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Silver Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan: Our Honest Experience (2026)

When we first arrived on Gili Trawangan, taking part in a jewellery making class wasn’t even on our radar.

During our nearly two weeks on the island, we spent our days exploring beaches, trying different restaurants, snorkelling and enjoying the relaxed island lifestyle. However, after stumbling across YIN Silver Jewellery, we decided to try something completely different, and we’re so glad we did! 

Making our own silver rings ended up being one of the most unique experiences we had during our time in Indonesia. Not only was it a fun way to spend an afternoon away from the sun, but we also left with something meaningful that we could actually keep forever.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about joining a jewellery-making class in Gili Trawangan, including how much it costs, what the process involves and whether we think it’s worth adding to your itinerary.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your trip, we’ve also put together a complete guide covering the best things to do in Gili Trawangan, from snorkelling with turtles to exploring the island by bike.

Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.

Quick Summary: Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan

QuestionAnswer
Is it worth it? Yes! We absolutely recommend it. 
LocationEast coast of Gili Trawangan
CostAround 600,000 IDR+ depending on silver used
DurationAround 3 hours
Difficulty Beginner friendly
Best forCouples, friends and anyone wanting a unique souvenir! 
Our rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is one of the three famous Gili Islands located just off the coast of Lombok and is one of Indonesia’s most popular island destinations.

Known for its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere and incredible marine life, Gili T is a favourite stop for travellers visiting Indonesia. Unlike Bali, there are no cars on the island. This means most people explore by bicycle or horse-drawn carts, creating a much slower pace of life.

We originally planned to spend only a few days on Gili Trawangan during our two-month Bali itinerary, but we ended up extending our stay to nearly two weeks because we loved the island so much.

From snorkelling with turtles and watching sunsets to finding amazing restaurants and hidden corners of the island, there is much more to Gili T than just beaches.

If you’re planning your own trip, we’ve also written guides on where to stay in Gili Trawangan, where to eat in Gili Trawangan and how to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan to help you plan your visit.

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How to Book a Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan

The jewellery making class we joined was with YIN Silver Jewellery. From our research, it appears to be the main (and possibly only) dedicated jewellery making experience available on Gili Trawangan.

Before stumbling across the shop, we had no plans to make jewellery during our time on the island. However, after seeing the beautiful handmade pieces displayed in the window, we decided to give it a try.

The easiest way to book is to visit the shop directly and ask about availability. The store is located on the east side of Gili Trawangan, along the beachfront just past Fat Cats Bar, making it very easy to find while exploring the island.

The shop is hard to miss thanks to the huge selection of jewellery displayed in the windows. If you’re visiting during a busy period or only have a short time on Gili T, we’d recommend booking as early as possible. They seem to only have a limited number of spaces per day.

We were lucky because we were staying on the island for nearly two weeks and visited during a quieter period, meaning we could be flexible and booked our class for the following day.

How Much Does a Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan Cost?

Prices can change depending on silver prices and the amount of material needed for your design.

When we visited, classes started from around 600,000 IDR per person, including a set amount of silver.

Any additional silver needed is charged separately, depending on the weight of your final piece.

Before visiting, we were slightly worried this might become a typical tourist experience where you are pressured into buying more and more materials. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case at all.

You are given a good amount of silver to start with, and the instructor will let you know beforehand if your design is likely to need extra material. There was no pressure to spend more than necessary.

We actually found the pricing very fair considering how hands-on the experience was. You also leave with a completely unique piece of jewellery that you made yourself.

What to Expect During a Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan

To say we were surprised by how much of the jewellery-making process we actually did ourselves would be an understatement.

We expected the instructor to do most of the difficult parts while we watched, but the experience was incredibly hands-on. Aside from a few steps where professional tools or extra precision were needed, we were involved throughout the entire process.

We started by meeting at the jewellery shop before being taken down a small alleyway to the workshop behind the store. The local craftsman running our class was incredibly friendly and spoke excellent English, which immediately made us feel comfortable.

Once we arrived, we were asked to draw out our designs and discuss our ideas with the instructor. There was also a helpful sheet with previous jewellery designs for inspiration, which was useful if you weren’t sure what you wanted to create.

After a few small adjustments to make sure our ideas were realistic, we were ready to begin.

Leah decided on a simple wave design, which worked perfectly with the shape of the ring, while I chose a slightly more ambitious starfish design.

We were doing the class alongside another couple, which made the experience even more enjoyable as we could chat, compare designs and share the excitement as our rings slowly started to take shape.

planning designs for jewellery making

Creating the Silver Ring

The first step was heating our piece of silver using a small blowtorch so it could be shaped properly.

Before this, we were given a quick safety demonstration, so even if you’ve never used tools like this before, there’s nothing to worry about.

We then stretched the silver using a rolling machine until it reached the correct length before carefully bending it into the shape of a ring.

The instructor helped with joining the silver together using a soldering tool, but the majority of the shaping and preparation was done by us.

filing the jewellery

Adding the Details

This was where our designs really started to come together.

Leah’s wave design was already part of the main ring shape, so hers was slightly simpler. My starfish design required creating an additional piece of silver that needed to be shaped, filed and attached separately.

This definitely took some patience!

After a lot of filing and smoothing, with some helpful guidance from the instructor when needed, the design was finally starting to resemble what we had imagined.

The final step was polishing the inside and outside of the rings to make them comfortable and wearable. Using the specialised polishing machine was surprisingly satisfying, and the instructor helped make sure both rings were finished to a high standard.

After a few hours of work, we weighed our rings, finalised the price and walked out with something completely unique from our time on Gili Trawangan.

silver ring making

Is a Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan Worth It?

In our opinion, yes, we would absolutely recommend adding a jewellery making class to your Gili Trawangan itinerary!

Before booking, we weren’t completely sure whether it would be worth the money. As backpackers, spending 600,000 IDR on an activity can feel like quite a lot when there are so many free things to do on the island, from exploring beaches to watching the sunset.

However, this was one of those experiences where the value comes from the memory rather than just the activity itself.

Unlike many souvenirs you pick up while travelling, this is something you actually create yourself and can keep forever. Every time we look at our rings now, we’re reminded of our time on Gili Trawangan and the afternoon we spent making them.

We also loved how involved we were throughout the process. The instructor didn’t simply make the jewellery for us and let us watch, we genuinely felt like we had created something ourselves, with help and guidance whenever we needed it.

The only thing we’d mention is that the class does take a few hours, so don’t book it if you’re expecting a quick one-hour activity. Personally, we enjoyed the slower pace, but I (who admittedly has less patience!) definitely found some parts of the process more challenging than others.

As long as you go in knowing you’ll be there for the afternoon, we think you’ll have a brilliant time.

gili trawangan sunset

Who Is a Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan Suitable For?

One of the things we loved about this experience was that it works for so many different types of travellers.

jewellery shop exterior

Couples – We actually think this is one of the best date activities on Gili Trawangan. If you’re travelling as a couple, creating matching rings or individual pieces makes for a really meaningful souvenir from your trip. It’s also a nice change from the usual island activities of beaches, bars and snorkelling.

Friends – This would also be a great activity to do with friends. The workshop atmosphere is relaxed, and designing something together creates plenty of laughs, especially when everyone’s ideas start taking shape differently from what they originally imagined.

Solo Travellers – Although we visited as a couple, we also think this would be a great option for solo travellers. You’ll usually complete the class alongside other travellers, making it an easy way to meet people while doing something creative and memorable.

Backpackers – For backpackers travelling Indonesia on a budget, this is definitely more of a splurge activity compared to some of the free things to do around the island. However, we think it’s worth considering because you’re not just paying for an experience, you’re leaving with a personalised souvenir that you made yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewellery Making in Gili Trawangan

How much does a jewellery making class cost in Gili Trawangan?

Prices can vary depending on silver prices and the design you choose, but expect to pay around 600,000 IDR per person for the class and initial silver allowance. If your design requires additional silver, this will usually cost extra. 

How long does a jewellery making class in Gili T take?

The class usually takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity of your design and how much assistance you need. We’d recommend keeping your afternoon free rather than trying to squeeze it between other activities.

Do you need any jewellery making experience?

Absolutely not. Neither of us had any previous experience making jewellery, and the whole process was beginner-friendly. The instructor explains each step clearly and is always nearby to help if you get stuck.

Can you choose your own jewellery design?

Yes! You can create your own design or use previous examples for inspiration. The instructor will help adjust your idea to make sure it is realistic based on the amount of silver available and the time required.

Is the jewellery making class suitable for children?

We think older children and teenagers would probably enjoy the experience, especially if they like creative activities. However, younger children may find some parts of the process quite technical and require more supervision.

Where is the jewellery making class located in Gili Trawangan?

YIN Silver Jewellery is located on the east side of Gili Trawangan, close to the main beach area and within walking distance of many restaurants and hotels.

Jewellery making alex

Final Thoughts on the Jewellery Making Class in Gili Trawangan

Looking back, the jewellery making class was one of the most unexpected highlights of our time on Gili Trawangan.

We arrived on the island expecting to spend our days relaxing on beaches, exploring by bike and snorkelling in the ocean. We never planned on making jewellery, but it ended up becoming one of the experiences we remember most.

What made it special was that it wasn’t just another activity you tick off your travel itinerary. We left with something completely unique that we had created ourselves, which makes it a souvenir we’ll genuinely treasure.

If you’re visiting Gili Trawangan and looking for something a little different from the usual island activities, we’d definitely recommend giving it a go. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or simply want a creative afternoon away from the sun, we think you’ll walk away just as happy as we did.

It might cost a little more than some backpacker activities, but for the memories you create and the jewellery you get to keep forever, we think it is absolutely worth it.

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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.

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14 Comments

  1. This is a great idea and makes for a lovely travel memory!
    I often buy some jewellery when I travel, but I might look into doing a class next time.
    Happy new year!

    1. That sounds amazing, where did you do that?! Handmade souvenirs definitely make it the trip a lot more special.

  2. This is so much fun! I’ve done a silver workshops before in Nepal and would love to take this jewelry workshop also. Thanks for sharing!

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