As one of Italy’s hubs for the jewelry industry, Vicenza is a jewel all it’s own where you can truly sense an authentic Italian culture. Join us to experience it for yourself.
May 4-10, 2026
Carving and Chasing with Michael Kosinski
Level: Intermediate (students should possess skills of sawing, filing, and soldering)
This project is a labour of love for Michael! He has carved out several floral designs inspired by our visit to Florence in 2023. Our friends at Potter USA will be making a die out of this carved piece especially for Metalsmiths in Vicenza. Michael will strike the die at Metal Arts Academy on the die press he used to use at Van Craeynest when he was just starting out in the trade. These stampings will travel to Italy where he will instruct students on the technique of carving the piece using gravers, burs and files, and piercing out the negative spaces. Using handmade chasing punches. Students will learn the skills to chase the pendant to give it texture, sculpting the design to bring it to life.
September 27-Oct 4, 2026
Intro to Stone Setting with Enrico Spillare
Level: Intermediate (students should know metal fabrication methods).
In this introduction to stone setting and engraving workshop, you’ll spend a week learning from top Italian master engraver and stone setter Enrico Spillare (spillare_jewels on Instagram). Introducing you to the workings of the microscope and pneumatic graver, you’ll learn the basics of sharpening the gravers and then move on to set round and oval stones in prong and bezel settings as well as learning basic pavè setting using gravers and burs to cut your seats for the small round stones. All tools and equipment needed for this workshop is provided for you.
September 20-27, 2026
Hand Fabricated Etruscan Chain with Gary Roe
Level: Intermediate (students should possess skills of sawing, filing, and soldering)
Using traditional metalsmithing techniques, learn how to create a beautiful handmade Etruscan bracelet from start to finish. In the artistically inspiring setting of Vicenza, Italy, we will fabricate chains inspired by the ancient jewelry style of the region. In addition to chain making, we’ll craft stylized end caps and an s-hook clasp to complete the bracelet. Options for additional decorative elements will be covered for the particularly ambitious. I will walk you through every step with extensive demonstrations, feedback, and individual attention.The focus of this class will be fabrication, soldering, and other metalsmithing techniques that will be applicable to improving all areas of your work.
Meet the Team
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Michael R Kosinski
Classically trained as an apprentice at Van Craeynest, Inc. in San Francisco, Michael has more than 40 years in the jewelry trade working with other jewelers as well as having his own jewelry design and manufacturing company. He now focuses on sharing his deep knowledge and high level of craftsmanship with his students at Metal Arts Academy.
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Gary Roe
With a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from Maine College of Art, Gary dedicates his career to excellence in the craft, focusing on traditional fabrication, metal sculpting, stone setting and wax carving. He also has over twenty five years of service in restoring antique, historical, and museum jewelry pieces.
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Enrico Spillare
Expert stone setter and engraver for top jewelry brands, Enrico started out as an apprentice and now has his own stone setting/engraving manufacturing company. He is a sought after jewelry instructor who travels to teach at other locations around the world.
Accommodations
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Location
This hotel is located within the prestigious palace Braghetta Pagello, built in 1780. It takes its name from architect Ottavio Bertotti Scamozzi and is situated just a few steps from Piazza dei Signori which is the heart of the city.
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Comfortable and Clean
The building has remained unchanged over the time and after a very careful two-year-long renovation work the designers have carefully curated the furniture which creates an harmony between ancient charm and modern design.
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Breakfast Everyday
A charming breakfast room is available everyday of our week where we will feast on a full breakfast offering.
Adventures
Wine Tour & Tasting
After all of our hard work in the studio, this day we venture off to the tiny town of Gambellara to taste the famous wines made from the Garganega grape.
Jewely Museum
Visit Italy’s first museum and one of the only ones worldwide dedicated exclusively to jewelry. The exhibition features jewelry from antiquity to contemporary.
Venice Day
After a full week of goldsmithing, we explore Venice with a true Venetian guide where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes peek into the true culture of Venice.
FAQs
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$4300 Metalsmith Single Occupancy (own room and bathroom)
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7 nights accommodation
5 days of workshop instruction
7 breakfasts
6 lunches
3 dinners
Privately guided wine tasting tour
Privately guided Venice tour
Museum visit
Tourist taxes
...and a couple of other fun surprises
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Airfare, materials/tools kit, travel insurance, 4 dinners, anything else not stated as included.
