My first jewelry workshop: what kids can do and what an adult must do

This is not about teaching professional jewelry, but about introducing children to the world of jewelry in a safe, simple and fun way.

First concepts #

What is a jewel? An object we wear to adorn ourselves. What is a jeweler? The person who makes them. A bead is a piece with a hole that is strung; a charm, a decorative piece that hangs; a chain, a series of links; a clasp, what joins the ends; wire, a thread of metal that bends.

My first tools #

• Round-nose pliers: for making loops and spirals.
• Flat-nose pliers: for holding and bending.
• Wire cutters: for cutting wire.
• Tweezers, scissors and a ruler.
• Thread, cord, beads and soft craft wire.

Who can do what #

🟢 A child can do it, depending on age and with supervision: design, draw, choose colors, string beads, measure, cut suitable materials and work with cord.

🟡 With an adult close by: use pliers, cut wire and use smaller tools.

🔴 Only an adult: torch, soldering, acids, pickle, chemicals, polishing motor, burs and power tools. See workshop safety and workshop chemistry.

By age #

• 6 to 8 years: beads, colors, cords and design.
• 8 to 10 years: wire and simple tools.
• 10 to 12 years: slightly more complex techniques, such as wire wrapping.
• From 12: gradual introduction to jewelry techniques, with an adult or a teacher.

Projects #

Level 1: bead bracelet, simple necklace, keychain, cord bracelet. Level 2: simple earrings, pendant, bracelet with a clasp, wire ring. Level 3: spirals and shapes in wire, wrapping a stone with wire, a small pendant.

A card for each project #

Recommended age · Materials · Tools · Difficulty · Time · What you will learn · Safety.

Kids' dictionary #

• Pliers: a tool that helps hold, bend or cut wire.
• Bead: a small piece with a hole that goes on a thread or wire.
• Charm: a small decorative piece that hangs from a chain or bracelet.
• Wire: a thread of metal that bends to make jewelry.

To start with younger children, see jewelry crafts for kids.