Jewellery: design lab

What is the course about?

This course gives you the opportunity to develop your jewellery design practice and learn to work more independently on your own projects in a safe environment. If you are already fairly experienced in jewellery-making and are confident piercing, filing, drilling, annealing, soldering, bending and forming metal with minimal supervision, this class 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 or follow a series of short, structured projects, all with the guidance of an expert jewellery-maker and the use of a fully equipped jewellery-crafting studio.

What will we cover?

There are optional 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...

-Understand the working properties of metal and other materials.
-Master a range of techniques used in the making of pieces.
-Use a range of hand tools and types of machinery with confidence.
-Design jewellery following your own or a set project brief.
-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 class 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. You have the option o following a set project or work on your own ideas.

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, paper, enamel, chemicals, and sundries (etching resist, polishing compound etc.) However you will need to buy some specific items such as saw blades, 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.

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 online offer for complementary courses.Your tutor will also be able to advise you on your course.