Jewellery Making – Intermediate and Advanced
Course aims
This course will enable you to take on challenging projects which will help you to further develop skills in manipulating tools, equipment and techniques to produce complex items of jewellery to a high standard.
Will I gain a qualification on this course?
No - this is a non-accredited course.
Course length
Courses last from 6 to 12 weeks, and sessions are usually for two hours. Please check the BAES web site www.learnbaes.ac.uk BAES Learning Directory, visit or telephone one of our adult learning centres for details.
Who is this course for?
This course is for learners who already know the basic techniques, tools and materials required to be able to independently produce items of jewellery, but who would like to stretch themselves to achieve higher standards. It would be suitable for those thinking about going on to study for a qualification in this craft, or to work in the Design and Craft sector.
Entry requirements
You will need experience of jewellery making for this course. As your projects will involve research and taking notes, as well as calculating quantities and taking accurate measurements, you will need to have good levels of English and maths. You will have an initial assessment at the start of the course to ensure that it is suitable for you.
What will I learn?
- How to use tools (including power tools), techniques and materials safely and correctly, as well as how to organise your workstation.
- How to take and record measurements and quantities to produce finished items of jewellery with a high degree of accuracy.
- How to carry out complex techniques using wire, string, chainmail, modelling, engraving and beating.
- How to select appropriate materials with which to make jewellery items according to their intended function.
- How to design your own jewellery
- How to produce good research materials which benefit your designs.
- Knowledge of employment opportunities in the Design and Craft sector.
How will I learn?
- Through tutor demonstration and instruction.
- By experimenting with different materials, equipment, tools and techniques.
- By producing complex items of jewellery which involve new or extended skills either to commission or in negotiation with your tutor.
- By changing, adapting and improving existing items of jewellery.
- By researching the work of established or well- known designers and jewellers for inspiration and to build knowledge.
- By visiting designers and makers of jewellery.
What could this course lead to?
It could lead to further courses in jewellery making techniques at Advanced Level, or to a qualification course at Level 2 or 3.
Your responsibilities as a learner on this course
To ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your course you will need to attend all sessions, be punctual, and bring the correct materials to each session.
Important information
The fees for this course do not cover the cost of equipment and materials. You will need a tool box, wire cutters, round- nosed pliers, flat-nosed pliers, a crimping tool, a bead box with compartments, beading thread and a big-eye beading needle.
We encourage learners to think about the environment whilst studying with us, as many materials such as cardboard, glass, scrap metal, and old or broken jewellery can be used to produce attractive, low-cost jewellery items.
