FAQ – coopgold

Our workshops and goldsmithing courses are aimed at anyone who wants to design their own jewelry. Many participants join as absolute beginners and learn the basics of the craft step by step.

At the same time, our workshops are also interesting for people with some experience who want to deepen specific techniques or continue working on their own ideas.

You don't need any prior knowledge for our goldsmithing courses — we meet you right where you are and guide you through the various techniques. An interest in the craft and patience for precise work are all you need.

Some of our workshops, however, are aimed at participants who already have experience in goldsmithing. In those cases, prior knowledge is required, as specified in the workshop description.

Our goldsmithing courses consist of 8 sessions of 3 hours each, held once a week on a fixed day, which you must complete within 10 weeks. Any sessions not attended will automatically expire.

Workshops, on the other hand, vary in length and currently last between five hours and four days. You can find the exact dates and times in the respective description.

Our workshop is designed for up to 12 people, but we deliberately keep our courses and workshops smaller. As a rule, the number of participants is between 6 and 10, so that we can ensure that everyone receives enough time and personal attention.

For the goldsmithing courses, you have a total of 10 weeks to attend the 8 sessions. Should you be unable to attend more than twice, your course pass will not be extended automatically.

If there are currently no spots left, you are still welcome to contact us via email at mail@coopgold.de to be added to our waiting list. However, as we receive a large number of inquiries about our courses, we will increasingly communicate information about available spots, additional dates, and new course offerings through our newsletter in the future. This ensures that all interested parties receive the information at the same time and have an equal chance of securing a spot.

At the beginning of a goldsmithing course, the focus is on learning the fundamental techniques. However, as your experience grows, so does your freedom in execution. The longer you participate, the more you can try out techniques that interest you.

In principle, almost anything can be made in the goldsmithing courses. When doing so, however, take the effort, the technique, and the material used into account. It is best to discuss your project with the instructor using a sketch to get a precise overview.

In our workshops, the focus is more on learning or deepening a technique. Here, small projects or practice pieces are more suitable than completing an entire piece of jewelry.

In the goldsmithing courses, you will work primarily with silver — gold is not recommended for our beginners. Upon request, however, other metals can also be used.

The materials can vary for the workshops. You can find out exactly which ones are used in the respective description.

Material costs are not included in the price for either the goldsmithing courses or the workshops. However, we provide a rough estimate of how much you should budget for materials. The exact price depends on the scope of your project.

Please note that material costs are billed based on actual usage. The material price is determined by the daily rate due to significant market fluctuations.

If you wish, you can also work with your own materials. However, we do not recommend gold for our beginner courses.

In our jewelry workshop, you will work with classic goldsmithing tools—from saws, files, and pliers to soldering and polishing attachments. Depending on the workshop, various tools will be available to you, which are specified in each description. In some courses, you will even make your own tools. Naturally, you will be shown the safe and proper techniques for doing so.

Our workshop has a good basic range of equipment for beginners. As the tools are used by many people every day, they are naturally subject to a certain amount of wear and tear.

If you have your own tools, you are welcome to bring them with you. In fact, we even recommend this for anyone already working professionally in a trade — that way, you can work directly with what you are used to.

In our goldsmithing courses, the focus is on the craft. At the beginning, you will learn the essential basics that will optimally prepare you for practice. Handwork promotes concentrated work, precision, and endurance—skills that are transferable and strengthen patience, attentiveness, and diligence.

When you get hands-on, you gain a deep understanding of metal, tools, and how to handle them. This knowledge is long-lasting because it is anchored directly through practical experience.

As you progress, you will have the opportunity to design your own projects and creatively expand upon what you have learned. In a small group, you will receive personal support so that you can work safely.

In the first sessions, you will focus on fundamental techniques such as sawing and filing. Subsequently, you will learn advanced methods including soldering, forging, annealing, bending, rolling, hammering, and stamping. Building on this, you will develop your own projects and deepen your understanding of these core techniques through independent work.

Each workshop is individually designed by the instructor, so every session has its own unique character. The first day usually begins with an introduction to the technique and the necessary materials. You will be shown the basic handling and given helpful tips to develop a feel for it before you start working with it yourself.

Afterward, you will have the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice immediately. Step by step, you can deepen your skills while working on your own projects or practice pieces. Throughout this process, the workshop instructor will guide you, be available for questions, and support you exactly where you need help.

In our intensive workshops, you will dedicate yourself to specific topics and further develop your craftsmanship skills. In the process, you will deepen techniques such as broaching, CAD & 3D printing, stone setting, enameling, filigree, engine turning, chain making, sand casting, wax carving, or chasing.

That depends on the complexity of your piece of jewelry and your experience level. In our workshops, we therefore recommend smaller projects or practice pieces so that you can concentrate fully on the technique.

If you would still like to work on a more complex piece of jewelry, it is best to discuss your plans directly with the workshop instructor on the first day of the course.

Every course begins with an introduction to the safe handling of tools, materials, and machinery. If anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to ask again.

To ensure you get the best possible start, it is recommended that you pay attention to appropriate clothing and the general guidelines beforehand:

Appropriate clothing

It is best to wear cotton (no synthetic fibers), as we work with fire
Come in clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, or bring an apron
Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes
Tie back long hair

General guidelines

Please be on time so that we can start together
Put your phone away while working so that you stay focused and it remains safe
Only touch workpieces after soldering with pliers or gloves — they are very hot
Be aware of open flames and fire, which are used during work
Use chemicals (e.g., pickling solutions) only according to instructions and do not mix them
Keep your workspace clean to ensure it remains safe for everyone
Dispose of waste (e.g., metal shavings, polishing pastes) as instructed

In our goldsmithing courses, the focus is on the craft. At the beginning, you will learn the essential basics that will optimally prepare you for practice. Handwork promotes concentrated work, precision, and endurance—skills that are transferable and strengthen patience, attentiveness, and diligence.

When you get hands-on, you gain a deep understanding of metal, tools, and their handling. This knowledge is lasting because it is anchored directly through practical experience.

As you progress, you have the opportunity to design your own projects and creatively expand upon what you have learned. In a small group, you receive personal support so that you can work safely.

In the first sessions, you will focus on basic techniques such as sawing and filing. Subsequently, you will learn advanced methods such as soldering, forging, annealing, bending, rolling, hammering, and stamping. Building on this, you will develop your own projects and deepen your understanding of the fundamental techniques through independent work.

Each workshop is individually designed by the instructor, so every session has its own unique character. Usually, the first day begins with an introduction to the technique and the necessary materials. You will be shown the basic techniques and given helpful tips to develop a feel for them before you start working with them yourself.

Afterward, you will have the opportunity to put what you have learned into practice. Step by step, you can deepen your skills while working on your own projects or practice pieces. Throughout the process, the workshop instructor will guide you, be available to answer questions, and support you exactly where you need help.

In our intensive workshops, you will focus on specific topics and further develop your craftsmanship. You will deepen your skills in techniques such as broaching, CAD & 3D printing, gemstone setting, enameling, filigree, engine turning, chain making, sand casting, wax carving, or chasing.

That depends on the complexity of your piece of jewelry and your experience. In workshops, we therefore recommend smaller projects or practice pieces so that you can focus fully on the technique.

If you would still like to work on a more complex piece of jewelry, it is best to discuss your plans directly with the workshop instructor on the first day of the course.

Every course begins with an introduction to the safe handling of tools, materials, and machinery. If anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to ask again.

To ensure you get the best possible start, it is recommended to pay attention to appropriate clothing and the general guidelines beforehand:

Appropriate clothing

It is best to wear cotton (no synthetic fibers), as we work with fire
Come in clothing that can get dirty, or bring an apron
Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes
Tie back long hair

General guidelines

Please be on time so we can start together
Put your phone aside while working so you can stay focused and keep it safe
Only touch workpieces after soldering with pliers or gloves — they are very hot
Be aware of open flames and fire that are being used
Use chemicals (e.g., pickling solutions) only according to instructions and do not mix them
Keep your workspace clean to ensure it remains safe for everyone
Dispose of waste (e.g., metal shavings, polishing pastes) as directed

In our wedding ring workshops, you will create your very own personalized wedding rings. You can choose between two workshop formats: a forging course, where you craft your rings using traditional forging techniques, and a sand casting course, which focuses on working with wax models and subsequent casting.

The course is offered exclusively for two people and includes a preliminary consultation at the Schmuck Fritz gallery. During this meeting, we will individually determine the ring profile, alloy, and other design details.

Subsequently, we will calculate the precious metal price, which is determined daily due to significant market fluctuations. Based on this, we will order the required material within 24 hours. The corresponding amount must be paid in full within this timeframe.

Schmuck Fritz
Fritz Schmuckwerkstatt & Mahnkopf Schmuckgalerie
Dresdener Straße 20, 10999 Berlin
Mon to Fri 12 PM — 6 PM | Sat 12 PM — 5 PM
Phone +49 30 6151 700

No prior craft experience is required — just an interest in craftsmanship and a desire to create something of your own.

The material prices for your wedding rings can fluctuate significantly and depend on the material you choose—gold, silver, platinum, or other alloys have different costs. The exact prices are therefore calculated for you in advance, ensuring you have full transparency regarding your selection.

The actual course lasts about five hours and generally takes place on weekends in our jewelry workshop at the Aufbau Haus — usually on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and flexibly on Sundays starting at 10 a.m. We will coordinate the exact time with you during the consultation.

After the course, your wedding rings will basically be finished. Depending on the desired finish, however, some final steps such as filing or polishing may still be necessary.

You may cancel the booked course or workshop up to 4 weeks before the scheduled date. In this case, the course fee already paid will be refunded, minus a processing fee of 25%.

If cancellation occurs less than 4 weeks before the date, a refund of the course fee is only possible if you provide a substitute participant to take your place. In this case, the course fee will be transferred to the substitute participant under the same conditions.

Cancellation must be made in writing via email to mail@coopgold.de. The time of receipt of your cancellation notice is decisive for meeting the deadline. The processing fee of 25% is charged by coopgold to cover the organizational effort required for the cancellation.

Unfortunately, it is generally not possible to rebook goldsmithing courses and workshops. Due to the limited number of participants, a vacant spot usually cannot be filled on short notice. We ask for your understanding that in this case, the entitlement to participate is forfeited — please see the cancellation policy.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, another person may use your spot. Please let us know in advance so that we can inform the course instructor.

For goldsmithing courses, you have 10 weeks to attend 8 sessions. Should you fail to attend a session, the spot for that date is forfeited — the same applies to workshops. In unforeseen situations, we reserve the right to make decisions regarding non-attendance on a case-by-case basis.

Depending on the payment method, we will refund the amount using the same channel within 14 days.

We do not offer cancellation insurance ourselves, but you can protect yourself through HanseMerkur's seminar insurance. It protects you against high cancellation fees, reimburses hotel or seminar costs already paid if necessary, and requires no deductible.

This allows you to remain flexible if you are unable to attend the workshop at short notice. You can find all the details at HanseMerkur Seminarversicherung.

If you know that the recipient enjoys manual work and is interested in goldsmithing, a gift voucher for our beginner goldsmithing courses is a particularly suitable choice.

For workshops, sand casting is a great option, as it only takes five hours and is a wonderful experience for beginners. For all other workshops, you should first ensure that the person is interested in the specific technique and already has some experience in goldsmithing.

We offer vouchers that are valid for one year. After this period, they expire without any possibility of a refund or additional payment. Vouchers cannot be returned, nor can they be exchanged for cash or other means of payment.

Our vouchers can only be redeemed for goldsmithing courses, workshops, or wedding ring courses and cannot be used to purchase tools or other products. No compensation will be provided in the event of loss, theft, or damage to the voucher.

Simply write to us at mail@coopgold.de, and we will issue you an appropriate voucher and send it to you.

As you wish — in recent years we have welcomed mothers with daughters, fathers with sons, couples, and friends into our courses. You just need to make sure that there are two spots available at that time.

There is no official break scheduled for the three-hour goldsmithing courses, but you are of course welcome to take a short break whenever you like. Tea and coffee are available on-site for you to help yourself to at any time.

For the workshops, longer breaks are scheduled, which you can use either as a group or individually. In general, it is best to bring your own food or pick something up at the surrounding restaurants. Please keep in mind that not much is open on Sundays.

We are not a traditional goldsmith's shop, but rather a (school) jewelry workshop where we teach the craft to beginners and advanced students. For this reason, we cannot offer places for interns, as our capacity does not allow for it.

Due to our ongoing weekday goldsmithing courses and weekend workshops, we are unable to offer permanent workbench rentals.

Our opening hours are based on our courses and workshops.

If you are coming through the main Modulor entrance at Prinzenstraße 85, please note the opening hours from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

On Sundays or outside of Modulor's opening hours, you can use entrance F1 via the Prinzenhof. Please coordinate this in advance with your course or workshop instructor, as this entrance may sometimes be locked.

You can reach us by phone at +49 30 6151 700: Mondays to Fridays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can send us an email at any time at mail@coopgold.de.

You can easily reach our jewelry workshop in Berlin-Kreuzberg by public transport. From the Moritzplatz underground station (U8), you are just a few minutes' walk away — simply walk towards the Aufbau Haus and use the main entrance of Modulor.

Alternatively, you can also take the bus. The M29 and 140 lines stop nearby, for example at the Prinzenstraße / Ritterstraße stop. From there, it is only a few minutes' walk to the Aufbau Haus.

Our jewelry workshop is located in the Aufbau Haus at Moritzplatz in Berlin Kreuzberg. You can reach us via the following entrances. Please check our opening hours in advance or coordinate with your course or workshop instructor:

Main entrance Modulor, 1st floor | Prinzenstraße 85 | 10969 Berlin

If you enter through the main Modulor entrance at Prinzenstraße 85, please note the opening hours from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Take the first staircase to the 1st floor and walk past the furniture, craft supplies, and picture frame departments. Then keep left towards the art supplies and fabrics, or right next to the furniture store minimum.

Prinzenhof, Entrance F1 | Prinzenstraße 85 | 10969 Berlin

On Sundays or outside of Modulor's opening hours, you can use entrance F1 via the Prinzenhof. Please coordinate this with your course or workshop instructor beforehand, as this entrance is sometimes locked.

Modulor is accessible, including access to our jewelry workshop. However, this access is subject to Modulor's opening hours, as our rear exit to Prinzenhof is not wheelchair accessible.

Furthermore, the Moritzplatz subway station itself is not barrier-free (no elevator available), which may lead to limitations when boarding or alighting using public transport.

There are various parking options around the Aufbau Haus. However, as the parking situation in Kreuzberg is often limited and many areas are subject to parking management (parking ticket or resident parking permit required), finding a parking space can be challenging, especially on weekdays. Nevertheless, there are parking garages and designated parking areas nearby that you can use. It is best to plan some extra time to find an available spot.