Jewelry classes inherit tools from local artist

   Posted Nov. 13, 2025

Ayla Mager

Cub Reporter

A jeweler who recently passed away, Ellen Dimsdale, donated a portion of her jewelry tools to the school’s Jewelry class.

Lori Ubell, who was Dimsdale's partner, said that Dimsdale believed in giving back to the community. Hearing about the Jewelry class at DDHS, and the many other technical classes that are offered to students, resonated with Dimsdale since she was not interested in academia herself. 

Dimsdale donated extra metal and jewelry tools that Jewelry teacher Eric Jensen said are really hard for the school to afford. Jewelry now has a wax melter, files, pliers, forming tools, hammers, ring mandrels and assorted metals.

Dimsdale was born in 1942 in Chicago, IL. She originally struggled in school. After experiencing many different types of schooling, she found her way to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine. There, she learned about jewelry making. 

When Dimsdale returned to Chicago, she became an apprentice to a goldsmith. In the mid 60’s, when the shop owner retired, Dimsdale took over and ran the shop for about 10 years. 

In 1974, she moved to San Francisco and opened a shop that ran for another 10 years.

Eventually, Dimsdale grew tired of retail and started a company that packed people who were moving. Even with this change, she continued making jewelry for other things, such as making pieces for Industrial Light and Magic, a studio founded by George Lucas, and making intricate models for artists. 

“She always had a shop or a studio in her living space,” said Ubell.

In Jewelry, students learn how to make rings, earrings, and other metal projects. Students start out using copper because it’s easier to work with, and gain the skills needed to use silver. 

Jensen’s favorite project is the self directed project in Jewelry 2. He likes the creative pieces that people come up with. Jensen said, “When it’s their own idea it's always better.”

The tools donated are a gift to the jewelry class, but art programs still need continued funding from schools. 

“I hope that we continue to support our art programs,” said Jensen, “I think it’s a really special thing that we have.”