by Lea Nogueira
Jewellery Forging Workshop in Lisbon
Duration3 hours
FormatSmall group or private
GroupUp to 5 people
LevelNo experience needed
Hammer, anvil and fire: a 3-hour session to feel how metal responds to the hand — and leave the atelier with a small silver piece made by you.
About this workshop
Forging is one of the fundamental techniques of traditional goldsmithing. In this intensive workshop you learn the principles of metal deformation, control of gesture, work-hardening and annealing — understanding how metal responds to the direct action of hand and tool.
The session starts with exercises in brass and ends with the creation of a small silver piece, applying the techniques you have learned.
It is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the sculptural side of jewellery and understand metal as a living material.
What you will learn
Shaping metalHow the hammer stretches, thins and shapes the metal.
Control of gestureRhythm, strength and precision at the bench.
Work-hardening & annealingWhy metal hardens and how we make it workable again.
A silver piecePutting it all into a small piece of your own.
Included
- 3-hour session at the atelier with one-to-one guidance
- Use of the atelier bench and tools
- Brass exercises and the small silver piece you make
Session outline
- 0:00Welcome and introduction to forging
- 0:15Demonstration: hammers, anvils and annealing
- 0:40Exercises in brass
- 1:30Designing and forging your silver piece
- 2:30Finishing and polishing
- 3:00Your piece is ready
Times are approximate and adapted to each participant's pace.
Good to know
- No jewellery experience is needed.
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes, and tie long hair back.
- Sessions are held in English or Portuguese.
- Requesting a booking is free: we confirm the date and payment by email.
- The atelier is on Av. do Colégio Militar, Lisbon.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need strength or experience for the forging workshop?
No. More than strength, forging is about control and rhythm — and that is what the session teaches.
What will I do during the workshop?
You start with brass exercises to understand how metal behaves and finish with a small silver piece.
How many people take part?
A maximum of 5 per session, or a private session.
Can I give this workshop as a gift?
Yes. Write to us and we will prepare a gift voucher.
What language is the workshop in?
English or Portuguese, depending on the participants.
Read more in the Journal: Forging, repoussé and filigree: three traditional goldsmithing techniques
