfect engagement ring. Not only did I create an awesome ring, but Dan had given me this awesome knowledge to utilize the proper tools, general etiquette in a professional studio and a desire to learn more! Shortly after making the engagement ring, I took the metals I class with my fiancé for our date night which was a blast! Since then I've made tons of rings, a bracelet, a necklace, and a silver wedding band for myself. I'm planning on making a gold wedding band, a pendant with matching earrings, rings for my kids and a ton more projects. The satisfaction of creating something beautiful that you can wear or give as a gift is unmatched and having the confidence and knowledge to do it yourself is so liberating! Dan makes the learning process fun, he gives his students the opportunity to try and learn in the process and walk away with more than just a piece of jewelry. If you've ever been interested in learning to make jewelry, I highly recommend JewelryClassDC!!! read more

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JewelryClassDC has been one of the best experiences of my life! I am a jewelry maker with a small business and was looking for a way to improve my skill set to create the pieces I've imagined making. Dan gave me a tour of the amazing studio, and I took his introductory class to get started. I quickly realized I wanted to do the extended study program, and that has been extremely satisfying. In the six months I've been working at the studio, I've seen my skill set grow exponentially, and I've now found a community of jewelers and goldsmiths who are a constant source of support and creativity. Dan continues to be available any time I have a question about a project, and he is constantly doing demonstrations of new techniques and styles. Truly an invaluable experience for any level of jeweler. read more

I have taken the Intro Class and two of the Advanced classes at Jewelry Class DC and I've been extremely happy with the classes and Dan Valencia, who's been the instructor for all three. I've never been what you would describe as a very artistic person, but the classes at Jewelry Class DC have helped my bring out my creative side. Dan walks the students through every step of the process for making the pieces, and then helps you to customize the jewelry to match your style (or in my case, my girlfriend's style.) Each student gets their own jewelry bench, fully equipped with with all the tools you need (and plenty more that you learn to use along the way.) Dan is always very patient with the students and is always willing to help if there are questions about the projects, or just about metalwork in general. I've really enjoyed that he doesn't just tell us what to do with the silver, copper, or gold and move on, but he describes how the metal acts when you're working with it. Mostly importantly, he describes why it acts that way, and what you need to anticipate when you're using either a hammer, file, or flame. Several of the people in the classes with me have been interested in setting up their own bench at home and Dan has been very good at telling them what tools them will probably need, and which ones they can do without. Every few months, Dan also invites a gem wholesaler to come by the studio for a day and sell all the students gemstones at really good prices. If you are at all interested in learning to make jewelry, either for yourself or someone else, I highly recommend Jewelry Class DC. read more

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I am thrilled to have found Dan Valencia and Jewelry Class DC. I just completed my second round of classes, first Metals I and then II, and a flush setting workshop. I love this place! I would be here every day if I could! The facilities are amazing. The tools, machines, and materials available to students are top notch. The students are wonderful and I am very pleased find an organic sense of community. I felt that we all, despite our various levels of competence coming into the program, progressed tremendously. We all break things along the way, make mistakes, don't understand...but Dan is always there to provide support and guidance to bridge the gaps, and to get us all back on track and in control. Not only is Dan an elite goldsmith, he is a passionate teacher and is committed to driving his students to perform at their best. His mastery of tools is in and of itself, worth a class. Just teaching me the basics has blown open the doors to new ways of designing and approaching my work. Bottom line, you cannot go wrong taking a class or a workshop from Dan or any of the instructors. read more

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I stumbled across JewelryClassDC (JCDC) while searching for the engagement ring that I'd present to my girlfriend when I proposed. I wanted to find something unique and interesting - one of a kind, like her. She was't interested in a diamond, and wanted something that looked handmade and resembled nature - much unlike many of the cookie-cutter styles I was finding during my ring search. So while scanning through Google I found the website of JCDC, called the phone number to leave a message, and Dan Called me back later that day. Dan Valencia is the owner/instructor of JCDC, and his niece Emily also teaches some fun classes. I described the idea to Dan that I'd like to work with him to build an engagement ring, and wanted his feedback as to whether this would be possible. Luckily he assured me that we could do anything I wanted, so I committed to the project. As per Dan's advice, I enrolled in his fall '14 jewelry class, in order to learn the skills that would be needed to make my ring. Engagement ring aside, this class was so much fun. The class consists of 8 3-hour sessions, held once a week. On the very first day, I made a ring out of a piece of Sterling silver; completely amazed that I could make such a beautiful thing. By the end of the class, each student makes several pieces of jewelry, all out of Sterling silver. For the record, Dan is a professional goldsmith, and as he told me during our first phone conversation, is particularly skilled at stonesetting - something that would be important when building my ring. I also can't imagine that there could be a more entertaining and wildly talented instructor than Dan. There are several things that set this class apart from other classes that I've since looked into. All projects are done using Sterling silver, which is quite unique to JCDC style. The classroom has a professional workbench for each student, and is stocked with a surplus of quality tools. Dan has a great appreciation for traditional techniques of jewelry making, as well as antique tools. You'll find many of these interesting tools and gadgets lining the walls of the shop. Students learn how to properly solder and forge jewelry, while having access to many unique tools and direct access to the instructor. The classes are small, so students have great supervising focus from Dan or Emily. This class is for anyone who wants to learn traditional techniques of metal working; you will NOT use any molds for your jewelry design. My experience is an excellent example of this. I made a rough sketch of the ring that I had in mind before working with Dan. I went to several jewelry makers in the DC area, showed them the ring and explained what I had in mind, and everyone told me that this piece would have to be made using a mold (casting). This would involve using rubber or wax to mold the design, and using that to create the gold design. Dan was the only person I found who was dead-set against casting. His explanation: "casting is an easy way to create a metal design, but the finished product will not be nearly as strong and durable as it would be if we were to make it by hand - by using tools and forging by hand". Forging and soldering, when done properly, produces an extremely durable and beautiful product, which can not be replicated. I now have a fiance (she said yes), with a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. She loves it. She loves telling people that I built it with Dan. We are planning to work with Dan to design our wedding bands before our wedding this September. She will build my ring, and I'll build hers. How awesome is that?! read more

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Dan the Man! The best jewelry instructor around. The value you get from this class pays for its self in the long run. I'm now in metals II.

Dan is an excellent teacher. I started taking classes last May and kept signing up every session. Dan is very generous with his knowledge and expertise and genuinely wants his students to learn. He not only teaches the skills of metalsmithing but advises his students on many other aspects of the jewelry world such as how to purchase stones, tools and equipment. The studio is in excellent condition and we only use high quality tools. Dan's attention to detail is incredible and the classes and workshops are organized and executed so well. It feels easy, comfortable and welcoming to be there. I have taken a class with Emily as well, who is also a natural teacher and very generous with her expertise. Jewelryclass DC is a great place for short term students too. The Metals 1 class is very satisfying because you make and take home a lot of beautiful pieces. However, I intend to be a long term student with Dan, Emily and Laura because they are genuine teachers that put a hell of a lot of effort into their students and have cultivated an exceptional space. read more

I sought out Dan to take some advanced lessons in Goldsmithing, We made my first beautiful gold brooch with a set stone in just two sessions. Dan teaches beginner through advanced classes, and he attracts strong motivated students. I take advantage of his open studio hours and the students who I've met seem to feel equally comfortable in his studio. The studio is a very quick walk from the Takoma Metro station (maybe 3-5 minutes) in a large multi-studio building, and has plenty of room for his small class sizes (his class size limits mean more one-on-one instruction during lessons.) The other reviewers are confident in his beginner silversmithing courses, but I would also recommend to more advanced students. read more

A jaw-dropping studio, a fantastic instructor (Dan Valencia), and a swath of techniques to master for the creation of gorgeous jewelry made with only precious metals. Everything about Jewelry Class DC screams professional quality, value and time well spent. I've particularly enjoyed learning and creating in both Metals 1 and 2, as well as electro etching with Vera and flush setting with Dan. After 2 years of frequent creation and learning at JCDC, I have yet to find any limitations to what I can/want to make here. The tools, machinery, and benches are all stellar and in great order. Dan is meticulous about his instruction, inclusiveness and presentation. If you're looking for REAL jewelry making instruction and community, then you've found it. read more

I was a total novice coming into this class, just looking for something new and creative to learn on the weekends, and I really feel like I learned a ton of techniques over a short period of time. Dan is great and super helpful. I came out of the class with a lot of jewelry that I wear on a regular basis, and I'm really looking forward to signing up to the next session of classes to learn even more! read more

My fiancé and I wanted to make our own wedding bands and after looking in the DC area decided to go with Jewelry Class DC and Dan. We met with Dan initially to go over what we could accomplish in the class, pick out metals, and find a date. Working with Dan was easy, fun, and the time flew by. We were able to hand craft our own bands and add a special touch not only to our wedding day but to the piece of jewelry that we will wear every day thereafter. Dan worked with us to make our vision of our rings come true and achieve pieces that I couldn't find in jewelry stores and were much more affordable. I highly recommend this for any couple planning their wedding! read more

FANTASTIC!!! I took a beginner's class last year and was so happy with the projects and skill development that I decided to pursue designing/making my own pieces. I have worked extensively with Dan Valencia (the master goldsmith) and learned a ton about everything from technical guidelines to optimizing creative designs. He has a perfect balance of specific instruction versus letting me work through things on my own. Emily is also a great instructor and talented jeweler. Both Dan and Emily are easy and fun to work with.... Hang around the studio for a bit and you'll see them work their magic on their own beautiful pieces. The workshop and benches are fully stocked with top-of-the-line tools. No detail is overlooked. The atmosphere of the studio is innovative and fun, yet focused and results orientated. Can't say enough good things... read more

Main point - awesome class, take it if you've ever wanted to learn how to make beautiful jewelry. After years of wanting learn how to make jewelry...with metal and gemstones (sorry - not a beaded-jewelry type of gal), I finally decided to go for it and take the 8-week class. After searching extensively (and I mean searching everything from weekend seminars on the other side of the country to college classes), I decided to take classes with Dan at JewelryClassDC. This class ROCKS. Yes, it is that awesome, and may be the fun-est thing I've done all year (I know - I should look for other fun things too, but seriously). Ok - brass tacks...The teaching is excellent, and well tailored to each student. The classes are small and everyone has a very well equipped bench of their own (no asking your neighbor - hey, when you're done with that, can I borrow that?). The benefit being - no time wasted waiting or dealing with inferior tools (for you tool geeks out there, you know the difference having the right tools makes when doing a project). The materials we use are quality and the pieces made are gorgeous. There's lots of room to be creative and express your own ideas while working on each project. I've enjoyed learning how to use power tools and hand tools - including a torch for soldering - to achieve the results I want. Dan teaches you about not only how to do things, but why. I took home a beautiful piece of jewelry on the first day that made my friends oooh and awww. It's in the D.C. area, metro accessible, and there's free parking in the neighborhood. read more

I'm a goldsmith/designer and rent Dan's studio occasionally. His studio has the all the tools(mostly new and clean) you will need. This place is far better than any other jewelry classes and studio offered at this area. Trust me!!! I've been to all. Parking can be hard sometimes but i've always managed to find one. read more

I have taken the beginner and intermediate classes with Dan and attended several workshops outside the regular class schedule. I have a background in fine art and am a design professional. Prior to taking the courses, I had done a fair amount of cold metal work with very basic soldering. Now I am confident in my soldering, basic stone setting, and finishing techniques. I look forward to repeating the intermediate class, which changes projects every session so there's always something new to learn. What I find most valuable about Jewelry Class DC is that Dan and Emily are both fantastic artists in their own right, but they also have the ability to teach at both basic and advanced levels, with small and medium sized groups. Not all artists are also great teachers; Dan and Emily definitely have both sides of the trade down pat. The class sizes vary, but you will always get individualized attention when/if you need it. There's also just a great sense of humor and good vibe in the studio. Come ready to learn, don't take yourself too seriously, and ask for constructive criticism. If you want to become successful at jewelry fabrication, this is the place for you. I also found the flexibility toward instruction invaluable. I moved to DC in the middle of a session, and Dan went out of his way to get me up to speed and moved in to a class that was ongoing. If you have to miss a session of your regular class, you are typically able to make it up during a different class time or during open studio time (non-directed time) on Sundays. Finally, the number and selection of tools is outstanding. You will have access to pretty much and any everything you would want or need to finish a project, and all the basic tools are provided at each individual bench - no waiting for someone else to finish with them. Dan has made a significant investment in the bench tools, and you will find a number of tools at your disposal that are really "nice to have's" more so than "essential" to a beginning silversmith. It is truly a pleasure to work in the Jewelry Class DC studio, and just be around a great group of creative people who are enthusiastic about quality jewelry fabrication. Highly recommended! read more

I wouldn't exactly describe myself as artistic or "crafty" but I've had an idea for a line of jewlrey and now that my kids are off to college, I thought now is the time to experiment. I wrote to Dan and he responded in a timely way, and we agreed that I would take private lessons because I had a strong idea of what I want to do. He politely challenged some of my concepts for being low-end and his pre-disposition as a goldsmith is to go high end. We talked quite a bit about the pros and cons of both and we agreed that he would teach me both the "cheap" way that I was thinking, and a much more professional way. It took three lessons - and I need one more to finish the last part of the project - but I now know exactly how to do what I've been thinking of doing. And with Dan's recommendations, I have additional ideas that could hit at a more profitable price-point. I appreciate that as he had no skin in the game - it really didn't matter to him as he wasn't profiting with whichever way I wanted to go - yet he was professional and passionate in changing my thinking because he knows the industry so well. The classroom is jawdropping. I have never seen more tools, better organized, than what he's done. I have serious tool-envy. I highly recommend that if you're considering a new hobby, or learning about jewelry making, that you reach out to Dan. read more

I am just about to finish the entry-level beginner's course and had absolutely no experience in jewelry making prior, just a near obsession with all kinds of jewelry. My husband bought me the course as a Christmas gift. It was a great idea and I've had a lot of fun doing it. Most importantly, I'm really proud of the pieces I've made and wear them on an almost daily basis. I've even incorporated one of the rings I made into my wedding band (a silver ring I made in between two diamond bands I already had - it looks perfect). From the 8-9 weeks, I've made seven pieces (1 bracelet, 2 pairs of earrings, and four rings, including a new wedding band for my husband!) all out of sterling silver. You will practice on copper but all your finished pieces are made out of sterling silver. Dan is an excellent teacher, has the complete set up with every tool you can imagine, and gives you a lot of freedom to learn on your own & make mistakes, but then he also helps you fix any errors so your pieces turn out great. I was really intimidated at first, but he breaks things down step by step, showing you how to do everything first and then letting you try on your own. You will get your own work bench with all the tools you need. He is very generous with his materials as well, which allows you to make a lot of pieces in a semester. He has also been very flexible with scheduling. For those of you interested in metal work and jewelry making, I really can't recommend this enough. You won't be working with beads, but really manipulating silver and making amazing finished pieces. From the first semester, I would say the main skills I'm taking a way are shaping, texturing, sawing, welding, polishing, and also coloring (making the silver darker). The class sizes are really small (6 or fewer) as well which ensures you learn as much as possible. read more

Even if you do not have lifelong plans of becoming a professional jeweler or goldsmith I would highly recommend signing up for classes at Jewlery Class DC. The classes offered are perfect for beginners and experienced artisans alike. I have been a student of Dan Valencia's for over a year now and have loved every moment of the experience. He is very knowledgeable, patient, and has a contagiously positive attitude and energy. I originally signed up for his weekly courses as my schedule was tight and I was not quite sure what I expected or wanted from the class. Today I am in the extended study program, where the studio is open daily and Dan is available to assist and guide every step of the way. If you live in the metro area and are looking for an amazing teacher and studio to embrace your creativity please do not waste your time going anywhere else. Dan's jewelry class in dc is the only place to be. read more

Coming from New York I was hoping to find a comparable jewelry studio and instructor. After researching and trying to find a studio to develop my skills and to work on some of my own projects and jewelry line, I ended up taking a couple of Advance classes with Dan Valencia. My bezel making and other jewelry techniques including soldering and forging have improved. He is also really flexible with allowing his students to make up classes. Make up classes are always an option. I look forward to Jewelry Class DC offering workshops as well. read more

I am taking group jewelry-making classes with Dan Valencia at his Tacoma Park studio. This studio is awesome! Each station has its own set of tools, which is not always the case in teaching studios. The studio is clean, bright, and very well equipped. Dan is a great teacher, taking time to work with each student individually at their current level of skill. He also goes into background detail on the WHY behind techniques, which I greatly appreciate since I'm a newbie. I'm learning a lot, and he's great fun to work with. The other students are cool and inspirational in their individual talents. Honestly, I look forward to my class all week, it's that much fun. I feel like a kid again in art class, except now I get to use a hammer and power tools! There are no safety scissors here! Don't get me wrong, though; this place is for those serious about making jewelry. I will definitely continue my ongoing study here. read more

I took the level one class this summer and just signed up for the fall classes. Emily was my instructor and I had so much fun and learned several techniques. I had no experience at all when I started. I recommend these classes to everyone with any interest in jewelry! read more

I started a couple of years ago with a bit of beading for fun. I have since "graduated" to making silver jewelry through this class - and I love it! Dan shows us step-by-step basics and helps each student individually when we need it, but after a few sessions he gives us a lot of latitude in what we choose to do in class. From really intricate work all the way to hammering and welding, each class is a creative outlet, and so much fun. The resulting jewelry is amazing - I'm proud to have made and wear my pieces often - and as gifts, they have blown away my friends and family. The per/class price is very reasonable - I've checked with a jeweler friend and he says the price can't be beat. read more

I have wanted to learn to make professional looking jewelry for a long time. When I searched on line I found Jewelry ClassDC and owner/instructor Dan Valencia. The pictures of the jewelry benches and tools that students have for use during class, the organized studio with antique tools and anvils, and the pictures of student jewelry projects led me to sign up for the 8 week beginners class. I was hooked from the first day when we made wire rings which we took home the same day. By the end of the eight weeks, I had three rings, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings, all professionally finished in sterling silver. My friends and family wanted to buy them. I wanted more class time. I signed up for Dan's extended studies program and I couldn't be happier with the instruction and the progress I have made. Dan is a great instructor and mentor, very patient, and generous with his time and advice. The projects in the intermediate/advanced classes are awesome and rotate from session to session. He also has numerous special workshops. You can take classes either days, evenings or weekends, the schedule is very flexible. If you miss a class, you can easily make it up. Once you are in the advanced/intermediate classes, you are welcome to come in on Sundays for open studio time to work unsupervised on your projects. If you want to make beautiful silver jewelry (forgot to mention all projects are done in sterling silver) or if you already make jewelry and want to expand your skills try out JewelryClass DC. Hope to see you there. read more

Ok let's just say that I've been dabbling in beading/jewelry making for a number of years and this class is really helping to step up my creations! I'm in the middle of my second class here and I look forward to this experience every week. We have learned so many great things and the instructor is fantastic. He's great with teaching/showing techniques to the class or one on one. He promotes proper techniques but is patient with students when mistakes are made. The class is a very relaxed atmosphere and the studio has pretty much all of the tools you could every dream of having access to to create your own masterpieces! I highly recommend this course to folks interest in jewelry making regardless of your experience level. You're not going to find a better course out there. read more