…a silver jewellery designer.
I’m the first to admit I’ll give anything a go, even though I’m not the most creative individual! From cupcake making to card making, it takes calm, patience and dedication to produce a reasonable end product. I won’t pretend, I was feeling slightly on the nervous side at the start of my journey to the London Jewellery School
I was ready for the challenge though! Although slightly apprehensive; I thought it was about time after working as Marketing Manager for International Jewellery London for five years that I got my hands dirty in the world of jewellery making, so to speak!
As soon as I arrived, I knew I was in safe hands. In the intimate classroom, gentle, calm but enthusiastic tutor Michelle took us through our paces on our journey to make our first piece of jewellery – a ring. We started off by cutting a piece of silver measured to the appropriate length so it would result in a finished product to fit our finger.
After experimenting with techniques we filed, shaped, soldered and polished. The growth in my attachment to my piece astounded me, I became so careful with it and incredibly nervous about making an error that impact the final design and look. It really emphasised the love and passion jewellery designers must put in to every piece.
During fine polishing Michelle commented that ‘this was where the magic happens’ and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Our silver creations burst in to life and ooo’s and ahhh’s filled the room. We had indeed, done ourselves proud and thankfully they all fitted our chosen fingers perfectly.
We then went on to make a pendent. I couldn’t believe I had designed, created and made two pieces of jewellery in little less than six hours. Provided with a great working space, tea, coffee and biscuits and a calm and knowledgeable tutor – anything is possible!
On the door of the London Jeweller School stands the motto “Everyone can make jewellery”, and the motto certainly proved true for me that day, and the other students that pass through the doors of the London Jewellery School.
On my way in I wasn’t so sure how I would fare, but on my way out I was planning my next course – I can’t thank the school enough for a wonderful day. Time now to plan what’s next!?
So Jewellery Industry, feel free to comment, I’m open to ideas?
About the London Jewellery School
LJS was set up in 2009 by jewellery designer Jessica Rose . It began with just one class a month from a community hall in South London and within a few short years has grown to be London’s most popular jewellery training venue.
The London Jewellery School is Europe’s largest jewellery training centre based just off London’s trendy Brick Lane. With over 100 jewellery courses to choose from, more than 25 world-class tutors and three fully-equipped jewellery workshops there is something at London Jewellery School for everyone.
Their motto is that ‘everyone can make jewellery’ which they truly believe. Their jewellery classes are suitable for all abilities from complete beginners through to professional jewellers. They run jewellery courses on weekdays, evenings and weekends to suit all timetables and prices start from just £25.00. They also run very popular hen parties run regular private tuition andwedding ring making workshops as well as holding open studios where students can come and use their fully equipped jewellery workshops and general facilities. Find out more by visiting www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/