Photograph by Katherine Richmond

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Mondays
6.30–9pm

Dates
20, 27 June
4, 11 & 18 July

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£140

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Gift vouchers available

Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions below carefully before booking.

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Who is this class suitable for?
Ages 16+
Suitable for any level of experience.

What will be covered in the class?
Throughout this 5 week course you will be able to explore a range of jewellery making techniques and decorative surface applications on metal such as texturing, married metals and patinas and will use these to create bespoke jewellery such as a ring, pendant/earrings and a bangle. A variety of set projects will enable you to explore the techniques and develop key skills in designing, piercing, filing, forming, soldering, and finishing in silver, gilding metal and copper. Katherine will provide 121 support to help develop your learning and understanding of jewellery making using metal and to enable you to confidently apply the techniques to create professionally finished jewellery items.

The course will be taught through practical demonstration, 121 support, individual projects, handouts and group activities. It is a practical hands on course where you will be able to explore using the wide range of tools and equipment used to make silver jewellery and use them to create your own designs. Examples will be shown and you will also refer to other designer’s work for inspiration. A small amount of optional homework will be set each week to enhance you experience of the course and develop your design development skills.

What will students leave the class with? 
Learners will leave the course with at least 2 finished pieces of jewellery designed and crafted by hand.

Over the course, you will focus on the following skills and techniques:

Week 1 – Textured Band Ring

• Calculate the measurements required to make a ring in a specific size
  
• Apply textures to the metal using the rolling mill and/or hammers
  
• Form and solder the ring to create a permanent join
  
• File and finish the metal to achieve either a polished or matt finish
  

Week 2-3 – Married metals, texturing and forming (earrings/pendant)

• Use the rolling mill and hammers to create decorative surface textures on the metal
  
• Pierce the metal safely and accurately to create shapes and fretwork designs
  
• Demonstrate use of soldering techniques to successfully join metals
  
• Form the metal using jewellery tools and equipment (doming, scoring)
  
• Collect visual research material and develop ideas for your project
  
• Apply finishing techniques such as emery paper, polishing and patinas to achieve a professional finish
  
• Make a finished pair of earrings, or a pendant using married metals and texturing techniques in gilding metal/copper and silver
  

Week 4-5 – Stacking rings or bangle (with charm/accent)

• Calculate the metal required to create your bangle or stacking rings
  
• Anneal the metal to the correct temperature using hand held torch
  
• Demonstrate safe use of the tools to twist and texture the wire to the desired effect
  
• Solder the wire to create a permanent join
  
• Shape the bangle/ring using forming tools
  
• Pierce out a simple shape to create a charm/accent and sweat solder this to your bangle/ring (experienced learners can choose to use the married metal technique)
  
• Add a patina to the copper/silver to create contrasting colours

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What will I need to bring?
Tools and equipment are included in the course fee.

Copper materials are included, however other metals such as silver can be purchased from the tutor during the course.

If you would like to include stones in your jewellery, the tutor will advise you on where to purchase.

Location
Jewellery Studio: the jewellery studio is situated at the top of a flight of stairs. Tools are all light and accessible. Work benches are not currently height adjustable.

Tutor 
Katherine is a professional jewellery designer/maker with a BA (hons) and MA (Distinction) in Jewellery and Silversmithing from Birmingham City University. She has been making for over 20 years and has over 10 years teaching experience. Most recently Katherine has been a Diploma tutor at The British Academy of Jewellery in London and is currently a mentor for Jewellers Academy. Katherine’s work has been featured in a number of publications and her work exhibited as part of Collect at the Saatchi Gallery in London and LOOT at The Museum of Arts and Design in New York.