About
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Aoyama School of Jewelry and Metalsmithing is a fantastic place for beginners and professionals to study a wide range of jewelry making and metalwork techniques.  This school was founded in 1977 by Kenji IO who has been a leading metal artist over 30 years in Japan. He is the official member of Japan Kogei (Craft) Association. 
We run four main courses; jewelry making, stone setting, engraving/chasing and silversmithing for all levels by experienced and talented tutors. Each class is small (5-10 students per class) and friendly. Our philosophy is to teach you traditional craft techniques on each project and to enable you to design and create personal and individual pieces of work. Also, we can arrange a Short Intensive Course for those who would like to study something specific during their stays in Japan. 

※ January 2025 update:
​All courses are currently full. Please get in touch with us if you wish to put your name on the waiting list. 

Timetable 

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  * Silversmithing is not jewelry making. Silversmithing course is to make/hammer-raise objects; often a misused term. 

​Short Intensive Course

¥8,800 per lesson (3 hours)　　

Suitable for non-Japanese speakers or tourists who have a limited time during their stay in Japan. Depending on the duration of your stay and budget, you can plan your study with us. One lesson is 3 hours including an English-Japanese interpreter. You will be joining our regular classes which are Wednesdays for Jewelry making or Hammer-raising, Thursdays for Engraving & Chasing and Wednesdays & Sundays for Hammer-raising. Materials and tools are not included. Please get in touch with us at least a couple of months before your arrival, so that we have enough to discuss and plan your study. ​​

Examples (see the images below):
Please consider 1 extra lesson in case you need more time to finish. 
  • Japanese style engraving: 2 lessons required from tool making to practice on Thursdays
  • Zogan (Damascene inlay): 2 lessons required from tool making to practice on Thursdays
  • Hammer-raising: At least 4 lessons required to make a small cup or bowl on Wednesdays
  • Ring making: 1-2 lessons required for a single band on Wednesdays 
  • Stone-setting (gypsy, punch and beads settings): 2 lessons required on Wednesdays

Please include these when you send us a message. It is important for us to understan what you would like to learn with us.
  1. How many days or lessons would you like to spend with us? (one day = 2 lessons, 3 hours per lesson) Please give us your available dates during your stay.
  2. What kind of techniques would you like to learn? Please be specific. More details are appreciated. For example; hammer-raising, stone-setting, ring making, damascene inlay etc...
  3. What kind of items would you like to make? Do you have anything in your mind? For example; cups, cutlery, earrings, rings etc... Or even just practicing techniques
  4. Do you have any experiences in metalwork? (Never, beginner, intermediate or advanced)
  

​Regular Courses

Suitable for those who live in Japan and would like to come and study regularly every month. These are our regular courses which you can take 4 lessons (3 hours per lesson) monthly. Please see the timetable above for each course. If you prefer English-taught courses, please check the timetable carefully. 
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  • Jewelry making   (Beginner to intermediate)   Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
You will be given a set project to introduce the basic techniques of jewelry making and stone setting. Whilst gaining making skills and learning new techniques, you will be able to design and create your ideas into jewelry.

  • Stone setting course   (Intermediate / Advanced)  Mondays
Intermediate skills in jewelry making are required. Learn professional fine stone settings for your jewelry. Broaden your skills in stone setting by exploring the techniques used for bezel, crown, pave and flush settings. 

  • Engraving / Chasing   (Suitable for all)  Thursdays, Saturdays
Learn how to engrave and chase metal in low and high relief, and various kinds of inlay techniques using hand engraving tools. We teach you how to make your own tools. Working on simple pieces, gain the confidence to create your designs.

  • Silversmithing   (Suitable for all)  Wednesdays, Sundays
Learn methods for creating and finishing simple forms in sheet metal using traditional silversmithing techniques such as raising, forging, sinking, planishing, soldering, texturing and finishing. Advanced makers can explore their own designs and forms.

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Fees for Regular Courses
  • Matriculation Fee  (All courses)                                ¥33,000
 
  • Monthly tuition fee  (3 hours x 4 lessons per month
​Jewelry making  (Beginner to intermediate)                  ¥19,800
Stone setting  (Intermediate/advanced)                         ¥19,800
Engraving/chasing  (Suitable for all)                                ¥19,800
Silversmithing  (Suitable for all)                                       ¥19,800

You can start any time. If you miss classes, you can take alternative lessons within two months. In addition to the tuition fee above, you will be required to purchase tools and materials.
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​Trial Course
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No matriculation fee, 3 hours x 4 lessons
  •  Jewelry making                       ¥19,800  plus materials and casting costs       
  • Engraving/chasing                  ¥19,800  plus materials
  • Silversmithing                          ¥19,800  plus materials

This course is suitable for all, especially beginners who want to try one of our courses above before officially enrolling in the school. You will finish a piece within 4 lessons (3 hours per lesson). Please find project samples below. You will be taking lessons among regular students. English-taught courses are available on Wednesdays and Sundays.

​​Student discount tickets
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¥38,500 plus materials

This is available only for high-school, college or university students in Japan who want to improve their own skills or learn additional techniques. 
No matriculation fee, valid for 4 months. You can take 10 lessons (3 hours per lessons). 

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All fees are tax-included.
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Contact
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Please contact us for further enquiries using the details below or completing the online enquiry form on the Contact page.

Phone     (03) 3405 8859 
Email       [email protected]
Address   3-5-4-2F Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan

Please carefully check the direction (see the Access page) when visiting our school. Often it is hard to get here!