Silversmithing Skills

About this course

Participants develop techniques for moving from small-scale jewellery work towards larger, more structured forms. Practical work covers hand-raising, hammering, blocking, planishing, pressing and use of the fly press, with attention to controlling and shaping metal accurately. The course includes construction of a raised and shaped bowl and a form-pressed lid. It also examines fitting and pinning components before soldering, using different grades of solder, and finishing surfaces through filing, emery paper, pumice, polishing and decorative finishes including matt, polished and butler finishes.

What you'll learn

• Apply hammering, raising, blocking, planishing and pressing techniques to shape metal.
• Use a fly press to produce larger-scale formed components.
• Fit and pin components in preparation for soldering.
• Select and use different grades of solder for larger-scale work.
• Refine surfaces using filing, abrasive materials, polishing and decorative finishes.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate jewellers and craftspeople with practical workshop experience. Participants are expected to work independently on fundamental tasks and be comfortable with piercing, filing, soldering and established workshop tools and techniques.

• Previous workshop experience is required.
• The course is aimed at learners developing beyond fundamental silversmithing techniques.
• Participants work on larger-scale, more sculptural forms rather than only small jewellery pieces.