Policies
Cancellations
We understand that emergencies and unexpected circumstances can happen. However, our cancellation policy applies regardless of the reason for cancellation. Please notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend so we have the best opportunity to fill your seat.
We are unable to provide refunds for cancellations. Depending on when you notify us, your registration may be transferred to another available date or issued as a studio credit.
- If you notify us 7 or more days before the class start date, we will issue a credit toward a future course or workshop, less a $50 administration fee.
- If you give us fewer than 7 days’ notice, no credit will be issued unless we are able to fill your seat. If we are able to fill your spot, a credit toward a future course or workshop will be provided, less a $50 administration fee.
- No-shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are not eligible for a credit, regardless of whether the seat can be filled.
Credits may be used toward future courses, workshops, private instruction, or Open Studio bench rentals. Credits cannot be redeemed for cash or used toward retail products, tools, materials, gemstones, or other supplies.
Credits do not expire.
Low enrolment
We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel courses and workshops due to low enrolment.
Most classes require a minimum of 5 students to run. If minimum enrolment has not been reached 3 days before the class start date, we may postpone or cancel the class.
If we cancel or reschedule a class due to low enrolment, you may choose to transfer your registration to the new date, receive a credit for a future course or workshop, or receive a full refund of the class fee.
Open-Studio
Stairway Studio Open Studio bench rentals are available to jewellers who are able to work safely and independently.
Open Studio users may only use tools, equipment and processes they have previous training and experience with. Completing a course at Stairway Studio does not automatically provide access to all studio equipment.
For example, students who have completed Jewellery 1: Cold Connections may use the tools and equipment covered in that course, but may not use torches, polishing machines or other equipment they have not been trained on. Similarly, completing Jewellery 2: Silversmithing Fundamentals does not qualify a student to use equipment such as the rolling mill unless they have received separate training or have equivalent previous experience.
If you have experience from another studio or jewellery program, please speak with the Studio Technician before using equipment that was not covered in your Stairway Studio courses.
Open Studio is intended for independent work. Studio staff are unable to provide ongoing instruction or supervision during bench rental sessions.
Before using the studio for the first time, you will be required to complete a Safety and Equipment Orientation with the Studio Technician and sign our Participant Waiver and Release.
We aim to maintain a safe, welcoming and respectful shared studio. Open Studio users are expected to follow the best practices posted at each workstation, keep their workspace tidy, return tools and equipment to their proper places, keep food in the designated lounge area, and report any breakages or maintenance concerns to the Studio Technician.
You are responsible for providing your own consumables, including items such as saw blades, drill bits, sandpaper, metal and flex shaft attachments., flux and solder. Many consumables and materials are also available for purchase from the studio.
We recommend bringing your own hand tools where possible and clearly labelling them. Lockers are available for use to Studio Members.
Bench space is available on a first-come, first-served basis