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

> Jewelry for kids who want to learn to make things: projects by age, simple tools and what a child can do alone, with an adult or only an adult.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/my-first-jewelry-workshop/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-05-14
- Updated: 2026-05-18
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/mi-primer-taller-de-joyeria/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/en/workshop-safety/) and [workshop chemistry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-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](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-crafts-for-kids/).