Jewelry School is Neighborhood Gem

Kristin Hanson always knew that she wanted to make jewelry her life's work. And now, as the owner of the Kristin Hanson Fine Jewelry School – which opened at 227 Saint Marks Ave. in 2006 – she has done just that.

"The dream, though it has evolved over the years, was there from the beginning," Hanson said. 

Hanson started making jewelry with beads as a kid and taught her younger sister's friends after school as a side job.  She held her first jewelry sale at her house when she was 12.

After years of training in Boston, Colorado and Italy, Hanson moved to upstate New York and started taking on students, working out of her mother's shed.  

"Opening a school was not originally part of the plan," Hanson said. "I always wanted to master the craft of jewelry design and start my own line. The school evolved out of my need to make a living."

She moved to New York to further her career and eventually landed in Brooklyn, working out of various apartments until the business grew to the point that she needed more space.

One day she randomly walked past her the industrial-looking building between Vanderbilt and Underhill and felt drawn to it.  The landlord happened to be there and showed her around.

"The floor looked like dirt," Hanson said.  "The space was a mess and had no walls, but I knew it was the place for me."

Because the entire space was too expensive for Hanson,  the landlord agreed to build a smaller room within it, which she occupied for two years.  She started the school and eventually took over the whole space.

"It's been really really nice to be here," she said. "The business has grown significantly but it's been a completely organic growth process." 

 The school has been operating at its current location on St. Marks since 2006, hosting hundreds of students. Currently, 15 are enrolled.  Course offerings run the gamut from a short intensive 36-hour course to a full-time, two-year program. Beginner students and advanced students work side by side.

 "We all work in the same studio space, which can be really inspiring for beginner students," Hanson said. "I feel that students learn much more that way instead of everyone in the same beginner class working on the same beginner project."

There are three teachers at the school, including Kristin herself. 

The introductory class is 36 hours and costs $900.

"It's a great introduction to jewelry design for those who might have a passing interest," she said. 

Hanson's studio also houses a gallery of her work, where clients shop by appointment. She doesn't sell her work in stores.

Hanson specializes in custom designed wedding bands and engagement rings.  She will soon be launching a new chapter of her business that will focus on rare, and pink, Australian Argyle diamonds.

Hanson plans to expand the curriculum to include a three year program, she said, adding that she expects the school to soon be certified by the state.

"My goal is to help preserve this ancient art form," she said.  "Everything we do is by hand, no computers, or sophisticated machines.  It's really a lost art now that computers and technology have taken over the jewlery industry. We stay away from that in here."