Students will learn classic metalsmithing techniques to create original finished jewelry of their own design in a fully equipped studio and small group setting. Whaley Studios is committed to the safety and health of their students and staff. We practice social distancing and have rigorous cleaning and sanitizing protocols.
Masks are required to be worn by everyone at or in the studio. Our studio features state-of-the art jewelry making instruction, classes, workshops, bench time. We are equipped with thirteen fully loaded workbenches, in addition to a soldering station. There are three Rolling Mills, Centrifugal Casting Machine, Burnout Kiln, Vulcanizer, Vacuum Caster, Photo Station with Tent and Tripod.
Masks are required to be worn by everyone at or in the studio. Our studio features state-of-the art jewelry making instruction, classes, workshops, bench time. We are equipped with thirteen fully loaded workbenches, in addition to a soldering station. There are three Rolling Mills, Centrifugal Casting Machine, Burnout Kiln, Vulcanizer, Vacuum Caster, Photo Station with Tent and Tripod.
Services
Founded in 2005 by master jeweler and goldsmith Jay Whaley, Whaley Studios offers beginners through advanced students a place to learn, master and expand upon classical metalsmithing and jewelry making techniques from basic rings to detailed wax carving, metal casting, design and more. Students at Whaley Studios work in brass, copper, silver and gold!
Are you having creative pangs that need a place to be realized? Are you a beginning to advanced metalsmith needing a fun, stimulating, and creative place to work? Do you look at jewelry and think "I wish I could do that!" If you answered YES, then Whaley Studios is your go-to place! Whaley Studios offers SMALL GROUP CLASSES in classic metalsmithing three times a day Monday through Thursday, with one class on Friday morning.
Our classes are designed for all levels of experience. Students taking this class will learn a variety of metalsmithing techniques to create original finished jewelry of their own design. Small Group classes are 3 hours long and offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the morning, afternoon and evening, and on Friday morning.
Whaley Studios features specialized workshops in various metalsmithing techniques. We also offer an Introduction to Jewelry Fabrication workshop which is an excellent opportunity for beginners to experience the metalsmithing process. Workshops fill up quickly, so we recommend checking our website regularly for updates and registering right away if one of our workshops peaks your interest.
Choosing the perfect wedding ring is one of the most memorable and fulfilling moments in a relationship. Are you looking for an experience that is intimate, and something more than the local jewelry store provides? If so, the Do-It-Yourself Wedding Ring Workshop at Whaley Studios is for you!
Jay Whaley, master jeweler and goldsmith with more than 50 years experience in the industry and his wife Holly, offer a unique and special way for couples to design and make their own custom wedding rings in a single day at Whaley Studios in beautiful San Diego!No special training or skills are needed!
Jay Whaley, master jeweler and goldsmith with more than 50 years experience in the industry and his wife Holly, offer a unique and special way for couples to design and make their own custom wedding rings in a single day at Whaley Studios in beautiful San Diego!No special training or skills are needed!
Reviews (23)
Angela P.
Oct 26, 2021
Report
My husband and I made each other's rings with Jay and Holly in the wedding ring workshop at Whaley Studios, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the experience.
Jay and Holly were warm, kind, and honest from day one. My husband had found two opals on a tour in Australia, and we wanted to include them in our rings. Holly was very frank with us, and told us that those opals were far too delicate for an everyday use ring. We discussed several options - hiding the stones in the ring, crushing them for an inlay, etc. But the bottom line was that it just wouldn't work like we had imagined
Jay and Holly were warm, kind, and honest from day one. My husband had found two opals on a tour in Australia, and we wanted to include them in our rings. Holly was very frank with us, and told us that those opals were far too delicate for an everyday use ring. We discussed several options - hiding the stones in the ring, crushing them for an inlay, etc. But the bottom line was that it just wouldn't work like we had imagined
Felicia F.
Apr 20, 2021
Report
This class exceeded my expectations. Day one I was melting silver and making Sterling silver. I also learned how to remove stones and melt gold. Jay is an excellent teacher. I love Jay's method of teaching because he throws you right into the fire, watches carefully and corrects you. Although I felt like a child and didn't know anything about jewelry making, Jay is very respectful and never made me feel like an idiot. The class is small, therefore you get a lot of attention. Jay gives you complete freedom to be creative in your design. Whatever you want, he will show you how to make it
Lor L.
Jan 19, 2020
Report
I cannot say enough about how incredible this experience was! We did the private wedding ring class and our rings came out so perfect. Jay and Holly are so patient, helpful, and sweet. I would recommend making your own wedding bands to everyone! We had a nice lunch and champagne toast included with the class. It was an experience we will never forget.
Sawsan A.
Jul 01, 2019
Report
I don't usually write reviews but I feel that I need to in this case. I signed up for the group class because of the 'good' reviews. Unfortunately my experience with this studio was a terrible experience. I had no experience whatsoever going in so I expected that I would get enough help but that was not the case per say. They made me feel stupid and expected me to get it the first time. You have to keep trying to find someone to help you because they, those who are suppose to help you are just go around chit chatting. Also, the owner has a very short temper which is not right kind
H. H.
May 11, 2019
Report
This studio is awesome. The space is really well equipped and the setting is inspiring. But the real crown jewel in this jewelry school and lab is Jay, who’s patience and willingness to provide guidance and share his knowledge have enabled me to complete a project that I had felt was beyond my skill and capability. Thanks Jay for being so generous with your time and teaching. 👍🏻
Doris S.
Apr 17, 2019
Report
I had a loose blue Thai Sapphire jewel I got many years ago. I decided to finally put it into a ring, and found this jewelry class where I could make my own design and then make my own ring/set my stone. I am glad I found this place - Teachers Jay and Jamie are so knowledgeable, patient, helpful and friendly. I am so pleased with my first project, and hope to attend another class in future. It's nice that all students can decide on their own project.
Handmade jewelry is so unique.
Handmade jewelry is so unique.
Christopher S.
Apr 03, 2019
Report
Wow! What a great class! I've now been enrolled in the private class at Whaley Studios for the last 6 months and the amount of focus and the pace that the personalized class provides has really helped me hone in my silversmithing skills. I'm extremely grateful that there are still masters of the craft like Jay Whaley out there that are willing to teach and pass on the art of silversmithing and making fine jewelry. These masters are far and few between and San Diego is really fortunate to have someone like Jay to pass on this knowledge. There is a plethora of bad information and misinformation
Neda P.
Mar 28, 2019
Report
My fiancé and I came here to make our rings and wow what an incredible experience! I highly recommend the couples ring making workshop to anyone getting married. Having gone through the experience, it has given me such a bigger appreciation for our marriage and the entire act of making your own rings. Even before the actual workshop, we had a detailed consultation with Jay & Holly and they were very involved and committed to making sure that we walk out of the studio with the ring design that we want! The entire ring making exercise helps you put things into perspective and gives you time
C. M.
Jan 23, 2019
Report
My fiance and I are volunteer blacksmiths and metal workers. When we found Whaley Studios where we could make/smith our wedding rings we couldn't pass it up. Jay & Holly are amazing! You don't need to be blacksmith or have any metal work background to appreciate this studio. Jay & Holly make the entire experience enjoyable, informative and special. You will have a beautiful set of wedding rings when your done. We had so much fun and really enjoyed the day. We talked more about the experience on the way to the studio and now we can't talk enough about the rings we made. They
J. G.
Oct 30, 2018
Report
My fiance and I did the couple's wedding rings workshop yesterday, and we had so much fun!! The rings turned out even better than we imagined and we both learned so much about making jewelry! Beautiful and clean shop with lots of tools, patient & positive teaching by Jay and Holly. A wonderful memorable experience we will treasure forever! Thank you for everything!
Audrey Z.
Mar 16, 2018
Report
My fiancé and I wanted to do a little something extra for our wedding bands. We figured we'd be wearing them for the rest of our lives and we really wanted something special. A few friends of mine, who are in the jewelry industry, suggested that I find a DIY wedding ring workshop and with a quick Google, Whaley Studios comes up first. I sent them an email, inquiring about pricing and availability.
Colleen, the person who answers all the emails, was an absolute pleasure to work with. She understands that planning a wedding is stressful and she takes the necessary steps to be concise and doesn
Colleen, the person who answers all the emails, was an absolute pleasure to work with. She understands that planning a wedding is stressful and she takes the necessary steps to be concise and doesn
Tiffany Brown
Oct 15, 2017
Report
My fiance and I made our wedding bands at Whaley Studios last weekend, and the experience was nothing short of incredible! Jay is a first-class teacher and a very accomplished jewelry-maker who guides you through every step of the process and helps you bring your vision to life. From calculating karats to melting down metals to sending our gold through a rolling mill, Jay encouraged us to get our hands dirty and really participate in the creation of our rings. We left the workshop not only with gorgeous, one-of-a-kind wedding bands, but with new knowledge about jewelry making and precious metals
Brian M.
May 18, 2017
Report
Wrote them with a basic repair question, and received friendly attention and effective tips. The owner and staff couldn't have been nicer with their assistance.
The workshop itself is super interesting and amazing, and such a cool little space. I've never considered signing up for a jewelry workshop before today.
Thanks for being good people, Whaley Studios!
The workshop itself is super interesting and amazing, and such a cool little space. I've never considered signing up for a jewelry workshop before today.
Thanks for being good people, Whaley Studios!
Riley Oneal
Aug 09, 2016
Report
I stumbled upon this studio while driving by and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I made an engagement ring from start to finish and had a ton of fun during every step. Jay coached me along the way and contributed the perfect amount of instruction, patience and experience throughout the process. If you want to be hands on, this is the perfect spot for you too. And she said 'Yes!'
Felix F.
Jun 29, 2016
Report
My fiancee and I had such an amazing day making our wedding rings at Whaley Studios! It was fun, but that doesn't begin to cover it. The process is fascinating and satisfying. The whole day was an adventure.
First, Jay Whaley is a consummate professional. Wed had no previous experience working with metals, but that didn't matter. We received plenty of clear instruction and supervision while we worked through the steps of creating our rings. Although this is a hands-on workshop, your rings will not look "hand made". Also, Jay made the entire process transparent and he provided
First, Jay Whaley is a consummate professional. Wed had no previous experience working with metals, but that didn't matter. We received plenty of clear instruction and supervision while we worked through the steps of creating our rings. Although this is a hands-on workshop, your rings will not look "hand made". Also, Jay made the entire process transparent and he provided
Alyssa B.
Apr 13, 2016
Report
Had such an amazing experience with Jay, the owner of Whaley Studios. My fiancé and I are a little more on the adventurous side and wanted to do something different for our engagement! So we did some research and found Whaley Studios! No one really compared to the quality that we saw on Jay's website and the example photos he had. My fiancé and I obviously picked the engagement ring package, which came with a one-on-one workshop exclusively with Jay. After setting up the consultation over the phone, we immediately knew Jay was going to be our guy! We just loved her personality and passion
Katie L.
Jan 11, 2016
Report
We booked the wedding band workshop with Jay and had such an awesome time! Not only was it a really unique experience, but our bands turned out AWESOME!
Jay is very professional and a wonderful teacher. He is there to help you every step of the way with whatever ideas your mind can dream up. You even get to take the rings home with you at the end of the day. (unless you have a stone set)
If you want to have a stone set in your ring, he sends it to a professional stone-setter to finish the job. We live in a different city and they were even able to mail it to us so we didn't have to drive
Jay is very professional and a wonderful teacher. He is there to help you every step of the way with whatever ideas your mind can dream up. You even get to take the rings home with you at the end of the day. (unless you have a stone set)
If you want to have a stone set in your ring, he sends it to a professional stone-setter to finish the job. We live in a different city and they were even able to mail it to us so we didn't have to drive
Marissa L.
Oct 14, 2015
Report
We came into Whaley Studios not knowing what to expect for our wedding ring workshop. In the end it was well worth it and I would strongly recommend Jay Whaley's studio for any engaged couple (btw about 25% of his clientele are same gender couples.)
I would definitely recommend this workshop. It was memorable and we learned quite a bit. Unlike other workshops and custom ring processes you really do start from raw materials. We had an awesome time playing with fire and learning from a goldsmith! Parking in Hillcrest is $6 for 9 hours and there are ample food options in the area. We set
I would definitely recommend this workshop. It was memorable and we learned quite a bit. Unlike other workshops and custom ring processes you really do start from raw materials. We had an awesome time playing with fire and learning from a goldsmith! Parking in Hillcrest is $6 for 9 hours and there are ample food options in the area. We set
Sunshine V.
Jul 02, 2015
Report
I love working out of Whaley Studios because of the beautiful community it offers. It's truly a unique experience for anyone that is interested to give it a try. The environment is nurturing, stimulating, and relaxed, but you are able to focus and get things done, too.
I come from an academic background, and while it definitely has it's advantages - this school of thought seems more conducive to the jewelry-making atmosphere that many students seek when they get into it in the first place. Jay is an exceptional mentor; he let's his students set their own pace, but offers ideas
I come from an academic background, and while it definitely has it's advantages - this school of thought seems more conducive to the jewelry-making atmosphere that many students seek when they get into it in the first place. Jay is an exceptional mentor; he let's his students set their own pace, but offers ideas
Wendy W.
May 05, 2015
Report
Love the group class so much that I have taken it 4 times in a row. I'm a designer and artist, but had never tried jewelry making before finding this class and I am enjoying it so much. I love having the freedom to make anything I want. I think it's the best way to learn. Jay and his teaching assistant (different ones for different nights) are always friendly and available to help you.
The studio space is completely stocked with every tool you need and the vibe is comfortable and relaxed - which is perfect for being creative.
Completely worth the drive from Escondido. If you're
The studio space is completely stocked with every tool you need and the vibe is comfortable and relaxed - which is perfect for being creative.
Completely worth the drive from Escondido. If you're
Celeste C.
May 02, 2015
Report
We got married two months ago, and were looking for a way to get the unique style of rings we wanted. Lo and behold, one day walking down the streets of Hillcrest, our eyes were drawn to a sign advertising Make-Your-Own Wedding Ring workshops. We gave them a call and made an appointment for a free consultation and tour. We found that the prices are super reasonable and decided to submit a possible design to them to see if we could make it. We were assured that it looked doable, and decided to book the workshop.
What an excellent decision! It was a full day of work, and Jay was there every step
What an excellent decision! It was a full day of work, and Jay was there every step
Katie S.
Nov 06, 2014
Report
My fiancé and I came here to make our wedding rings back in July. Jay and Sunshine were amazing people who really let us make the day our own experience.
There really are not words to describe what a cool experience it was making our own wedding bands.
We still have to get in to have them engraved because we forgot to think about what we were going to engrave! But I am excited to go back to see Jay, anyway.
Definitely recommend this place for the experience and the fact that there is really nothing more unique than making your wedding bands from scratch.
There really are not words to describe what a cool experience it was making our own wedding bands.
We still have to get in to have them engraved because we forgot to think about what we were going to engrave! But I am excited to go back to see Jay, anyway.
Definitely recommend this place for the experience and the fact that there is really nothing more unique than making your wedding bands from scratch.
Kate V.
Mar 10, 2014
Report
Fantastic wedding ring making experience.
The price was on par with what we would have paid for a mass-produced ring, but my fiance got exactly what he wanted. Jay is the best teacher and he allowed us to make the ring ourselves. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Jay made sure the ring was perfect and listened to our needs. Totally relaxing day before our wedding!
The price was on par with what we would have paid for a mass-produced ring, but my fiance got exactly what he wanted. Jay is the best teacher and he allowed us to make the ring ourselves. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Jay made sure the ring was perfect and listened to our needs. Totally relaxing day before our wedding!
