Course summary Gain practical knowledge in a variety of silversmithing and jewellery skills alongside just 4 other students, as you learn the traditional silversmithing skills needed to make 3 lovely pieces of silver jewellery in 3 days, guided by jeweller Alison Haddon.
Dates & times This is a 3-day Summer School course. The course starts promptly at 10:00hrs each day and is scheduled to end at 17:00hrs.
Who can take this course? This course is suitable for total jewellery-making beginners, beaders, and students who work with silver 'clay', or anyone who wants a reminder of introductory silversmithing. Both men and women aged over 16 years are welcome.
What will I learn? Techniques covered during the Summer School include:
- Tools and resources (including info about suppliers)
- Sawing
- Filing
- Shaping, hammering
- Drilling silver
- Texturing with hammers, punches and rolling mill
- Etching patterns into silver
- Piercing out shapes
- Soldering
- Annealing
- Stone-setting a cabochon gemstone, using a rubover setting
- Sanding & polishing for a professional finish
- How to continue jewellery-making at home
What will I make? You will make a textured or patterned ring, a textured or etched pendant or pair of earrings, and a stone-set pendant (at least three pieces of silver jewellery).
Are materials included? Yes: the course fee includes a materials allowance which is generally enough to make all three projects, depending on size. If you want to work to a grand scale, you can, but will need to pay for your tutor for the extra silver (this is paid per gram, at the going rate). A starter kit of silversmithing consumables is included in the fee (this includes a sawblade, sandpaper, and silver solders). All tools are provided for your use.
How many other students will there be? Unlike with other silversmithing courses, you will have the luxury of masses of individual tutor attention - places on this course are strictly limited to a maximum of just FIVE students, ensuring you have to hang around waiting for help with your projects. If you prefer to learn on your own, one-to-one tuition with Alison Haddon is also available [See Private Tuition & Studio Time section].
What's the tutor like? This course is taught by Alison Haddon, a professional jeweller and experienced teacher. Alison is friendly and helpful and we're confident you'll enjoy learning with her. [See Tutor profiles page].
What do past students say? This is a new course: reviews coming soon. [See the Student reviews page for more]
What can I go on to do after the course? After the Summer School, choose join one or more of Alison's regular Silversmithing Open Studio days, to work on your own designs with her help. Any of our other introductory courses are also suitable to follow this course.
More information As places are so limited, book now to avoid disappointment, or why not ask your friends and family to buy you a Sussex Jewellery School gift card to help with the cost of your workshop day?
Can I change or cancel my booking? Please note that, for logistical reasons, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds on this course. Please read T&C page before booking.
Your health & safety is our priority After booking, you will be emailed pre-course information - please read this carefully. To ensure you receive this safely, please add sussexjewelleryschool@gmail.com to your email address book. Important: if you have not received the pre-course information by email within one week of booking, or if there is less than one week before your course takes place, please contact us by phone.