Business Details
12 Years
experience
Professional Bench Jewelry Training in Portland Since 2014
Portland Jewelry Academy has been dedicated to cultivating professional bench jewelers since 2014. Our institution addresses the decline of traditional apprenticeships by offering hands-on education that combines technical skill development with creative artistry. Students receive personalized mentorship from founder Jason Chandler, a seasoned industry expert, ensuring they gain practical experience in jewelry manufacturing. Our curriculum emphasizes mastery of essential techniques, preparing graduates for successful careers in the jewelry trade. Small class sizes foster an environment conducive to focused learning and skill refinement.As a MJSA member school, we provide graduates with valuable industry resources and networking opportunities. Our commitment to preserving bench jewelry craftsmanship drives our educational philosophy. Through structured programs, we equip students with the confidence and expertise required to excel in this specialized field. The academy's mission extends beyond technical training, offering guidance on industry navigation and professional development. Our graduates emerge with both the technical proficiency and business acumen necessary for long-term success in the jewelry industry.
Services
Jewelry Manufacturing Course
CAD for 3D Printing
Bead Setting Instruction
Custom Jewelry Training
MJSA Membership Benefits
Portfolio Development
Industry Mentorship
Technical Skills Training
Business Skills Workshops
Apprenticeship Preparation
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized mentorship from industry veteran Jason Chandler
- Our small class sizes ensure focused, individualized instruction
- We provide MJSA membership benefits to all graduating students
- Our curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern technology
- We emphasize both technical mastery and industry business practices
Services
Jewelry Manufacturing Course
Our comprehensive Introduction to Jewelry Manufacturing course teaches essential bench skills including soldering, metal forming, and finishing techniques. Students create multiple projects demonstrating industry-standard craftsmanship. The program emphasizes both traditional hand skills and modern production methods for professional application.
CAD for 3D Printing
This course covers jewelry-specific CAD software and 3D printing technology for modern jewelry production. Students learn digital modeling techniques and prototyping processes used in contemporary manufacturing. The curriculum bridges traditional craftsmanship with digital fabrication methods for industry relevance.
Bead Setting Instruction
Specialized training in bead setting techniques for secure stone placement in fine jewelry. Students master proper tool usage, metal displacement methods, and quality control standards. The course covers various setting styles and applications for different gemstone types.
Custom Jewelry Training
Hands-on instruction in creating custom jewelry pieces from concept to completion. Students learn design principles, wax carving, and production techniques for unique commissions. The program emphasizes client communication and translating artistic vision into wearable art.
MJSA Membership Benefits
Graduates receive one-year membership to Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, including access to trade publications, supplier directories, and business resources. Members gain exclusive discounts on industry tools, educational webinars, and networking opportunities at the MJSA Expo.
People
Jason Chandler
Founder & Lead Instructor
Jason Chandler established Portland Jewelry Academy after 20 years as a professional bench jeweler. He brings extensive industry experience in both traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing techniques. His teaching focuses on practical skills development and career preparation for aspiring jewelers.
Questions
What does Portland Jewelry Academy offer?
We provide hands-on training in bench jewelry techniques including metalworking, stone setting, and CAD design. Our programs prepare students for professional careers in jewelry manufacturing.
Who teaches the courses?
Founder Jason Chandler, an experienced bench jeweler, personally instructs all courses with support from industry professionals during specialized workshops.
What is a bench jeweler?
A bench jeweler is a skilled craftsman who creates and repairs fine jewelry using specialized tools and techniques, distinct from retail jewelers or designers.
Do you offer industry connections?
Graduates receive MJSA membership, including networking opportunities, job boards, and connections to industry mentors across the United States.
What equipment do students use?
Our facility includes professional-grade tools for metal fabrication, wax carving, stone setting, and CAD/CAM technology for modern jewelry production.
Is financial aid available?
We offer flexible payment plans and can assist with vocational rehabilitation funding applications for eligible students seeking career development.
