Pearl Workshops in Christchurch
Spend a Saturday morning inside Mermade Pearl Studio and create a pearl design of your own.
Our Christchurch pearl workshops are intimate, hands-on design sessions centred around genuine cultured pearls. You’ll explore shape, scale, texture and composition before creating a finished piece that is entirely your own.
No previous experience is needed. We’ll guide you through the process while leaving plenty of room for individual choice and experimentation.
Three hours. Six seats only. Selected Saturdays.
Saturday Pearl Workshops
Regular studio workshops are usually held on selected Saturdays from 10.30am–1.30pm at Mermade Pearl Studio - 49 Ferry Road, Christchurch Central City.
Sessions are limited to a maximum of six guests, allowing plenty of time and space to explore the materials, refine your design and receive individual guidance.
Workshop dates are released periodically throughout the year.
The Pearl Studio Experience
Pearls are at the centre of the experience.
Your workshop includes cultured freshwater seed pearls — our smaller pearl varieties up to 5mm — giving you everything you need to create a finished design within the base workshop fee.
You’ll also have the option to explore Mermade’s broader pearl selection, including baroque, keshi and other premium pearls. These are available as additional material upgrades, so you can keep your design simple or take it in a more individual direction.
Rather than following one prescribed pattern, you’ll be encouraged to consider proportion, repetition, contrast and composition as you build your design.
One finished piece per participant is included. If time allows, you’re welcome — and encouraged — to continue creating additional pieces, with any extra pearls, findings and materials selected and purchased during the session.
Because pearls are naturally individual, no two finished designs will be exactly alike.
Inside Mermade Pearl Studio
Workshops take place in the same working Christchurch design studio where Mermade collections and one-off pieces are designed and assembled.
The studio is not a traditional retail shop. Outside of workshops, it is reserved for private appointments and design work.
Private Pearl Workshops
The studio can also be booked privately for birthdays, bridal gatherings, creative celebrations, small team events or simply an afternoon spent making something together.
Private studio groups can accommodate up to ten guests. For larger groups or special events, alternative arrangements may be discussed by enquiry.
Make Something Uniquely Yours
Mermade workshops are designed as a relaxed creative experience rather than a formal jewellery class.
Three unhurried hours to handle beautiful materials, experiment with composition and leave the studio with something you created yourself.
Three hours. Six seats. Your design, your choice of pearls.
Pricing
NZD$100 per person
The workshop fee includes your three-hour studio session, cultured freshwater seed pearls (up to 5mm), standard stainless steel findings, use of all required tools and individual guidance throughout the design and making process.
Baroque, keshi and other premium pearls are available at an additional cost, depending on your design.
Gold filled and sterling silver findings are also available as optional upgrades.
What’s Included
– Three-hour studio workshop
– Cultured freshwater seed pearls (up to 5mm) for your design
– Standard stainless steel findings
– Use of all required tools and equipment
– Guidance throughout the design and making process
– One finished piece per participant is included, with the option to create additional pieces if time allows. We encourage you to keep designing — any additional pearls, findings or materials can simply be selected and purchased during the session.
Optional upgrades include baroque, keshi and other specialty pearls, plus gold filled and sterling silver findings.
Location
Workshops are held at Mermade Pearl Studio, 49 Ferry Road, Christchurch Central City.
The studio is a working design space rather than a traditional retail shop and is open for workshops and private appointments by booking.
Private workshops at an alternative Christchurch venue may also be considered by arrangement.
Private Workshops
To enquire about a private workshop, please provide:
– Preferred date & time
– Number of participants
– Occasion, if applicable
– Any special requirements
Email: lisa@mermadepearls.co.nz
We ask for a $100 deposit to secure a date for private workshops. Bookings are confirmed once deposit payment has been received.
Cancellations & Changes
– Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to the workshop will receive a full refund.
– Cancellations within 7 days of the workshop are non-refundable.
– Date changes may be accommodated where possible with sufficient notice.
In the unlikely event that Mermade Pearl Studio needs to reschedule, an alternative date will be offered or a full refund provided.
Additional Notes
– Cultured freshwater seed pearls are included in the workshop fee.
– Baroque, keshi and other specialty pearls are priced separately according to your selection.
– Gold filled and sterling silver findings are available as optional upgrades.
– Pearl availability varies from workshop to workshop.
– Larger private groups and off-site workshops may be available by enquiry.