8-Week Monday Evening Workshop – Mixed Level | 22 Apr - 24 June 2024

About the course

This mixed ability course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who already have some jewellery making experience up to an intermediate / advanced level. You will be taught via demonstrations, technical exercises and given individual support and feedback by your tutor. This class has a maximum of 8 students, which allows for plenty of support for each student. 

Beginners will learn fundamental jewellery techniques such as piercing, filing, forming, texturing, annealing, soldering, polishing and how to correctly handle jewellery tools and equipment. The skills gained will then be applied to making jewellery pieces of your own design. No matter if you prefer more classic or contemporary style of jewellery, your tutor will support you in your creative journey and make suggestions how to improve your designs. 

Technical exercises for beginners may include making: 

• a ring with a special feature such as a cut-out shape or interesting texture 

• a pair of stacking rigs 

• a bangle / open cuff 

• a pair of earrings 

• a pendant 

• a simple handmade chain or bracelet made of jump rings 

• a brooch

Those with previous jewellery making experience will be supported by the tutor on completing a project or projects of their own choice. The teaching will be tailored to the student and their design project. More experienced students can also take part in any of the technical exercises above if they want a refresher into a specific technique. You will learn new techniques relevant to your project and refine your existing skills and designs.

Examples of intermediate techniques that you may be able to learn*:  

• Stone setting; bezel, flush, tube and claw setting – for cabochons, round and other shaped stones as well as setting found objects and other materials in metal

• Intermedia & advanced soldering techniques

• Riveting with wire and tube as a way of securing materials

• Achieving various surface finishes, such as reticulation

• Chain making

• Scoring and folding

• Basic wax carving

• Making clasps and hinges

* Learning more time-consuming intermediate jewellery techniques can be considered if multiple students express interest in the same technique. While we strive to accommodate individual preferences, please note that due to time constraints, we cannot guarantee that all techniques can be taught within the course. If you have any questions regarding this, we encourage you to reach out via email before booking the course.

The course will be running twice a term, you can sign up for another set of classes to gain further jewellery skills and carry on working on your design projects. You can discuss your progression options with your tutor who will be able to advise you further.  

All tools and materials are included except for precious metals (silver) and gemstones.

About the tutor

Elizabeth Bone studied a broad ranging degree with a crafts focus, encompassing wood, metal, ceramics and textiles. After graduating she was apprenticed to the jewellery artist Wendy Ramshaw where she became her principal workshop assistant for 10 years. Elizabeth established her own studio in 1991. As well as a wealth of experience as a creative practitioner in jewellery for over 30 years, Elizabeth has an extensive range of teaching experience and enjoys sharing her knowledge. Exploring the relationship between idea, material and process, guided by order, balance and a modernist aesthetic form the basis for Elizabeth’s work. Her jewellery embodies a rare mixture of precision, timelessness and a strong sculptural aesthetic. Each piece is exquisitely hand crafted with the finest attention to detail and surface finish. Elizabeth’s work has been exhibited in the UK, Europe, America & Japan, featured in numerous jewellery publications and purchased by private collectors from all over the world. Elizabeth is the author of Silversmithing for Jewellery Makers: techniques, treatments and applications for inspirational design Search Press. Meet the tutors here.