Albuquerque High School Jewelry Program Teaches Craft

Students learn professional metalsmithing skills through a long-standing jewelry program at the local high school.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Jewelry Making

Flat opaque gouache-painted illustration of jeweler's pliers holding a piece of copper wire on a workbench, depicting an artisanal jewelry program. — Albuquerque High School's long-standing jewelry program provides students with practical experience in metalsmithing, preparing them for future artisanal trades and careers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local schools prioritize vocational training programs to improve student career readiness?

Albuquerque High School provides students with hands-on jewelry-making instruction through a program that has operated for over five decades. This initiative helps prepare participants for future college and career paths by teaching essential technical skills.

Why it matters

The program preserves a long-standing educational legacy while providing students with practical exposure to artisanal trades. It serves as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world craftsmanship.

The school has maintained this jewelry-making program for over five decades, while the associated Jewelry Uplift initiative has been active for five years. Classes focus on working with copper and brass materials.

The players

Barbara Schwyzer

She is the founder who established the jewelry program at Albuquerque High School.

Lisa Gillet

She is a co-founder of the Jewelry Uplift program that launched five years ago.

Edward Donato

He is a co-founder of the Jewelry Uplift program that operates in conjunction with the school's curriculum.

The details

Participants learn foundational skills including soldering, drilling, sawing, and filing. Students utilize copper and brass to master these techniques in a professional training environment.

The jewelry program at Albuquerque High School began over five decades ago.
The Jewelry Uplift program was co-founded five years ago.
Free classes are available to students every Saturday.

Culture Shift

The Albuquerque program follows the pattern set by the historical vocational arts education curriculum by prioritizing manual trade skills in a modern academic setting. This highlights a persistent cultural focus on maintaining traditional craftsmanship alongside standard academic subjects.

Students and families in Albuquerque can access these technical training opportunities to build a portfolio of hands-on work. The inclusion of free Saturday sessions provides accessible options for those looking to develop new skills outside of standard school hours.

The takeaway

Engaging with traditional metalsmithing offers students a unique way to gain tactile experience that supports broader career readiness. These programs demonstrate the enduring value of teaching manual arts within the public school system.