Florence has plenty of souvenirs, but this one you make yourself. You’ll learn the ancient craft of cuttlebone casting in a small studio near Santa Maria Novella, then leave with a wearable piece of silver. I love that the class is hands-on from the first step, not a museum-style demo.

Two things I really like: the teacher (Federico) guides you step by step with patient, clear instruction, and you get meaningful creative freedom choosing your pendant or ring model. One possible drawback to plan for is design confidence: shaping a mold takes a little thinking, and having a simple plan in mind helps.

Small-group format also makes it feel relaxed and personal, which matters when you’re carving and working with the process. Dress comfortably (you’ll want to move easily), and expect a busy but satisfying 4 hours where the result happens fast—roughly as soon as the silver is cast.

Key highlights you should care about

• Up-close workshop setting: You meet in Federico’s own small studio, about a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella.
• Ancient technique with a modern outcome: Cuttlebone carving leads to melted silver casting into your mold.
• You make the jewelry: You carve the bone, choose a model, and get support to reach a good result.
• Immediate wow moment: You’ll see the rough silver jewel right after the casting step.
• Aperitif in a hidden garden mood: After the work, you head to a small bar near the lab for an aperitif and conversation.
• Same-evening pickup: You return to the lab later the same day to pick up your finished jewel.

A 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella to a real working studio

This experience starts in Florence at Microfficina Gioielli Artigianali Firenze (F. Vianello), at Via S. Zanobi, 94 R, 50129. It’s an easy meeting point if you’re using the train: you’re about a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella.

What I like about starting in a real working workshop is that you’re not just watching craft. You’re inside the process—materials, tools, and the working rhythm of a small maker’s space. Also, with a maximum of 3 travelers, the class doesn’t feel rushed or crowded, and Federico can give more hands-on attention.

You should also know the vibe: it’s comfortable and informal. The recommendation is to wear clothes that can handle a day of making (comfortable is the key word), and you’ll likely want to keep accessories minimal.

If you’re thinking about accessibility or logistics, this is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, too—there’s no stated requirement for prior jewelry-making skill.

Cuttlebone casting step by step: from carved mold to silver pendant

The core of the class is the cuttlebone casting technique. You’ll learn the basics of making a mold by carving cuttlefish bone, then filling that mold with melted silver. The craft is described as ancient—known by the Egyptians more than 2,000 years ago—which adds a neat layer of context to the hands-on work.

Here’s what matters for your expectations: the method is designed so you can learn it without any special background. You start with instruction, then you carve your own piece. Federico helps you individually to reach the best result, so you’re not left guessing when the details get tricky.

Timing also works in your favor. The class is about 4 hours, and you’ll see the rough jewel soon after the casting step. That’s a big difference from tours where you’re promised a finished product later with no sense of progress.

What you’ll do in the workshop:

• Meet Federico in the studio and get the technique explained.
• Choose your pendant or ring model from the proposed options.
• Carve the cuttlefish bone to shape the mold.
• Watch or participate in the casting moment where the silver is poured and your jewel begins to take form.
• Talk through what comes next for finishing.

The silver itself is included: Federico provides silver in the amount of 20 grams (noted as Gr 20) for your piece, and he also does any extra work needed to finish it. That’s important when you’re comparing value against classes that make you pay for everything down the line.

Choosing your pendant or ring design without freezing up

You don’t show up and invent jewelry from scratch with no support. You choose from proposed models, and Federico helps you aim for the best result based on what you pick. That’s a smart structure for a first-time maker class, because it keeps the task fun instead of stressful.

Still, there’s one realistic consideration: translating an idea into carveable detail can feel a bit challenging at the start. The good news is that the class is timed to be workable. You’ll get step-by-step guidance and direct help as you carve.

A practical tip: if you’re the kind of person who overthinks, pick a model that matches your comfort level. If you want something very intricate, you might find the carving stage takes more focus. If you’re aiming for something simple and wearable, you’ll likely feel more confident as you go.

The structure also gives you independence. Even though you’re in a small group, you’re actively doing the creative work—carving your mold—while Federico supports you where needed. That combination tends to make the final jewel feel personal, not generic.

And based on how people describe the outcome, the end result lands in the category of wearable silver, not just a craft souvenir that stays in a drawer.

Casting day turns into Florence conversation: the workshop, then an aperitif garden stop

After the carving and casting work, the experience moves to a more relaxed setting. You’ll reach the hidden garden of a small bar near Federico’s laboratory, and an aperitif is included.

This part is more than a food break. It’s where the day turns into a real conversation about what you just made, plus the broader arts-and-craft angle tied to the technique. The class is taught in English, and the aperitif time gives you a comfortable way to ask questions and talk about finishing ideas.

The flow feels natural:

• Work hard first (carving, shaping, learning the process).
• Then step away and let the day breathe.
• Talk with Federico and others about art and Florence.
• Plan the next step: how you’ll finish your jewel.

Since you also have the option to pick up your jewel the same evening at the laboratory, the aperitif stop feels like the hinge between making and owning. You’re not just leaving with a promise—you’re returning later that day to get the finished piece.

Price and value: what $337.15 includes, and what can add up

At $337.15 per person for this class (about 4 hours), you’re paying for a small-group, guided, hands-on craft session with real materials and real silver.

What’s included:

• Silver for your jewel: 20 grams (Gr 20)
• Silver finishing work by Federico
• A final aperitif (at the bar garden stop)

What’s not included:

• Gems (if you want them)
• Shipping costs, if you need the jewel sent to you later

Shipping costs are clearly listed by region in the details:

• from €10 Italy
• €20 Europe
• €50 other countries

That matters when you’re deciding whether to take the class as a carry-on souvenir plan. If you’ll be in Florence only briefly, shipping could be worth considering. But if you can pick up the jewel the same evening, you may not need it at all.

How I’d think about the value:

• You’re not just buying a finished piece. You’re learning a technique and producing the mold yourself.
• You’re getting the silver and basic finishing handled for your chosen design.
• The class stays intimate (max 3 travelers), so instruction and attention aren’t diluted.

So yes, it’s not a budget activity. But it’s also not a watered-down craft demo. This is a serious making experience with an outcome you can wear.

Best fit: who should book, and the one thing to plan around

This class fits best if you like doing things with your hands and you enjoy practical travel moments. If you’ve ever wanted a souvenir with a story, this gives you that—because the story is built into your own carving work and the casting result.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You want a Florence experience that’s creative and personal.
• You like learning craft techniques with real teachers, not just passive tours.
• You’re traveling with a friend or family member who also wants to make something together (small group size helps here).

The one planning consideration is design pressure. Even with guidance, choosing a model and carving it can challenge your patience at the start. Comfortable clothes help, sure, but mental preparation helps more: pick a model you can carve without needing perfection right away.

Also, because you’re working in a workshop and then traveling a short distance to a bar garden stop, wear shoes you can walk in easily. Nothing dramatic is listed, but you’ll be on your feet and moving around for most of the session.

Finally, double-check your schedule for same-evening pickup. The experience notes that you can pick up the jewel at Federico’s laboratory the same evening, which is great for planning your night—but it does mean you should leave room in your day.

Should you book this cuttlebone jewelry class in Florence?

If you want a memorable Florence craft experience that’s genuinely hands-on, I think this is a strong yes. The technique is ancient and the result is wearable silver. You get step-by-step teaching, individual support, a guided creative choice (pendant or ring models), and an included aperitif that turns the day into more than just making.

I’d recommend booking if:

• You value small-group instruction and hands-on learning.
• You want a souvenir you can wear often, not just display.
• You like conversations with the maker while the day is still fresh.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You’re only looking for a quick, low-effort activity.
• You strongly dislike carving or doing detailed handwork, even if you’ll get help.

FAQ

How long is the cuttlefish bone jewelry class?

The experience lasts about 4 hours.

Where do I meet for the class?

You meet at Microfficina Gioielli Artigianali Firenze di F. Vianello, Florence Jewelry, Via S. Zanobi, 94 R, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy.

Is it close to public transportation?

Yes. The meeting point is near public transportation, and it’s about a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella railway station.

What language is the class offered in?

The class is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 3 travelers.

What materials are included in the price?

Silver for your jewel is included (Gr 20). Federico also includes silver and finishing work, plus the final aperitif.

Can I make a pendant or a ring?

Yes. You choose a personalized pendant or ring from the proposed models, and you carve the cuttlefish bone mold for it.

Do I need special skills to join?

No special knowledge or skills are required. Most travelers can participate.

Is the aperitif included?

Yes, an aperitif is included after the casting and workshop time.

Are there extra costs I should plan for?

Gems and shipping costs are paid separately. Shipping costs are listed based on destination region.

Is there free cancellation?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.