Jewellery: Beginners and Continuing, Monday Evening

About this course

Participants design and shape three-dimensional jewellery forms in wax, using heat where appropriate, before exploring lost-wax casting and small-scale cuttlefish casting. Cast pieces are developed into finished jewellery through soldering findings such as rings, loops and clasps, with gemstone setting introduced where time allows. Teaching combines individual making with demonstrations and studio practice. The course also considers jewellery design in its wider context, including designers, exhibitions and Hatton Garden, while participants record processes, ideas and designs in a benchbook.

What you'll learn

• Carve and shape wax models for lost-wax casting
• Apply cuttlefish and externally commissioned casting methods
• Solder findings to cast components to assemble finished jewellery
• Record jewellery processes, ideas and designs in a benchbook
• Add flush, tube or bezel settings to suitable castings

Is this course right for you?

The course is explicitly suitable for complete beginners as well as learners with existing metalwork or jewellery-making experience. It involves forming metal and working with unfamiliar tools and materials, so moderate fitness and arm strength are identified as relevant. Students can develop their own designs at an appropriate level.

• Suitable for both complete beginners and continuing jewellery learners
• Includes physical metal-forming work requiring moderate fitness and arm strength
• Learners with previous jewellery or metalwork experience can extend their existing skills

Before you go

• Lift access is available to the third-floor jewellery studio.
• Workshop tools and basic materials are provided in reasonable quantities.
• Participants need to purchase some project-specific items, which may include precious metals, stones, saw blades and specific drill bits.
• Bring an apron, a small hardback notebook and a fine permanent pen, and wear suitable footwear.
• Some chemicals used on the course may be harmful during pregnancy. Pregnant participants should inform the tutor so necessary precautions can be discussed.
• Jewellery casting is carried out off-site by a specialist company.