Learn to make jewellery: Stage 1 Introduction

You will be guided through a range of jewellery tools and techniques used for introductory silver jewellery making.

You will experience the use of a range of jewellery tools and techniques in a friendly and relaxed environment. Your experienced tutor will guide you through a range of techniques for basic introductory jewellery making. You will have the opportunity to learn different styles and explore design ideas.

You will be guided through the following techniques over the first few weeks:

• Sawing/piercing – Become proficient in setting up and using the jeweller's piercing saw to cut metal to size.

• Annealing, texturing and shaping – You will gain an understanding in how to gently heat your metal to soften it, allowing you to then decorate and shape your metal. You will learn how to measure a ring size; form, shape and use a hand held oxy/gas torch to solder your silver.

• Reticulation, granulation, doming and jewellery findings – You will become able to bring rich depth to your pieces with ancient metallurgic knowledge and 3 Dimensional shapes. You will have the opportunity to learn how to make your own catches, earring hooks and jump-rings.

• Finishing – You will acquire a knowledge of how to file and polish your finished design and introduce colour to your work using patination techniques.

Course Outcomes

Each course begins with short, structured technical exercises and then fabricating, decorating and joining will be demonstrated. You will learn the basic skills needed to create your own sterling silver ring and the remaining time can be used to create your own simple design using your new skills. Everyone should complete at least two pieces of jewellery.

Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals will take place each week, to guide you to improve your skills.

What’s Included

A materials pack is supplied for your initial projects. A selection of materials will be available to buy from your tutor at cost price.