Jewellery: design lab

What is the course about?

This course is an opportunity to develop your jewellery design practice and learn to work more independently on

    your own projects in a supportive, challenging and creative teaching environment. If you are already experienced in

           jewellery-making and are confident piercing, filing, drilling, annealing, soldering, bending and forming metal with

           minimal supervision, this course is ideal for you to perfect your ongoing skills, discover different techniques, and

           consider new ways of approaching design and making. You'll work independently on your own projects all with the

    guidance of an expert jewellery-maker and the use of a fully equipped jewellery studio.

What will we cover?

There are no set topics or class-wide projects in the Jewellery Design Lab: you should bring to class some ideas of  what you would like to make, and with guidance from the tutor you will realise these plans at your own pace,  picking up new skills, techniques and approaches along the way.

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

Recognise the working properties of metal and other materials

           - Use a range of techniques used in the making of pieces

           - Identify and use a range of hand tools and types of machinery with confidence

           - Recognise and implement good health and safety practice in the workshop.

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

This course is not suitable for complete beginners - you need to be confident in basic jewellery-making skills such   as piercing, filing, drilling, annealing, soldering, bending and forming. You should be familiar with properties of commonly used metals in jewellery and be aware of health and safety best practice in the studio.

   You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs, and health and  safety information. It will be beneficial if you can take part in informal group discussions. You should be happy using numbers, able to do simple measurements and calculations, and recognise and draw simple geometric shapes.

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

The course is held in a well-equipped workshop setting, and is taught through demonstrations and photographic

    examples, with individual support and advice given to guide and extend your abilities. There are no class-wide

    projects, rather the tutor will guide you in developing your own work.

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

City Lit provides most of the tools and equipment you will need for jewellery-making, and basic materials in

    reasonable quantities such as base metals, hard solder,  paper, enamel, chemicals, and sundries (etching resist,

    polishing compound etc.) However you will need to buy some specific items such as saw blades, emery paper,

    medium and easy solder, precious metals, and stones. You will also need a sketchbook for your design work and to

      write notes. As you gain experience you might want to invest in your own tools. 

    You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in the studio. For health and safety reasons no sandals, open

    shoes or small pumps can be worn, even in hot weather.

    Please 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 complementary 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

VV412 Intermediary Jewellery

VV414 Fine Jewellery