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Pathways to Membership and Beyond

Structured Learning

Our structured learning pathway guides you from your very first saw cut to advanced silversmithing techniques. Each step builds your skills through hands-on projects, leading to Guild membership and beyond.

Foundations I

  • Introduction to the Workshop – (Chapters 1, 2 and 4 of current Level 1 book)
  • Sawing practice, drill press
  • Introduction to sweat soldering
  • Stacking rings – measuring, pallion soldering
  • Filing, sanding, polishing
  • Melting silver
Final assignment

Silver stacking ring with stamped (initial or decorative) silver blob attached

Foundations II

  • Introduction to the rolling mill
  • Spinner ring
  • More advanced sweat soldering
Final assignment

Silver stacking ring with stamped (initial or decorative) silver blob attached

Core I

  • Making bezel
    • measuring
    • cutting bezel
    • solder backplate
    • filing & sanding
  • Making ring
    • measuring
    • soldering bezel to ring
    • setting – agate/steel burnishing
Final assignment

Bezel set ring (stone must be 10mm round cab)

Core II

  • Pick soldering – soldering links
  • Clasp hook
Final assignment

Final assignment – Chain bracelet or necklace (not just earrings)

Guild Membership

Guild membership is conditional on completion of Foundation I and II and Core I and II to the tutor’s satisfaction.

Step Advanced I

  • Flush Setting
  • Tube Setting
Final assignment

Final assignment – Piece of jewellery using either or both of setting techniques

Advanced II

  • Octopus Setting
  • Cut Card Setting
  • More advanced sweat soldering
Final assignment

Final assignment – Piece of jewellery using either or both of setting techniques

Advanced III

  • Prong settings for round brilliant cut stone
Final assignment

Final assignment – Piece of jewellery using setting technique

Advanced IV

  • Settings for other stones
    • oval
    • marquise
    • with corners / irregular shapes
  • Other clasps i.e. box clasp
  • Other techniques at student’s request i.e. using gravers, casting, hinges
Final assignment

Design and make a runway necklace (including flush setting, bezel setting, prong setting and handmade chain)