Jewellery making: cold connections

About this course

The course examines cold-connection methods for jewellery, including rivets, tabs, fastenings and wire- or tube-based joins. Participants will work with sheet metal, drill and countersink holes, prepare components and consider which connection suits a particular design. Teaching combines practical samples, demonstrations for the group and individuals, and handouts. Workshop practice also covers the appropriate use of tools and materials, together with health and safety procedures.

What you'll learn

• Select suitable cold-connection methods for different jewellery designs
• Prepare wire and tube to make rivets, fastenings and other connections
• Form sheet-metal tabs and produce drilled and countersunk holes
• Create test pieces and a jewellery item using cold connections
• Apply appropriate tools, processes and workshop safety procedures

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners who already have some basic metalworking experience, as well as intermediate learners extending their jewellery skills. Participants should be comfortable cutting metal, using a piercing saw and file, and annealing metal with a torch. The course includes demonstrations, written and verbal instructions, group discussion, simple measurements and basic calculations.

• Some basic metalworking experience is expected
• Requires participation in group discussions
• Involves following written and verbal instructions
• Includes simple measurements and calculations

Before you go

• Almost all basic tools and equipment, along with basic materials in reasonable quantities, are provided.
• Participants may bring their own metal. Anyone wishing to work in precious metal must supply their own.
• Sensible footwear is required. Sandals, open shoes and small pumps are not permitted.