Jewelry bench training school, the New Approach School for Jewelers (NASJ) has transformed the careers of thousands of students with hands-on learning, expert instructors, and real-world techniques. Located in Tennessee’s scenic wine country, NASJ is known as the “boot camp for jewelers”—but instead of breaking down students, it builds them up with craftsmanship, confidence, and cutting-edge skills that last a lifetime.
Inside a Top Jewelry Bench Training School
The New Approach School for Jewelers opened in 1996. Its mission, says Founder and Lead Instructor, Blaine Lewis, is to offer freshmen and experienced bench jewelers visually intensive hands-on jewelry design, fabrication, bench and repair skills, and stone setting training to help them increase their productivity – and profitability – as professional jewelers.
“My entire purpose and philosophy,” he says, “is to help others transition into a Master Craftsman.”
What makes NASJ stand out is its willingness to incorporate innovative visual teaching methods like high-magnification videos of live demonstrations. The user-friendly, interactive environment in its workshops helps students pick up instruction faster and start using new bench techniques and practices more confidently while gaining “expert tricks.”
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Meet the Experts Behind the Training
Another cornerstone instructor of the New School jewelry bench training school has been Drew Hadley, who sought out and studied with international Master Stone Setter, Alexander Sidorov, in Belgium after completing studies at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology and the Gemology Institute of America.
He compiled a portfolio of skills including advanced stone setting, CAD programming and 3D printing, hand engraving, hydraulic forming, wax carving, and Mokume Gane, or “Tagayasan-Ji,” a Japanese metal-crafting technique using layers of different-colored metals for a wood-patterned effect. Drew worked for J. Nelson Designs creating custom designs and fabrication before his perfect Quality Assurance record led to a position at Tiffany & Co.® as a diamond setter.
NASJ Art Director, Christopher Mendola, was a guest presenter at Tucson in January, speaking to gem show attendees on The Innovation of CAD in the Jewelry Industry. A silver crafter and master CAD artist with more than three decades of 3D CAD experience, he met Blaine 25 years ago. “Since I was in my early 20s, I have been exploring the ways technology assists in supporting and expanding creative vision. Following this passion shaped my professional career, providing opportunities to work collaboratively with artists in different media and continuously refine my skill set.” With thousands of 3D models, illustrations and animations for books, commercials, magazines and videos to his credit, heading the CAD Academy at NASJ allows students to tap into the expertise of one of the best in state-of-the-art instruction.
“Chris is the ‘Maestro of CAD,’” says former student and Austin, Texas, private atelier, Zoltan David. “New Approach is a haven of information and professionalism, with a roster of Master craftsmen passionate about jewelry arts and dedicated to enhancing the journey of every jewelry maker they encounter. A dedicated and masterful team of instructors in an exceptional academy.”
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Why Jewelry Bench Training Matters Now More Than Ever
In the June 2023 NASJ blog, Blaine addressed how the demand for skilled bench jewelers has reached an all-time high: “Industry experts attribute this shortage to entry-level compensation packages and an aging workforce. Due to the high demand in the field, it is estimated that bench jewelers’ salaries have risen by about 20 percent over the past two years. In turn, finding experienced artisans in the jewelry field is no easy task.”
In response, NASJ has redoubled its commitment to remaining a premier institution for turning out bench jewelers ready and able to unleash their own creative potential.
The centerpiece of NASJ academics is its Graduate Bench Jeweler Program, which addresses the bench jeweler shortage head-on by giving students real-world training mentored by veteran instructors.
The Graduate Bench Jeweler Program’s small classes assure personalized attention while students undergo intensive training in finishing and polishing, stone setting, engraving, and repair.
“The advantage of hands-on training and practical experience cannot be overstated,” Blaine says, “as it allows students to develop the necessary proficiency required by industry professionals. As quality bench jewelers become increasingly scarce, the demand for skilled professionals grows.
“This industry reality translates into abundant job opportunities, promising career prospects, and long-term stability. By enrolling in the Graduate Bench Jeweler Program, students position themselves well in an industry hungry for their expertise.”
Real Student Success from Jewelry Bench Training School
“I’ve probably spent nine weeks there over the years,” says Ron Kesser, of Infinity Custom Jewelers in Gahanna, Illinois. “I’ve taken all the stone setting classes and most of the engraving classes. As a professional jeweler, I cannot say enough about the school and the folks working there. I use what I have learned daily in my work.
“Our store began in 1985 as a small repair shop in the basement of our home and has grown into the custom design studio we have today. We realize reputation is everything and invest in the latest technology, allowing us to repair, remake or design virtually anything.
“I’m not sure I would call NASJ a ‘boot camp,’” he says, “but I will say it was nothing short of amazing. Do not hesitate to go. They are really great people, who go out of their way to make sure you understand what they are teaching.”
Another jewelry bench training school success story is Ross Elliott, president of Ross Elliott Jewelers in Terra Haute, Indiana, who began learning to engrave at 13 or 14 years old and joined his family business in 2008, learning jewelry repair while helping in the showroom.
“People will tell you that 12 weeks isn’t enough time to cover the extent of material you need to obtain a job in the jewelry industry,” says Ross. “Let me tell you, firsthand, that Blaine proves them all wrong. The innovative techniques he employs put the New Approach in front of any school in the nation. Blaine will boost your skills and confidence to the point where you might never turn down a job! He is a master of his craft and if you let him, he will raise your skillset well beyond its current level.”
“Blaine is the best teacher there is. He’s generous to a fault,” says goldsmith designer Danielle Beaty, owner of TurtleBay Jewelry and an instructor at the College of The Albemarle, North Carolina’s first community college.
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Ready to Train? Start at the Jewelry Bench School Today
After 28 years in jewelry education, Blaine estimates that 18,000 students have benefited from the jewelry bench training school’s hands-on approach and real-world examples before adding their own unique facets to the industry.
“NASJ has earned its ‘boot camp for jewelers’ reputation,” he says, “by introducing revolutionary methods to new and experienced jewelers.”
Ready to kick those bench skills up a notch? Boot up at NASJ. Learn more about its classes by calling (800) 529-4763 or visiting NewApproachSchool.com.
This story about jewelry bench training school previously appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. Click here to subscribe. Story by L.A. Sokolowski.
