Online Jewelry Classes vs. In-Person Learning: My $500 Reality Check

Well, I am shook.

I’ve been chewing on this for a while, because truly—there’s nothing wrong with online jewelry making classes if that’s how you learn best. They’re flexible, you can rewatch them, and you never have to leave your couch.

But here’s the rub: one internet-famous instructor claimed online classes are much more affordable than in-person learning. And as the self-proclaimed Scrappy Smith, I had to test that theory. Spoiler: it cost me nearly $500 to find out the truth.

Here’s what happened.

I signed up for a jewelry education subscription because I like to see what’s out there: teaching depth, tool recommendations, overall value. My brilliant plan? Burn through all the content in one month for just $40. Affordable! Strategic! Yay me!

But reality is a bear.

Ten months later, I’d barely scratched the surface. That “$40 bargain” had ballooned to $400. At the one-year mark, I hit an all-time (shameful) personal record: almost $500 spent—and very few videos watched. That’s when I downloaded the notes, canceled the subscription, and had a real talk with myself.

Now, here’s the contrast:

In an in-person jewelry class, students walk out with actual skills—and usually a finished piece—in just a few hours. They get real-time feedback, learn how to troubleshoot, and don’t waste money on tools that aren’t needed. The investment is upfront, but the return is immediate and lasting.

So before you sign up for an endless subscription, ask yourself: do you want to “collect” classes with the best of intentions, or do you want to actually make jewelry?

Your wallet—and your workbench—will thank me.

Thanks for reading,

Christy Sears, August Axel Jewelry Studio

AKA The Scrappy Smith