Parallel Universe Silver & Brass Jewelry Making in Ubud

The best part of this Ubud workshop is that you are not limited to a fixed souvenir. You sketch a ring, bracelet, pendant, or strange little idea of your own, then shape it with help from Balinese silversmiths. I especially like the freedom to make more than one piece and the crystal and stone shop, where even a simple band can become something personal.

The class feels relaxed and friendly, with Raymond and the studio team offering patient guidance without taking the work away from you. One thing to watch is the pricing: the $30 fee covers studio time, but you pay extra for silver, brass, stones, plating, and additional settings. Ask about those costs before you begin.

Key points at a glance

• Design your own piece: Make rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, or a design that does not fit a standard template.
• Browse a full stone shop: Choose from crystals and gemstones starting at 8,000 Indonesian rupiah.
• Make multiple items: The 150-minute session can allow time for two rings, a bracelet, or several smaller pieces if your designs stay simple.
• Work with Balinese artists: Raymond and his team guide each stage while letting you do much of the hands-on work.
• Know the real price: The $30 class fee excludes materials, stones, gold work, plating, extra stone settings, and added time.
• Plan around Ubud traffic: The studio is in The Garden, beside a Japanese Bamboo Library. If cars are stuck within a kilometer, walking may be faster.

Why this Ubud jewelry class feels different

Many craft classes give you a set project and a small range of colors. Parallel Universe takes the opposite route. You can bring a rough sketch, choose a shape from the studio’s inspiration books, or simply start with a stone that catches your eye.

That freedom is useful if you want a souvenir tied to your own trip rather than another market purchase. It also means you need to make decisions. If you arrive with no idea at all, the team can help, but you will get more from the 2.5 hours if you have a rough plan.

The setting is deliberately casual. The studio is in The Garden, in the left corner by a Japanese Bamboo Library. You are not being pushed through a polished tourist show. The focus is on making, asking questions, trying again, and getting a finished piece that feels like yours.

I like the balance between instruction and independence. You handle the creative choices and much of the basic work, while the artists step in when a task needs more skill or precision. That balance came through clearly for people who made rings, bracelets, and other pieces with the team.

Start with the stone, not just the shape

If you plan to add a crystal or gemstone, arrive early and browse before the class starts. This is one of the most useful tips for the workshop because the stone gallery offers many choices, and selecting one can take longer than expected.

Stones and crystals start at 8,000 rupiah. The exact price depends on the stone you choose, and the selection can include many types and sizes. Your stone is not included in the class fee, so ask for the price before committing if you are working within a budget.

A stone can guide the rest of your design. A small setting may suit a delicate ring, while a larger stone could work better in a pendant or a broader bracelet. The first stone setting is included in the workshop price, but the stone itself is not. Extra settings cost 25,000 rupiah each.

I would browse first, then decide how many pieces you can realistically make. Choosing several stones before the clock starts helps you spend more time at the workbench.

The 150-minute making process

The workshop gives you 2.5 hours of studio time. The exact process can change depending on your design, but you can expect to move from an idea to a piece of jewelry through several hands-on stages.

You begin by choosing what to make. The options include rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and free-form designs. You can sketch your own idea, use one of the studio’s templates, or look through inspiration material if you need a starting point.

Next comes the choice of metal. Silver costs 85,000 rupiah per gram, while brass costs 30,000 rupiah per gram. Because the final material cost depends on weight, a heavier bracelet will cost more than a thin ring.

The artists then help you turn the design into workable jewelry. You may shape, bend, texture, or stamp the metal, depending on the project. One popular personal touch is adding BALI to the inside or surface of a ring, creating a clear reminder of where it was made.

The workshop is not meant to be a lecture about silversmithing. You learn by doing, with help at the point where you need it. That works well for beginners who want a real hand in the process but do not want to spend several days learning the trade.

Allow time for changes. One participant changed a design three times and still finished with a piece she liked. That patience is a major strength of the studio, though repeated redesigns can eat into your making time.

What you can make in one session

A simple project gives you the best chance of finishing more than one item. One person made two rings and a bracelet, while another finished two silver bracelets. Those results show what is possible, but they should not be treated as a promise for every design.

A thin ring or basic bracelet is easier to complete than a complicated piece with several stones. Earrings may also be manageable if the design is straightforward. A large pendant with a detailed setting will take more time.

The studio allows an extra design at no additional design fee, as long as you keep moving. If your work takes longer than the included 150 minutes, extra time costs 100,000 rupiah per 60 minutes.

My advice is to choose one main piece first. If you finish early, add another. That approach protects you from rushing the item you care about most.

Balinese guidance without losing your creative control

The artists are there to show you how the tools and materials work, correct mistakes, and handle parts that require more experience. You are still encouraged to do the work yourself. That makes the finished jewelry more meaningful than something selected from a shop shelf.

Raymond is named as one of the welcoming figures at the studio, and the team is described as patient, friendly, and willing to help through repeated design changes. The best experience comes when you ask questions early instead of waiting until you are stuck.

A small caution: one class was reported as overbooked, with help and process explanations arriving later than expected. Staff were friendly once they began assisting, but the delay affected the first part of the session. If you want close guidance from the start, confirm how busy the class is when booking or arrive early to get organized.

The studio offers instruction in English, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay. That makes it easier to discuss design details, metal choices, and stone settings clearly.

Understanding the price before you sit down

The advertised price is $30 per person, which covers the class fee and 2.5 hours of studio time. It also includes up to one stone setting, but not the stone itself.

Your final bill depends on what you make. The listed material rates are:

• Silver: 85,000 rupiah per gram
• Brass: 30,000 rupiah per gram
• Stones and crystals: from 8,000 rupiah
• Extra stone settings: 25,000 rupiah each
• Extra time: 100,000 rupiah per 60 minutes
• Gold plating: 60,000 rupiah per gram
• Gold: available on request

This pay-only-for-what-you-use system can be good value if you choose a modest design. Brass offers the lowest material cost, while silver gives you the classic jewelry finish. A light silver ring with one inexpensive stone may remain affordable, but a heavy piece with several stones and plating can raise the total.

Gold ring making is available on request, with precious stones possible depending on your design and budget. Do not assume gold is included in the $30 fee. Ask for a current quote before work begins.

The price makes the most sense for someone who values the activity as much as the object. You are paying for time with artists, access to tools, and the chance to create a personal souvenir. If you only want the cheapest piece of jewelry, a market stall may cost less.

Getting to The Garden in central Ubud

The meeting point is inside The Garden, in the left corner beside a Japanese Bamboo Library. Use the supplied map pin rather than relying only on the business name, then look for the workshop once you enter.

Ubud traffic can be slow, especially during Balinese ceremonies and road closures. This matters because a short drive can turn into a frustrating delay. If traffic is not moving within about one kilometer of the studio, the local advice is to leave the car and walk.

That is practical advice, not a minor detail. Arriving late cuts into your design and making time, and this class already has a firm 150-minute window. Build in extra time, especially if you plan to browse stones before starting.

The activity is wheelchair accessible. The host or greeter can assist in English, Chinese, Indonesian, or Malay.

Who will enjoy this activity most

I would recommend this class to couples, creative friends, solo visitors, and families with an interest in making things. It works particularly well for couples who want matching or connected rings, and for anyone who prefers a souvenir with a story.

It is also a good choice if you are not artistic. The studio has inspiration books and templates, and the team can help shape a simple idea. You do not need to arrive with a polished sketch.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike making decisions, have very little time in Ubud, or want the final cost fixed in advance. The open design brief is exciting, but it also means material prices and completion times vary.

Booking and timing advice

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which helps if your Ubud plans may change.

Check the available starting times before booking. The class lasts 150 minutes, and you should add travel time because of possible ceremonies, road closures, and traffic.

Arrive early if you want a stone. Use the extra minutes to browse the gallery, ask about prices, and settle on a design. This small bit of preparation can prevent the class from becoming a rushed shopping decision followed by rushed metalwork.

Should you book Parallel Universe?

Book it if you want to make something personal and enjoy the process as much as the finished jewelry. The strongest reasons are the wide design freedom, the large choice of stones, and the team’s patient approach. You can make a ring, bracelet, pendant, or several smaller pieces, then leave with a souvenir tied to your own choices.

Go in with a rough plan and a clear material budget. Start with a simple design if you hope to make more than one item, and ask about silver, brass, gold, stones, plating, and extra settings before work begins.

For $30 plus materials, this is a fair-value Ubud activity with a creative payoff. It is not a fixed-price jewelry purchase, and busy sessions may mean less help at the beginning. But if you want a hands-on memento rather than another ready-made trinket, Parallel Universe is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long does the jewelry-making class last?

The class lasts 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, including studio time.

What does the $30 price include?

The $30 per-person fee includes the class and 2.5 hours of studio time. It includes up to one stone setting, but the stone and all other materials cost extra.

Is silver included in the class fee?

No. Silver is charged by weight at 85,000 rupiah per gram. Brass costs 30,000 rupiah per gram.

Can I make more than one piece of jewelry?

Yes. You can make more than one piece if your designs are simple enough to finish within the 150-minute session. The studio allows an extra design at no extra design fee, provided you keep the work moving.

Can I make a gold ring?

Gold is available on request. Gold is not included in the class fee, so ask for a current price before starting. Gold plating is listed at 60,000 rupiah per gram.

Are stones and crystals included?

No. Stones and crystals are purchased separately, starting from 8,000 rupiah. The first stone setting is included, but the stone itself is not.

Where do I meet the workshop?

Enter The Garden and go to the left corner beside the Japanese Bamboo Library. The location map is provided with the booking information.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can assist in English, Chinese, Indonesian, and Malay.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.