Introduction to Jewellery

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

Wood, stone, fire and water are fundamental elements in our integral environment. Fire and water are implements to shape and form metals and stone.

Many aspects of our decorative art have remained unchanged since the time of our earliest ancestors, with their techniques still essentially in practice to this day.

This course will introduce traditional skills including hand carving, metal work and knotting techniques to explore how these fundamental materials can be connected and combined together to make unique hand-crafted jewellery.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous experience of jewellery practice is required.

Special Information

Essential materials you will need to bring to the first class:

A disposable lighter or hob lighter

Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:

Sketchbook
Pencils/ drawing equipment
Research for personal projects - collected inspirational images of jewellery designs
Apron
Glasses for close up work, if required

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:

All workshop tools and equipment
Saw blades, emery paper, solder, slate, drill bits

Materials and equipment available for purchase during the course:

Base metals (copper, brass sheet, wire & tube)
Sterling silver (sheet, wire & tube)

Content of Course

Teaching is delivered over an intensive period of three consecutive day sessions, each with six hours class contact time. Over the class sessions the course will cover:

Day 1: Make a slate pendant/earrings

How to work with slate
How to use a jeweller's saw
How to use a drill
How to use hand/needle files to hand carve materials
Introduction to basic knotting techniques, including macramé and Japanese knots
How to texture sheet metal and wire
How to make jump rings and basic chain
How to make wire and tube rivets
How to texture sheet metal and wire

Day 2: Make a hybrid brooch

How to use a gas torch
How to anneal metal
How to solder metal
How to make basic brooch fittings

Each student will produce experimental test samples which combine a variety of materials and utilise the techniques they have learned from previous days. These test pieces will be the creative foundation for the development of your final design.

Day 3: Each student will work on their own individual projects with one-to-one discussion and support from the tutor.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor who will suggest follow up reading, research and practice to undertake to support their studies. Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

demonstrate knowledge and confidence in making jewellery with specific hand/bench tools and low-tech connections and processes;
make a collection of jewellery pieces using non-precious materials;
show a developed understanding of the design process for small-scale wearable jewellery by experimenting with tests and samples and producing finished piece(s).

Sources

Core Readings

Gale, Emma and Little, Ann, 2000. Jewellery Making. London: Hodder Headline Ltd.
Murphy, Kathie, 2009. Design and make non-precious jewellery. London: A & C Black
MacDonald, Jaimie, 2009. Jewellery from Recycled Materials. London: A & C Black
Larks Books 500 series – e.g. 500 Bracelets, 500 Necklaces, 500 Earrings, 500 Brooches, 500 Lockets & Pendants, 1000 rings.

Class Handouts

Handouts will be provided.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.