Workshops

Mountain Gems offers a wide range of Silversmithing and Lapidary Workshops that cater to all skill levels. Located in Burnaby, just a hop, skip & jump away from downtown Vancouver. With lots of street parking & access to many main transit routes.

Please check our schedule for upcoming workshops. They are filling quickly these days so put your name on the waitlist if interested in a specific workshop.

Silversmithing & Lapidary Classes in the Lower Mainland

Drop Ins are back! ~Every Second Wednesday Afternoon~

Starting the end of May we will be offering drop ins again here at the Mountain Gems Studio.

July 22

Aug 5

Aug 19

Open studio time will be 12am- 5pm

1 Hour for $15

3 hours for $35

5 Hours for $55

All the shop tools will be available for rental use or you are welcome to bring in your own tool kit to work with. Note: Metals and solder will not be provided for use.

This rental space is available for anyone that has taken one of our Beginner Silversmithing Class or something similar. Must be comfortable with the torch and tools. The drop ins will be supervised but are not a teaching opportunity.

Call us to reserve your spot today!

Drop In Supervisor: Laurie Emerslund

Beginner Intensive Weekend Workshop- Ring- Aug 15 & 16 (FULL) Sept 19 & 20 (Register Today)

This is the perfect class for those that can't commit to an 8 week class but want to learn everything. During these 2 full days, students focus on fabricating a Bezel Set Sterling Silver Ring. Everyone will get a good understanding for torch use and other key fabrication techniques when it comes to Silversmithing. Through the two days, students will learn easy hammer texturing, bezel setting for a cabochon, forming, filing and polishing.

Saturday & Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$245 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson / Laurie Emerslund

Advanced Stone Setting- Intermediate- July 18 & 19 (FULL)

This intensive workshop is technique focused rather than design driven and is meant to take your setting skills to the next level.

The first day is spent working on samples of tube setting and Prong Setting. The 2nd day is focused on covering gypsy setting. Students are welcome to turn any of their practice samples into simple projects. Be aware if they so choose, it will take away time from getting the supervised practice time of the actual settings. All settings can be added to projects at a later time.

This two-day technical course offers a look at various stone setting techniques. We will be focused on gypsy, prong, tube setting.

(Note: Projects in Pictures are samples of the setting styles you will learn, students will not be making all of the projects, rather learning the techniques to apply the settings to their own projects in the future)

No tools are required, the instructor will supply them for use in class. Students will only be required to purchase or bring their own silver and stones for the workshop.

Saturday & Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm

$275 + GST for the course


Students will be required to purchase stones and silver for practice samples. All other tools will be supplied by the instructor.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Stretch Beaded Bracelets- July 26

Spend a couple of hours making custom beaded bracelets with one another and learning about the meanings of the stones. Make them for yourselves or for each other. Its all all about making lasting memories with the one you love.

Students will learn about colour balance, meanings of the gemstone beads and how to imbue intentions in the 2 bracelets they make. Our fabulous instructor will also show students how to add scented oils to their bracelets.

Along with colour palettes with stones, students will also learn about different types of stringing material and which ones work best and why. Once everyone has made their bracelets they will learn the best way to finish it off so the join is obscured from view but still secure.

Students will have a wide selection of 6mm gemstone beads to choose from within their kit fees for 2 beaded bracelets. If they would like to include any golf filled/ sterling silver or copper beads, these can be purchased separately.

This class is perfect for the beginner and caters to small class sizes with lots of one on one instruction. Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes.


Sunday, 12-2pm
$55 + GST for the course

Students will be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects done during the workshop

Material Kit $35

Instructor: Laurie Emerslund

Reticulated Wrap Ring- Aug 8 (Register Today!)

Adjustable, funky and fun. This ring will have you all wrapped up!

Learn how to create great textures using reticulation silver and then turn it in to a playful ring that wraps around your finger. These rings are great for adjusting the size to fit the person on an as need basis.

Once you have created the ring band, students will have the option of adding a bezel set cabochon stone for a focal point. They can choose from round, oval or teardrop for this class.

Finally students will decide if they'd like to leave their project with a high shine or patina it to make their reticulated texture stand out.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST for the course


Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

Texturing Stamps & Punches- Aug 9 (Register Today!)

Come explore the techniques used to fabricate your own stamps for creating unique designs, embellishments, and textured backgrounds in metal. Handmade stamps are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create patterns and details that are truly your own.

We'll spend the first half of the day designing and fabricating your custom stamps. Then, you'll have the option to use your new tools to create a simple ring band or pendant, or continue building your collection of handmade stamps and texturing tools.

Whether you're looking to expand your metalsmithing skills or create one-of-a-kind designs, this workshop is a fun and rewarding way to add a personal touch to your work.

Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm
$145 + GST for the course

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructors: Kelly Allanson

Tension Set Ring- Aug 22 (Register Today!)

Stylish, simple elegance is what this ring is all about.

This project will focus on creating a tension set in our heavy sterling silver bands that securely hold a stone suspended between the two sides of the band.

The nice thing is there is no soldering required for this project. Just a little muscle work and precision. Everyone will leave with a gorgeous ring on their finger with the knowledge on how to make another.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm
$145 + GST for the course


Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructors: Kelly Allanson

Pearl Ring- Aug 23 (Register Today!)

Fluid and feminine, this ring embodies nature. Our focus in this project is all about taking rigid sterling silver wire and transforming it into a beautiful ring with movement and fluid lines.

Students will focus on building depth with distressed wires and melted balls of silver. We will further this by adding cut outs and drill holes to highlight the beauty of a pearl or cabochon of your choice. There will be many available options in the store for students to choose from. You are also encourage to bring you left over bits and pieces of silver if you have any to use in your design work.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm
$145 + GST for the course


Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Having taken a beginner silversmithing is recommended and encourage, but not necessary if you are comfortable learning at a fast pace.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructors: Kelly Allanson

Beginner Silversmithing - 8 week course Sept 3- Oct 22 (FULL)

This 8 week course is the perfect way to learn the main skills when it comes to jewelry making. Students will make a minimum of 3 projects while covering a variety of different techniques like soldering, filing, polishing, design, metal fabricating and stone setting.
This class is perfect for the beginner and caters to small class sizes with lots of one on one instruction. Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes. It is generally on Thursday evenings from 6:15-9:15pm at our in store studio.


Thursday Evenings, 6:15pm- 9:15pm
$295 + GST for the course


Students will be required to purchase a tool kit for the class ($135) and any materials used for individual projects done during the workshop

Tool Kit includes:
• 4" Sawframe
• 6" 1/2 round file (2 Cut)
• File Handle
• 1/2 Round (4 Cut) needle flie
• 1 dozen sawblades 2/0
• AA tweezers
• Emery Strips (240, 280, 400 grit)
• Burnisher
• Fine Tip Sharpie Pen
• Ruler

Once you have taken one of our beginner silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

FoldForm Leaf Pendant & Earrings- Sept 5 (Register Today!)


Have you ever wanted to adorn yourself with some of Autumn's richly colored leaves? If so, this is the workshop for you!

In this class, we will create beautiful, fall-inspired jewelry using copper sheet. You will learn basic skills such as hammering, filing, and annealing as you make fold-formed leaves in a variety of shapes and
sizes. The leaves can also be adorned with cabochons for an extra special touch. Your finished pieces can be made into earrings, strung on a cord or chain, or crafted into a necklace using some of the many gorgeous beads available in the shop.

Join us for a day of fun and creativity, and make the perfect jewelry to wear when you sip your first pumpkin spice latte of the season!

Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$145 + GST for the course

plus materials for the project

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Laurie Emerslund

All about the Hoops- Earring Workshop - Sept 12

If you love earrings, this workshop is for you! "All about the Hoops" is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced makers.

Join us for for a day dedicated to creating various types of hoops earrings. You will learn how different wires shape and textures can transform a standard hoop into something unique, creating that "wow factor" for your jewelry.

Students will create a minimum of 3 pairs of earrings using sterling silver, copper, bronze, or brass wire. All designs will be finished with sterling silver posts.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$145 + GST for the course

The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Wendy Davey

Mixed Metal Earrings & Bracelet- Sept 13 (Register Today!)

This is a class designed to let you really unleash your creativity!

Without using a torch, Student's will make 1 to 2 pairs of earrings and a elegant bracelet in copper, brass and sterling silver links, with an optional upgrade to sterling silver for the segment pieces. Different methods of adding texture and shape using hand tools will be explored, allowing you to create the
earrings of your dreams. All connections will be made with jump rings, so these beauties will sway
stylishly when worn in the sun!
This is an excellent introductory class to working with metals and a great way to start your jewellery journey!

Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Laurie Emerslund

Locket Pendant- Sept 26 & 27

This fun, hollow-formed sterling silver pendant has a secret!

Besides having a stunning silhouette with cutouts on both sides, it actually opens and can hold little treasures. This locket is pressure fit and secured with a bail that doubles as a clasp. If you don't want to make a locket, leave this as a precious decorative box on top of your dresser.

Kelly Allanson will spend two days introducing you to metal forming, fine sawing skills, bezel setting, and exploring the world of objects that open and close.

A beginner silversmithing class is recommended as a prerequisite to this class.

Saturday & Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm 

$145 + GST for the course

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for weekend Silversmithing for use in the workshops.

Students will be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

4 Week Chain Making Intensive- Oct 2- Oct 23

Craft it once, wear it forever!

Students will learn how to make a classic link bracelet over 4 evenings, using sterling silver, copper or brass wires. You can even do a combination of any of the wires to create a fun & playful bracelet.

Throughout this course you will learn how to bend and shape your chosen wire into uniform links, to create a classic chain bracelet. Learn to play with your link shapes and sizes to create unique patterns in your soldered chain. Once the chain is soldered, the instructor will show you how to clean up and polish your lovely creation bringing it to the next level.

The fundamentals for building and growing your soldering and finishing skills is done in an easy, repetitive manner that leaves you wondering where the time has gone!

Sign up today for a fun session of creativity and learning! Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes.

Fridays, 6:15-9:19pm

INTERMEDIATE CLASS- must have take one of our beginner silversmithing classes or an equivalent

$150 + GST

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Wendy Davey

Casting on a Budget- Oct 3 (Register Today!)

Come and spend a day learning how to cast on a budget. Create professional looking jewelry using basic items found around the house. Your instructor will show you how to cast using cuttlefish bone, sand, broom straw and other mediums. Lots of fun and time to play with all the different techniques! Go home feeling comfortable and confident around torches and molten metal. Students will also have the chance to complete a number of finished pieces of jewellery with their newly cast objects.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm
Cost: $145 + GST

Bring your scrap silver or purchase casting grain in store for your castings.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

*NEW* Intention Beads- Oct 4

What would you like to manifest in your life—love, healing, peace, abundance, or something uniquely your own?

In this inspiring workshop, you'll create hand-stamped metal beads that serve as beautiful, wearable reminders of your personal intentions. Every time you wear or hold your finished piece, you'll be reminded of what you are inviting into your life.

Along the way, you'll learn foundational metalsmithing techniques, including filing, annealing, and metal stamping—skills you can build on in future jewelry projects. We'll be working with copper sheet, with an optional upgrade to sterling silver for those who would like a premium finish.

To make your creation even more meaningful, you can add gemstones that correspond with your chosen intention, creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Once completed, your beads can be worn on a chain, combined with gemstone beads (browse the shop's beautiful selection!), or simply carried in your pocket as a personal touchstone.

These intention beads also make heartfelt, meaningful gifts for the special people in your life.

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, especially beginners. Come with an open mind, a creative spirit, and leave with new skills and a meaningful piece you'll treasure.

Sign up today for a fun session of creativity and learning! Please call 604-298-5883 for more info or to sign up for one of our classes.

Sunday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST

Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Laurie Edmerslund

*NEW* A Crystal Garden Workshop - Oct 9 (Register Today!)

A little creativity, a little intention, and a whole lot of beautiful things to arrange.

We open the workshop with a short breathing exercise and a moment of quiet intention setting—a chance to slow down, arrive fully, and decide what
energy you'd like to bring into the piece you're about to create.

From there, we dive into the creative process. We will explore the meanings, energies, Chakra associations, and color combinations of various crystals, rocks, and shells so you can choose the elements that best align with your intention. You will then spend the rest of the class arranging air plants, crystals, stones, and shells in a glass container to build your own crystal garden—a living display piece that is as personal as it is beautiful.

No experience is needed; just bring your curiosity and an eye for the things that catch your attention. Please note that students will be required to purchase the crystals, rocks, and shells used in their individual gardens. This workshop is perfect for crystal and nature lovers, or anyone looking for a reason to slow down and create something meaningful.

Time: Friday Evening, 6:15- 8:45pm

Cost: $60

We will have 3 Levels of Garden Kits to choose from

Shop the store and Personalize it with add-ons of your choice.

Instructor: Debbie Chan

Next Level Rings- Prong Set Ring- Oct 17

You've learned the basics and are now looking for the next challenge. Next Level Rings- Prong Set Cabochon Ring will do just that.

Spend the Day with our instructor as she guides students through the fabrication process of prong setting a cabochon or rose cut stone. This class is designed to give students a few more options after learning the basic bezel setting that is covered in the Beginner Silversmithing Class.

Learning how to set stones with corners or are free-form, in this class. But if Round or oval shapes are still your fav, these options are allowed as well. Prong Setting makes for an easy, adaptable setting for any of those more challenging cut stones. The instructor will go over how to choose a suitable wire thickness for the setting how to decide where to place them. Once the setting has be created, students will move onto creating a narrow band or their choice that will then be soldered onto the back of the setting. This class is a great practice in soldering skills and will make any student feel more comfortable handling the torch.

By the end of the day, each student will leave the workshop with a professionally finished ring.

$145 + GST for the course
Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Once you have taken one of our beginner Silversmithing workshops you are able to sign up for any of the intermediate classes.

Instructor: Kelly Allanson

*NEW* Calla Lily Earrings- Oct 3 (Register Today!)

We are delighted to announce our new Calla Lily Earrings Workshop.

Long admired as a symbol of grace, beauty, and resilience, the calla lily translates beautifully into metalwork. In this hands-on session, you will learn techniques for shaping and forming metal to create these elegant, iconic blooms.

A timeless addition to any jewelry collection, these earrings bring understated sophistication and effortless elegance to any outfit.

Participants may choose to craft their earrings in sterling silver or copper, then complete their designs with delicate pearl accents for a refined finishing touch.

Saturday, 10:30-4:30pm

$145 + GST for the course


Students will NOT be required to purchase a tool kit. The studio supplies tool kits for use during all of the weekend Silversmithing classes.

Students will only be required to purchase any materials used for individual projects during the workshop.

Instructor: Wendy Davey