Teen Gems is a 12-week jewelry-making course offered free of cost to New York City public high school students. The class covers basic jewelry techniques such as fabrication, soldering, basic wax carving, casting, and basic stone settings. Students will begin to learn the properties of metal through sawing, piecing, and forming. Fabrication will be focused on bezel and tube settings for cabochon or round faceted stones. The final project of wax carving will cover the carving of wax for casting, ring sizing in wax, and a basic carved setting. The course will also include lectures with artists and professionals in the jewelry industry.
The Teen Gems program offers access to jewelry studio equipment, training, and mentorship to students with an interest in art and design. The opportunity to experience a mastery of skills will help build overall confidence in art making, leadership skills, and a glimpse into potential career opportunities. Conversations with arts professionals will foster a professional network to support students as they progress through their high school art design experience and navigate selecting a career path.
Jonathan Wahl, director of the 92NY Jewelry Center explains the impetus for the project:Gilda and Henry Block School of the Arts - 92NY - Teen Gems - High School Jewelry Immersion Program
https://www.92ny.org/culture-arts/school-of-the-arts/art-center/jewelry-center/teen-gems