Jewellery Making Workshop – Beginners and Intermediate
Course aims
This course will enable you to gain, or further develop skills in using appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to produce items of jewellery such as brooches, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and ear rings.
Will I gain a qualification on this course?
No - this is a non-accredited course.
Course length
Courses last from 6 to 12 weeks, and sessions are usually for two hours. Please check the BAES web site www.learnbaes.ac.uk BAES Learning Directory, visit or telephone one of our adult learning centres for details.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn about the basic techniques, tools and materials required to be able to independently produce items of jewellery to a good standard.
Entry requirements
You will not need experience of jewellery making as beginners are welcome on this course. But, as the course involves taking notes and measurements you will need to have basic levels of English and maths. You will have a short initial assessment at the start of the course to ensure that it is suitable for you.
What will I learn?
- How to use tools, materials and equipment safely and correctly.
- How to take and record accurate measurements to produce correctly sized pieces.
- How to add clasps, form wire loops, and carry out wire wrapping, stringing and chainmail weaving.
- Basic or intermediate understanding of colour theory for colour matching.
- To produce samples of techniques with instructions in your portfolio for you to use later as an instruction manual.
- An awareness of employment opportunities in the Jewellery Making sector
How will I learn?
- Through tutor demonstration and instruction.
- By experimenting with different materials, equipment, tools and techniques.
- By producing items of jewellery according to personal interest in negotiation with your tutor.
- By changing and adapting existing items of jewellery.
- By exploring the work of established or well- known jewellers for inspiration.
What could this course lead to?
It could lead to further courses in jewellery making techniques at Intermediate or Advanced Level, or to a qualification course at Level 1 or 2.
Your responsibilities as a learner on this course
To ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your course you will need to attend all sessions, be punctual, and bring the correct materials to each session.
Important information
The fees for this course do not cover the cost of equipment and materials. There are tools at the centre for you to use to begin with, as well as a selection of beads and wires. However, as the course progresses you may want to purchase wire cutters, round- nosed pliers, flat-nosed pliers, a crimping tool, a bead box with compartments, beading thread and a big-eye beading needle, so that you can practice outside of class times. Your tutor will give advice about prices and suppliers.
We encourage learners to think about the environment whilst studying with us, as many materials such as cardboard, glass, scrap metal, and old or broken jewellery can be used to produce attractive, low-cost jewellery items.
For the first session, you will need to bring a folder, paper and pen.
