3-Week Saturday Workshop – Mixed Level | 4 – 18 May 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.

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

• Achieving various surface finishes, such as reticulation

• Chain making

• Scoring and folding

• Wax carving, including flush, bezel and claw settings in wax

• 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

Emilia Netto is a jewellery designer and maker, from a traditional jewellery design and manufacturing background. She combines modern and traditional techniques to create bold and sculptural outcomes in her work. Emilia graduated from Arts University Plymouth, and has worked in the jewellery industry and in education for over 10 years. She is a specialist in CAD/CAM for jewellery design and manufacture.  Meet the tutors here.