SAMONTE CRUZ STUDIOS is OPEN- Let’s create together!
Nestled in the stunning mountains of Ymir, BC, my studio offers a peaceful retreat into nature. This picturesque location is the perfect place to spark your creativity while diving into the art of jewelry making and metalsmithing magic through classes and workshops. Whether you’re completely new to it or already an experienced jeweller, I provide hands-on classes tailored to your interests, including beginner fabrication, lost wax casting, ring making, and stone setting.
✨VIEW CURRENT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS HERE✨
Jewelry Making Classes Near Nelson, BC
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, my studio offers a welcoming, supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace. Each class is designed to help you ignite your creativity while developing essential skills such as fabrication, lost wax casting, ring making, and stone setting. Whether you’re just beginning or refining your techniques, there’s something for everyone.
Beginner to Advanced Metalsmithing: Step into the creative world of jewelry making at Samonte Cruz Studios, located just 20 minutes from the charming town of Nelson, BC, in the quaint village of Ymir!
✨REGISTER ONLINE✨
Flexible Options for All Skill Levels
At Samonte Cruz Studios, I offer a variety of experiences tailored to your needs:
- One-on-One Private Instruction: Receive focused, personalized guidance on your jewelry-making projects.
- Small Group Classes: Learn in an intimate, relaxed setting with friends or like-minded makers.
- Open Studio Sessions: Independent practice time in a fully equipped studio with expert guidance.
- Bench Rentals: Access professional tools and workspace to bring your personal projects to life.
- Make Your Own Wedding Ring Workshops: Craft a lasting, meaningful keepsake with your partner in a unique, private experience.
- Custom Workshops for Groups & Organizations: Co-create something special for your team or community
Topics & Techniques We Explore
Dive into the fundamentals of fabrication, including sawing, soldering, forming, and finishing. Explore stone setting techniques such as bezel, prong, and tube settings. Learn metal casting for beginners through hands-on methods like water casting, broom casting, sand casting, and lost wax casting.
Have questions? Inquire today to learn more about rates and availability, and start your jewelry-making journey! Contact Samonte.
“Samonte is an incredible human and teacher! I did a course with them earlier this year and learned so much but also had tons of fun!! Highly recommend!”
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Samonte Cruz is an award-winning Filipinx goldsmith and interdisciplinary artist with over 20 years of teaching experience. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, Samonte welcomes students from all walks of life.
With small class sizes and hands-on learning, they provide tailored support for beginners and seasoned makers alike. Their inclusive and welcoming teaching style makes jewelry-making fun, engaging, and accessible to everyone.
CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF CRAFT AND INNOVATION
In 2025, Samonte Cruz will be celebrating 10 wonderful years dedicated to the art of metalsmithing, and they are excited to share this milestone with you!
Their journey began in 2015 at the Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson, BC, where they graduated with honors in 2017. Shortly after, Samonte founded Samonte Cruz Studios, focusing on creating custom wedding and engagement rings.
In 2018, Samonte began teaching jewelry-making courses at Selkirk College and apprenticed with master goldsmith Paul Durkin at Lauener Brothers Jewellery in Trail, BC. This experience helped Samonte master traditional heirloom restoration techniques while embracing the latest 3D printing technology to achieve precision craftsmanship.
Samonte Cruz Studios is a place where students are encouraged to discover their artistic potential in a supportive and inspiring environment. Whether restoring cherished heirlooms or designing something entirely new, Samonte’s mission is to help each student celebrate creativity, resilience, and the joy of artistic exploration.
Let’s create something extraordinary together!
Samonte was awarded Juror’s Choice for their work featured at the 2023 NYC Jewelry Week Exhibition: Adorned Serenity. Eternal Safe Space: Transcestors Funerary Mask; 22 karat gold, hand-formed, folded & cut; 2023. Read more about the piece here.
HANDMADE ON SINIXT TERRITORY
All my work is created using traditional gold-smithing techniques, in combination with state of the art technology in 3D printing and the ancient method of lost wax casting. I love my life and feel extremely grateful to be living and working on unceded Sinixt Territory (Nelson, BC).