City Lit improvers jewellery

What is the course about?

A new structured year long course for students who have basic Jewellery skills and would like to refine their skills and gain experience in a range of Jewellery making processes; for example, Stone setting, Enamelling, Introduction to CAD, Engraving/Etching, Wax Carving, Delft Clay casting, Chain -making, Cold connections and project development-Design/ Drawing.

You will be tutored in technical skills by a range of tutors, who are practicing Jewellers and have specialist subject areas related to Jewellery making.

You will undertake a number of projects across three terms, designing and making Jewellery using the processes already mentioned above developing a portfolio of work which includes samples and finished pieces. You will work in copper and brass and for projects which require silver, stones etc tutors will assist in the process of sourcing and buying materials.

You will also learn to present and discuss your work in regular group evaluations and an exhibition at the end of the academic year.

What will we cover?

Tutors will introduce you to a range of specialist jewellery making processes. You will have the opportunity to make samples and try out different techniques and then apply some of these processes in your final piece. Throughout the course you will make notes and drawings, record information and develop design ideas in your sketchbooks.

As part of the course Structure, you will be making:

- A Stone set ring, earrings or pendant using 3 processes.

- A pendant or brooch which uses colour.

- A piece of jewellery with a chain, wax carving and casting.

As part of the course, the group will visit the Victoria and Albert Museum where, with guidance from your tutor, you will collect visual research as inspiration for your jewellery.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Make and saw jump rings and catches.
• Solder and construct a variety of chain profiles
• Make a catch for a chain
• Use hammers, stencils and the rolling mill to texture metal
• Use oxidizers and patinas to colour metal
• Make a bezel setting and set a stone.
• Make a tube setting and set a stone
• Make a flush setting
• Make two different rivets to join metal
• Solder well using the sweat soldering and pick soldering methods.
• Solder using different solder grades
• Use CAD to produce a 3d printed model or a laser cut/etch
• Carve a wax ring.
• Cast using the Delft clay method
• Use engraving or etching to add detail to a surface.
• Apply enamel to a surface
• Make some enamel samples
• Apply effective Health and Safety practices in the Workshop
• Produce a range of samples and finished pieces from the range of techniques learned.
• Understand the importance of marketing, branding and costing your work.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for those students who have completed the City Lit Beginners course VV413 or for those students who have a good understanding of the basics of jewellery making and are ready to improve on those skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations, projects, handouts, advice and guidance. There will be group discussions and individual discussions with your tutor. You will be expected to carry out some independent research and design work outside the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

City lit provides almost all the basic tools and equipment you need for Jewellery making.

We also provide basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as base metals (copper, brass sheet and wire) and other materials ( paper, enamel etc.), chemicals ( pickle, borax, etc.) and sundries (etching resist, polishing compound etc.)

There will be some items you will need to buy yourself, such as saw blades, all precious metals (silver, gold etc.) and stones.

You will also need a sketchbook for your design work and to write notes on exhibitions or any other relevant information. As you gain experience you may want to invest in your own tools.

If you receive benefits and are applying for a concessionary place, you may be able to receive help with the purchase of materials.

You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in the studio. For Health and Safety reasons no sandals, open toe or small pumps can be worn, even in hot weather.

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 online for complementary courses.

Your tutor will also advise you on your course.