319 E9th Street, West Basement, New York, 10003       TEL 347-813-1237

http://www.ayakanishijewelryschoolnyc.com       E-mail school@ayakanishi.com

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School Policy

Updated June 2026

 

 

Applying

When to Apply:
You can sign up at any time as long as there is an open spot in the class.
 

How the Classes Work:
Scheduling is arranged in advance. Since each student works on a different project and progresses at their own pace, instruction is provided individually based on your needs.
 

Payment:
We accept payment through our school reservation website, Venmo, Zelle, cash, credit card, and bank transfer. Please note that we do not accept installment payments.

 

Supplies

Materials and Tools

Our studio is fully equipped with all the necessary jewelry-making tools, so you don’t need to purchase your own tools to participate. However, there is an additional materials cost, which is not included in the lesson fee.

Common materials included in the materials cost:

• Practice metal sheets (brass, copper, nickel)
   

• Wire (non-precious)
   

• Wax
   

• Silver solder
   

• Saw blades
   

• Flux, silicone tips
   

• Wire brushes
   

If you'd like to work with materials outside of this list—such as sterling silver, gold, diamonds, or gemstones—please note that these are not included in the materials cost or lesson fee.

You are welcome to purchase precious materials like silver or gold through our studio, or bring your own materials/stones from home. For example, a small sterling silver ring usually requires about $3–$10 worth of silver, depending on the weight.

Note: We do not typically keep gold in stock at the studio. If you wish to use gold, we recommend purchasing it yourself from Ross Metals (54 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036). Since gold is an expensive material, we suggest starting with more affordable options for practice to avoid unnecessary waste.

 

Not included in the standard materials cost:

• Precious metals (sterling silver, gold, etc.)
   

• Stones (gemstones, diamonds, etc.)
   

• Certain findings (clasps, cast parts)
   

• Chains
   

Payment for Materials:
Materials fees can be paid during class via Venmo, credit card, or cash.
Sterling silver is priced by weight — for example, $3 per gram for silver sheet.(price may vary depending on the metal market)

 

 

 

Price List

Continuing Course

4 sessions （12Hours）：$380
12 sessions (36Hours）： $1060
8 sessions(24Hours）：$720 

36 sessions（108Hours）：$2952

1Day Jewelry Making Class

 

Regular (Silver or Brass)：$185

14K gold (3mm bandwidth)：$760

18K gold (3mm bandwidth)： $950

 

Gold option prices may vary depending on the gold market, so please contact us in advance to confirm the current rate.

 

Note: The materials cost does not include fine materials such as sterling silver, gold, or special materials used in continuing courses.
 

Safety Guidelines
 

• Eye Protection: Goggles must be worn, when using tools like the wire brush. Failure to wear eye protection can result in serious injury.
   

• Metal Waste: When cutting silver, gold, brass, or other metals, do not discard excess materials. Please place all scraps in the designated containers provided in the studio.
   

• Fire Safety: In case of fire, use the fire extinguisher located next to the door.
   

• Hair Safety: Always keep long hair tied back, especially when using rotary tools (shaft). Loose hair can get caught and cause serious injury.

 

 

Absence Policy

 

Our studio has limited space, with only seven seats available per class. If you are unable to attend or wish to transfer your reservation to another day, please notify us as soon as possible by emailing: school@ayakanishi.com

To reschedule your reservation, we require at least 72 hours' advance notice. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class—regardless of the reason—will result in a forfeited class credit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we made exceptions for last-minute cancellations due to illness. However, as of May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has officially ended. Therefore, we can no longer accept last-minute cancellations due to COVID-related reasons.

 

 Holidays

 

Our studio is closed on the following public holidays:

• Labor Day
   

• Memorial Day
   

• Thanksgiving Day
   

• Christmas Day
   

• New Year’s Eve
   

• New Year’s Day
   

In addition, we may occasionally close due to our instructor’s exhibitions, events, or travel schedule. In such cases, we will inform you in advance.

 

Refund and Cancellation Fee for Single Session Classes

 

Cancellations require 72-hour advance notice before the class starts, or 50% of tuition refund applies.

After 72 hours, cancellation is not refundable.

 

 Reschedule for Single Session Classes

 

Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of the class are non-refundable.
 

 

 

Refund and Cancellation Fee for Continuing Course

 

Should an applicant/student cancel or be terminated for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following policy and refund schedule: 

 

1. Cancellation must be sent to “Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School” via school@ayakanishi.com.
    

2.  All monies will be refunded if the school does not accept the student or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after signing the Enrollment Agreement and making the initial payment.

 

1. Cancellation after the third (3rd) business day but before the first class will result in a refund of all monies paid.
    

2. Cancellation after attendance has begun but prior to 20% (2 classes) of the completion of the program will result in a pro-rata refund computed on the number of hours completed to the total program hours.
    

3. Cancellation after completing 20% (2 classes) or more of the program/course or after 3 weeks of the first class started will result in no refund.
    

4. Termination date: The calculation of the termination date for refund computation purposes is the date that the cancellation is received in the school by “Certified Mail.”
    

5. Refunds will be made within thirty (30) days of termination or receipt of cancellation notice.
    

6. A student can be dismissed at the discretion of the Director for insufficient progress, non-payment of costs or failure to comply with rules.

 

 

 Cancellation and Termination Policy
 

How to Cancel
 

Cancellation must be submitted by Certified Mail to:
Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School
Email: school@ayakanishi.com

 

Refund Schedule
 

• Full Refund:
  If the school does not accept the student, or if the student cancels within three (3) business days after signing the Enrollment Agreement and making the initial payment.
   

• Before First Class:
  If cancellation occurs after the third (3rd) business day but before the first class, a full refund of all monies paid will be issued.
   

• After Attendance Begins (Before 20% Completion):
  If cancellation occurs after classes begin but before completing 20% of the course (equivalent to 2 classes), a pro-rata refund will be calculated based on the number of hours completed relative to the total program hours.
   

• After 20% Completion or 3 Weeks:
  If cancellation occurs after 20% of the course is completed (2 or more classes) or after 3 weeks from the start date, no refund will be issued.
   

 

Termination Date & Refund Processing
 

• The termination date used for refund calculation is the date the cancellation notice is received by email

• All refunds will be processed within thirty (30) days of termination or receipt of the cancellation notice.
   

 

Dismissal Policy
 

A student may be dismissed at the discretion of the Director for:

• Insufficient progress
   

• Non-payment of tuition or fees
   

• Failure to comply with studio rules and guidelines

 

If a student cancels or is terminated for any reason, all refunds will be processed according to the following policy and refund schedule:

 

 

Reschedule for Continuing Course

 

Our studio has limited space, with only seven seats available per class. Therefore, please try to attend your scheduled classes as much as possible.

If you cannot make it or wish to transfer to another day, please notify us in advance by emailing school@ayakanishi.com.

• Rescheduling requires at least 72 hours’ notice, regardless of the reason.
   

• Requests made within 72 hours of the class will not be accepted, and you will lose your session credit.
   

• Please note that declining a Google Calendar invite does NOT count as canceling a class.
   

• The best ways to cancel or reschedule are by email or in person.
   

 

We send reminder alerts via Google Calendar for continuing course students. To ensure you receive reminders at the correct time, please set your Google Calendar time zone to New York time.

Sometimes reminders may not be set properly. Even if you do not receive a Google Calendar alert, you are still responsible for your reservation and attendance. Missing a class without proper notice cannot be excused by not receiving a reminder.

If you are unsure about your next reservation, please always contact us at school@ayakanishi.com.

 

 

Enrollment Age Requirement

 

To register for a program at Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School, applicants must be at least 15 years old or have written authorization from a parent or guardian.
If the student is younger than 15, the instructor and parents must discuss and reach an agreement before enrollment.

An applicant is considered officially enrolled only after submitting a fully completed Enrollment Agreement, which has been approved by Ayaka Nishi Jewelry Design School.

 

 

Rules and Regulations

 

1. Cell Phones:
   Please keep your cell phone turned off or on vibrate mode during class. Your phone must not be audible to other students or instructors at any time. If you need to take or make a call, please exit the studio building.
    

2. Classroom Conduct:
   Conversations or activities unrelated to class work can be disruptive to other students, instructors, administrative staff, and visitors. Please be respectful and keep noise to a minimum.
    

3. Tardiness:
   If you arrive late to class, the missed time will not be made up or added to your contract hours.
    

4. Workspace Maintenance:
   You are expected to begin class with a clean and organized workstation. Failure to maintain cleanliness during and after your class may result in the loss of precious materials. Please clean your bench and tools at the end of each session, returning all items to their proper places. If you are unsure where to return tools or materials, ask an instructor.
    

5. Use of Recycled Materials:
   Please do not use broken cast pieces (such as honeycomb shapes or cast bone parts) from the recycled metal jar on the jewelry desk. Some of these are part of Ayaka’s original jewelry designs. Using these parts in student projects may cause confusion with Ayaka’s brand and customers. Our instructors will gladly help you create original designs unique to you.
    

6. Lost or Misplaced Items:
   We are not responsible for lost or misplaced materials, castings, or stones. If you leave ongoing projects or materials in the studio, please mark them clearly with your name and store them in the designated drawers. Due to limited studio space, projects or materials left unclaimed for more than six months without notification may be recycled.
    

7. Unfinished Work:
   If you complete your sessions but still have unfinished work, please understand it is your responsibility to manage your time effectively. We can help you plan sessions based on your skill level and progress. If your project requires only 1–3 additional sessions, you may purchase these individually. For projects needing more time, a 4-session class pack purchase will be required.
    

8. Skill & Project Suitability:
   Our classes are group sessions, and instructors must divide their attention fairly among students. We encourage you to challenge yourself with new skills and materials, but if your project is too complex for your current ability and requires excessive assistance, instructors may recommend adapting your design to better suit your skill level. This approach helps you learn effectively and build toward more advanced projects. Students are expected to work independently under instructor guidance and understand their own skill levels.
    

9. Studio Cleanliness:
   To help keep the studio clean, please change into indoor studio sandals upon arrival. The studio provides sanitized sandals, or you may bring your own indoor footwear. Please remember to bring your own sandals if you prefer this option.
    

10. Tools & Materials Policy:
    Students are not allowed to take studio tools or materials home. If you need tools or materials for home use, instructors can recommend where to purchase them. Please ask for information about jewelry supply stores.

 

 About Casting

 

If you create a wax piece in class, we can place a casting order for you. To avoid any confusion, students are required to sign and confirm their casting order before we proceed. Please carefully review your order to ensure all details are correct.

We work with a trusted casting company with whom we have a long-term relationship. However, due to technical issues or unforeseen circumstances, castings may sometimes fail or casts may be lost. While this is disappointing for everyone, please understand that casting carries inherent risks as part of the jewelry-making process. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for these occasional issues.

Please also note that if your cast does not come out as expected or is lost during the process, tuition or session credits spent on the wax modeling will not be refunded.

 

 

Casting Turnaround Time:

Casting typically takes 3 days to 1 week, but depending on the workload of the casting company, wax condition, or materials used, it may take longer. Because we cannot guarantee exactly when your cast will return, we recommend working on multiple projects simultaneously to avoid downtime during class.

Please note that last-minute cancellations due to delayed casting orders will not be accepted.

If you need to receive your cast in time for the next class, we recommend booking your sessions with extra time allowed for casting to arrive.

 

Grounds for Termination

 

I agree to comply with all rules and policies outlined by the School. I understand that the School reserves the right to terminate this contract and my enrollment at any time if I violate these rules and policies.

I also acknowledge that the School may modify its rules and regulations, and I am responsible for reviewing the most current policies available on the School’s website.

 

Liability

 

The School assumes no responsibility for any injuries or damages sustained by students to themselves or to their own or other students’ personal property.

Students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly and use the facilities and equipment in accordance with School regulations.