Bali Silver Class Review 2025: A Beginner’s Guide

You know, you sometimes just get that itch to do something different on a holiday, right? Well, that’s literally what happened to me. I was kind of wandering through the markets in Bali, seeing all this amazing handmade silver jewelry, and frankly, I just thought, ‘I wonder if I could do that.’ Obviously, I had zero experience, like, none at all. So, I looked around for something that was really for a total newcomer. I mean, it had to be a class where they hold your hand a little bit. That’s pretty much how I found out about this beginner silversmith class that gives you real Bali silver to work with. Anyway, I thought it would be a really cool story to tell and a souvenir that actually meant something to me. At the end of the day, making something with your own two hands just feels different, you know? Seriously, the idea of turning a plain piece of metal into something wearable was just so appealing. I booked it for the next day, feeling a little bit excited and sort of nervous, to be honest. I was really hoping it wasn’t one of those things that looks easy but is actually super hard.

First Impressions: The Vibe of the Workshop

So, you get there, and the workshop is just a little off the main busy street, which is actually really nice. It’s sort of tucked away in a garden, which I frankly wasn’t expecting at all. It was just so quiet and peaceful. You could, like, actually hear birds and stuff, which was a huge change from the scooter sounds. The place itself is sort of open-air, more or less, so a nice breeze comes through. As a matter of fact, you can immediately smell this interesting mix of things, like a bit of wood, maybe a tiny bit of a metallic scent, and some incense burning somewhere nearby. It’s really not a ‘workshop’ smell in a bad way; instead, it just feels very creative and authentic. The workbenches are made of this really solid, old-looking wood, you know? And they are all covered in little marks and scratches, which obviously shows that a lot of cool stuff has been made right there. Anyway, the people who run the class are just incredibly welcoming. They came up with these big, genuine smiles and offered me a cold drink, which was pretty much exactly what I needed. Seriously, the whole atmosphere makes you relax instantly, like you know you’re in a good place where it’s okay to try and fail a little.

Getting Your Hands on Real Bali Silver

Okay, so after getting settled, they basically show you the materials. And this isn’t just any old silver, right? They explained that it’s authentic Balinese silver, which typically has a slightly different makeup than the sterling silver you might find elsewhere. For example, Balinese silver often uses these tiny, delicate silver beads called ‘jawan’ and really specific wire-working styles. Honestly, you can just see the tradition behind it. They give you your choice of a piece of silver sheet or some silver wire, and pretty much a set amount, like about five grams. That actually sounds like a very small amount, but you quickly realize it’s more than enough for a cool ring or a fairly nice pendant. As I was saying, holding the raw material in your hand is a really interesting feeling. The wire is kind of bendy and the flat sheet feels solid and cool to the touch. It just feels full of potential, you know? It’s really a blank canvas. By the way, the tutors are there the whole time to talk you through what you could make. They have these books full of designs, but they really encourage you to just doodle your own thing if you feel like it. I spent a fair bit of time just looking at all the examples they had, getting ideas and figuring out what seemed possible for someone who is, you know, a complete rookie.

The Process: From a Simple Sketch to a Shiny Piece

Alright, so this is where the fun really begins. First, you just have to draw your design, either on paper or directly onto the silver with a special pen. Honestly, my first sketch was a bit of a disaster, but the tutor showed me how to simplify it so it would actually work with the metal. Next, you get this tiny little jeweler’s saw, which looks sort of like a mini hacksaw. Cutting the shape out is definitely the part that takes the most concentration. You have to go really slow, and my hand was honestly shaking a little at first. Anyway, the instructor was right there, showing me the right way to hold the saw and how to guide it. After you get your shape cut out, the edges are all rough and sort of sharp, obviously. So then you move to filing. This part is actually very satisfying. You use these different files to smooth everything down, and you just kind of watch your clunky shape turn into something a bit more refined. It’s pretty much all about patience.

“Don’t worry about being perfect,” my instructor said, you know. “The small marks are what make it yours. It shows a human made it, not a machine.”

Then came the part I was most curious about: soldering. Basically, if your piece has parts you need to join, you use a tiny bit of silver solder and a blowtorch. Yes, a real blowtorch! It’s actually not as scary as it sounds, I mean, it’s a controlled flame and the instructor is literally right beside you. Seeing the metal glow red hot and the solder melt to join two pieces is just incredibly cool, seriously. Finally, you get to the polishing stage. You use different grits of sandpaper and then a polishing wheel. This is like the big reveal, you know? Your piece goes from being sort of dull and grey to super bright and shiny. At the end of the day, seeing it all finished is a really proud moment.

The Tutors: More Like Creative Guides, Really

I honestly can’t say enough good things about the tutors here. They are basically local artisans who have been doing this stuff for years, maybe even their whole lives. And you can absolutely tell. Their hands move with this sort of calm confidence, you know? But what’s really amazing is how good they are at teaching people who know absolutely nothing. They are really patient. I mean, I must have asked about a million questions, and they answered every single one with a smile. There’s no judgment at all if you mess up. For instance, I sawed right through a line I was supposed to keep, and my heart just sank. But my tutor, Made, just laughed a little and said, ‘Okay, no problem. Now it’s a new design!’ And he showed me how we could actually make it look like I did it on purpose. It’s that kind of support that makes all the difference, really. They don’t just tell you what to do; they kind of show you, and then they let you try, stepping in only when you look a bit stuck. It feels less like a formal class and more like you’re just hanging out with some very skilled friends who are happy to share what they know. To be honest, they are the main reason the whole experience feels so special and not intimidating at all. They just seem to genuinely love seeing you succeed.

Is This Beginner Silversmith Class a Good Fit for You?

So, at the end of the day, who is this class really for? Well, if you’re the kind of person who gets a kick out of creating things, then this is definitely for you. You don’t need any artistic talent, to be honest. You just need to be a little bit curious and willing to try something new. It’s also an absolutely amazing thing to do if you’re looking for a Bali souvenir that isn’t just another t-shirt or magnet. I mean, you literally wear your memory of the trip. Every time I look at the ring I made, I just remember that whole afternoon. It’s also pretty good for solo travelers, couples, or even a small group of friends. As a matter of fact, the workshop had a really nice mix of people in it, which was kind of cool. I think the only person it might not be for is someone who is in a huge hurry or gets frustrated very easily. It’s a process that requires a little bit of patience, you know, but the payoff is just huge. Honestly, the three or four hours you spend there just fly by. You get so into what you’re doing that you kind of forget about everything else, which is a pretty great feeling in itself.

Read our full review: Beginner Class Becomes Silversmith With Bali Silver Material Full Review and Details

Ultimately, if you want a really unique, hands-on experience in Bali that gives you both a new skill and a beautiful, personal object to take home, I just can’t recommend this enough. It’s a very genuine peek into a traditional Balinese craft in a super supportive setting.

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• You get a real feel for a local craft. Seriously, this is not a tourist trap; it’s an authentic experience with skilled local artisans.
• It’s perfect for beginners. Honestly, they expect you to know nothing, so there’s absolutely no pressure.
• You walk away with a personal treasure. At the end of the day, your finished piece is 100% your own creation.
• The instructors are fantastic. They are really patient and encouraging, which sort of makes the whole day.
• It’s a mindful and calming activity. You know, you just get lost in the process of making, which is a great break from a busy travel schedule.