During this monthly workshop, you’ll discover the basic techniques of the age-old craft of jewellery-making. You’ll learn how to cut sheet metal, shape it to your liking, solder earring posts and make a bespoke ring. All this will be done within a single aesthetic to create a jewellery collection comprising a pendant, two pairs of earrings with different fastening systems and a bespoke ring.

We will be working with brass, although the technique is the same for metals with similar properties, such as gold, silver, copper and nickel silver.

The course consists of four sessions, held on Fridays (mornings or afternoons), during the chosen month.

A minimum of four participants is required for this workshop to take place.

What will you be doing in the workshop?

Session 1

I’ll explain the techniques, safety rules, tools and materials we’ll be using in the workshop. I’ll show you some pieces and images to inspire you and help you understand how we’ll make them. Afterwards, each of you will decide on the design of your pieces by creating sketches and paper models.

We’ll transfer the sketches onto the metal, start cutting out the pieces and get a feel for the material.

Session 2

We’ll continue working on our pendant; you’ll learn how to file and sand the piece so that it’s smooth and free of burrs. The second exercise will involve learning how to make forged earrings from a strand of brass wire. I’ll show you how to use pliers to make hook clasps. You’ll be able to add texture to the surfaces using various cold-working techniques with hammers and punches. With the pieces nearly finished, I’ll guide you through the final process: applying the finish, which can be either matt or glossy. You’ll choose and create the one you like best.

Session 3

You will learn how to calculate the lengths required to make a bespoke ring from a sheet or strand of brass. We will shape it.

I will explain and demonstrate the technique and safety rules for soldering. We’ll look at the key elements involved in this process: a jeweller’s torch, borax, refractory brick, copper pliers and bleaching salts for pickling metals. You’ll start soldering your rings.

You’ll be able to add texture to the surfaces using various cold-working techniques with hammers and punches.

Session 4

We will continue with the soldering work.

Once the rings are finished, we will make some earrings from brass sheet, to which we will solder the posts. We will file and polish the pieces and learn how to apply the final finish – matt and/or polished. This is one of the most important stages of the work to ensure a truly professional result.

We’ll tidy up the workbench and hold a final group meeting to share what we’ve learnt and showcase our work. I’ll give you a folder containing the technical information about the course, along with a list of suppliers for materials and tools.

You’ll leave the workshop with a general understanding of the basic jewellery-making techniques so you can continue on your own, the experience of meeting other creative people, and your very own collection of jewellery.

INCLUIDED

- The price includes a 12-hour jewellery-making workshop in a small group.

- Tea and coffee to enjoy whilst we work.

- Use of the workshop’s tools, consumables and all necessary materials (brass sheet and wire, solder, cords, etc.)

YOU MUST BRING:

- Paper and a pencil for taking notes

- A sketch or image that you like.