About the course

Introduction to Jewellery Making is a two day weekend course designed to establish a strong foundation in traditional jewellery making. As a core course within the Smiddy programme, it introduces essential bench skills and techniques, offering a broad and practical understanding of how jewellery is made using hand tools and precious metal.

Working within our professional makers’ workshop, you will be guided through a series of structured bench exercises rather than a single finished project. This approach allows techniques to be understood in context and shows how skills interconnect across different forms of jewellery making. The course focuses on building confidence, accuracy and good working habits that can be applied to future making.

This course forms a solid first step for anyone wishing to explore jewellery making seriously, whether as a personal practice or as the beginning of a longer learning journey.

Who is this course for

This course is suitable for complete beginners and no previous experience is required. It is also well suited to those returning to jewellery making after time away, or those seeking a structured refresher of core skills.

The structured, guided nature of the course makes it accessible whether you are confident in creative settings or simply curious to develop practical making skills.

What you will learn

Over the weekend you will be introduced to core jewellery making techniques, including:
Understanding the jeweller’s bench and essential tools
Piercing and preparing metal
Filing, sanding and refining form
Forming techniques for simple jewellery components
Basic soldering techniques
Surface texturing and pattern
Disc cutting
Recycling and reworking silver

These processes are taught through a sequence of skill-building exercises, giving you a clear overview of foundational jewellery techniques and how they are used in practice.

What is included

All tools, equipment and materials are included as part of the course. All practical activities are carried out in sterling silver, allowing you to develop confidence working with precious metal from the outset.

Teaching is delivered in small groups, with a maximum of five to six participants, ensuring individual support and a focused learning environment.

Practical details

This is a two day weekend course.
Sessions run from 10am to 5pm, with a break for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.

Additional information

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE