The School of Jewellery Short Course Programme

By MH

May 10, 2016

191

The School of Jewellery has announced its short course programme for 2016, and particularly of interest are the Masterclasses which should appeal to the professional audience within the Jewellery Quarter

The Masterclasses’ include:

Fusing, Fabricating & Granulating in Argentium Silver
In this five-day class, explore the technology and techniques required to work with Argentium Sterling Silver. Master Goldsmith and Certified Master Bench Jeweller, Ronda Coryell, will provide expert instruction and close up demos.

Students learn the process of fusing both flat and three-dimensional forms. Demonstrations are followed by hands-on experience to create and finish five projects: earrings, a stack ring, flat band, a ring with a bezel,and a box clasp. 18kt or 22kt.

Gold may be added to projects if desired or will be available for purchase locally. The Argentium for use in this course had been kindly sponsored by Allied Gold.

Ronda Coryell is a Jewelers of America Certified Master Bench Jeweler and, one of the world’s most well regarded experts on the use of Argentium.

Founder of the Northwest Chapter of the Florida Society of Goldsmiths, she now devotes her time to lecturing and teaching worldwide. Ronda has taught in such places as Bali, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and England.

She won First Place in the prestigious Saul Bell Awards and continues to gain recognition in competition and exhibition. Her work is included in several books on contemporary jewelry: 500 Earrings, 500 Bracelets, The Art and Craft of Jewelry Making.

Jewellery Catches, Clasps & Hinges
One-off commissions often require an individual approach to the design of fastenings and this valuable course with Richard Witek has been designed to cover the techniques and methods used in constructing catches, clasps, clips and hinges for items such as bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, and cufflinks. Due to the nature of this course it is suitable only for those who have already acquired good workshop skills. You will be required to provide your own precious metals and supplier information will be provided.

Richard Witek has run his own successful fine jewellery business in the West Midlands for many years; he has more than 30 years of extensive trade experience and industry knowledge as well as a wide range of teaching experience. Richard was often engaged to teach at the School of Jewellery on a variety of courses and projects involving his areas of expertise.

Fine Jewellery Techniques
This essential course with Nigel Yates is designed to provide practical understanding and knowledge and help you develop your professional making skills further. During the course you will cover techniques and methods for hand-made jewellery, fine jewellery, model making, diamond mounting and
jobbing jewellery, and learn many trade tips.

This hands-on course will also include trouble-shooting and demonstrations and it is aimed at the designer maker, in-house jeweller or model maker; therefore, it is essential you have an intermediate or advanced level of skill in order to attend. You will be required to provide your own precious metals. Details and supplier information will be provided prior to the course.

Nigel Yates has been working in the jewellery industry and Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter since 1976, specialising in stone-setting and laser welding. He has extensive trade knowledge and expertise and he carries out private and trade commissions, and regularly teaches specialised short courses.

There are many more courses available which include: Casting for Successful Production, CAD – an introduction to designing, Communicating Design through Drawing for Jewellers and Silversmiths, Developing a Portfolio, Diamond Grading and Certification – an introduction, DMLM awareness day, Designing and Drawing using an iPad, Gemmology Basics – an Introduction (GA Diploma), Keum Boo, Making Mounts and setting Asymmetrical Stones or Found Objects – an introduction, Photographing Jewellery – an introduction, Silver Jewellery for Beginners, Silversmithing – an introduction to hand raising, Your Jewellery Business Online – small changes, big results, 3D Digital Technologies Overview, Stone-setting – an introduction, Matrix Skills, and Trend Alerts.