Jewelry Bench Training School: Inside NASJ

Jewelry bench training school is the New Approach School for Jewelers (NASJ). It 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, this “boot camp for jewelers,” builds students up with craftsmanship, confidence, and cutting-edge skills.

Key Takeaways

• The New Approach School for Jewelers (NASJ) provides hands-on training in jewelry design, fabrication, repair, stone setting, engraving, and other bench skills.
• Students learn from experienced instructors using live demonstrations, high-magnification video and practical, real-world techniques.
• NASJ’s Graduate Bench Jeweler Program offers intensive training in a small-class setting. The emphasis is on finishing, polishing, stone setting, engraving and repair.
• The school welcomes both beginning and experienced jewelers looking to build their skills, confidence and productivity.
• NASJ is located in Tennessee and offers a range of classes designed to help jewelry professionals advance their careers.

Inside a Top Jewelry Bench Training School

The school opened in 1996 to offer new and experienced bench jewelers intensive hands-on design, fabrication, bench and repair skills and stone setting training. The ultimate goal is 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 helps students pick up instruction faster. They start using new bench techniques and practices more confidently while gaining “expert tricks.”

Meet the Experts Behind the Training

Another cornerstone instructor of the New School jewelry bench training school has been Drew Hadley. Drew 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. These include advanced stone setting, CAD programming and 3D printing, hand engraving, hydraulic forming, wax carving, and Mokume Gane. This is 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 in Tucson, 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 to his credit, heading the CAD Academy at NASJ allows students to tap into Mendola’s expertise.

“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.”

Why Jewelry Bench Training Matters Now More Than Ever

In a NASJ blog, Blaine addressed the demand for skilled bench jewelers. “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 NASJ success story is Ross Elliott, president of Ross Elliott Jewelers in Terre Haute, Indiana. He began learning to engrave at 13 or 14 years old. He 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. If you let him, he will raise your skill set 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.

Take Your Bench Skills to the Next Level

For nearly three decades, the New Approach School for Jewelers has focused on one goal: helping jewelers become more skilled, confident and productive at the bench. Blaine Lewis estimates that over 18,000 students have benefited from the school’s hands-on approach and real-world instruction.

That practical focus remains at the heart of NASJ. Whether students are beginning their jewelry careers or adding advanced techniques to years of experience, the school combines intensive practice with instruction from working craftspeople and specialists.

For jewelers ready to strengthen their bench skills, explore new techniques or prepare for greater opportunities in the industry, NASJ offers a range of classes and programs. Learn more by calling (800) 529-4763 or visiting NewApproachSchool.com.

Jewelry Bench Training School FAQs

What is a jewelry bench training school?

A jewelry bench training school teaches the hands-on skills needed to work at a jewelry bench, including jewelry repair, fabrication, finishing, polishing and stone setting. Programs may serve beginners, working jewelers or both.

What does the New Approach School for Jewelers teach?

The New Approach School for Jewelers offers training in jewelry design and fabrication, bench and repair skills, stone setting, finishing and polishing, engraving, CAD and other jewelry-making techniques. Its Graduate Bench Jeweler Program provides intensive hands-on training with experienced instructors.

Is the New Approach School for Jewelers good for beginners?

Yes. NASJ’s programs are designed for both new and experienced jewelers. Its hands-on teaching approach allows students to learn techniques through live demonstrations and practical work while building their skills and confidence.

How long is the Graduate Bench Jeweler Program?

The Graduate Bench Jeweler Program is a 12-week intensive program focused on developing practical bench skills. Students receive hands-on instruction in areas such as finishing and polishing, stone setting, engraving and repair.

Where is the New Approach School for Jewelers located?

The New Approach School for Jewelers is located in Tennessee’s scenic wine country. The school offers in-person, hands-on jewelry training with experienced instructors.

Building Better Bench Jewelers

Jewelry making is a craft learned not only by studying techniques, but by putting those techniques to work. The ability to set a stone securely, make a clean repair, fabricate a precise component or finish a piece properly comes through practice, instruction and experience.

That is the approach behind the New Approach School for Jewelers. By combining hands-on training with experienced instructors and practical techniques, NASJ gives students the opportunity to refine their skills and develop the confidence to take on more challenging work. For anyone looking to build a career behind the jewelry bench—or take an existing one further—that combination can make a lasting difference.

This story about jewelry bench training school previously appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. Click here to subscribe. Story by L.A. Berry.