Beginners' jewellery I
Learn all the basics of metal jewellery work by making a range of sample pieces in copper and a finished jewellery piece of your own design. You will be shown how to buy silver so you can take home at least one wearable piece.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 02 Nov 2025End Date: 07 Dec 2025Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £419.00 Senior fee £335.00 Concession £272.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Follow a series of set technical projects to learn cutting, filing, texturing, forming, soldering and polishing. After completing these projects in copper you will learn about London’s Jewellery Quarter and how to purchase precious metal so that you can design and make your own jewellery piece, incorporating the skills you learnt in the first part of the course.
What will we cover?
- Cutting, filing, forming, sanding and polishing metal
- Silver soldering
- Making a range of samples in copper (such as a cut out pendant, a ring, textured domed earrings and a chain
sample)
- Designing and making your own piece of jewellery, applying the metal working skills you learnt in the first part of the course.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Cut, file and sand metal
- Shape and form metal
- Texture metal using a range of methods
- Drill and polish using machinery
- Silver solder metal
- Work safely, observing health and safety best practice
- Make a piece of jewellery of your own design.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for complete beginners.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Copper sheet and wire are provided in reasonable quantities.
You will be shown how to purchase silver and how to estimate the cost before buying.
The cost will depend on the size of your piece, but generally students spend between £5 and £20 on their first
piece(s).
You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in studio 308. For health and safety reasons, no sandals, open shoes & small pumps can be worn – even in hot weather. You may wish to bring your own apron and safety glasses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.
Browse our current offer for complemtary courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to
Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
Rebecca has been teaching Jewellery and Silver-smithing for over 15 years, has her own Jewellery/Scupture practice, and works in her studio in Cambridgeshire. Originally trained as a Sculptor, her work reflects her experimental approach to materials and processes, and her teaching aims to develop student skills in specialist processes for example; press forming, repousse, etching, fold forming, creative forming and raising. She also mentors students, assists in project development, and works with creative practice development. Her work has been exhibited extensively here and internationally in Milan and Beijing and was short listed for the John Ruskin Prize in 2017. She is a member of the Association of Contemporary Jewellers and will be exhibiting in their Meanings and Messages exhibition throughout 2022/23. You can see examples of her work on her website www.rebeccailett.co.uk and her instagram rebeccailett
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.