If you’ve ever admired handmade jewellery and thought, “I’d love to learn how to do that,” my small-group jewellery-making courses in Charlestown are a practical place to begin.
You won’t simply copy a fixed design and leave with the same piece as everyone else. I’ll teach you proper silversmithing skills, give you individual guidance and help you develop your own ideas into jewellery you’re genuinely proud to wear.
Why Try a Jewellery-Making Course?
Jewellery-making is a skill that combines artistry with technique, giving you the freedom to create something truly personal. Here are just a few reasons why beginners love joining my jewellery-making courses:
- No Experience Needed – You don’t need any prior knowledge to get started. My courses are designed for complete beginners, guiding you step by step.
- Hands-On Learning – There’s nothing like working with your hands and seeing a piece come to life under your guidance.
- Create Something Meaningful – Whether you make a ring, pendant or earrings, your handmade piece will hold special significance.
- Relax and Unwind – Many people find jewellery-making to be a meditative and stress-relieving activity.
- A Unique Experience in Cornwall – If you’re visiting the area, a jewellery-making class with me is a great way to bring home a special souvenir that you made yourself.
What to Expect from a Beginner Jewellery Course
If you’re wondering what a typical jewellery-making course with me includes, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
1. An Introduction to Tools and Techniques
You’ll start with an introduction to the tools and materials used in jewellery-making. This might include:
- Sawing and shaping metal
- Soldering techniques
- Filing and polishing
- Texturing and stamping to create unique designs
I will walk you through how to safely use each tool and guide you as you practice the techniques.
2. Designing Your Piece
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you’ll plan your piece. Whether you want to create a silver ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings, I’ll help you plan/sketch out your ideas and bring them to life.
3. Making Your Jewellery
This is where the magic happens! Under my expert guidance, you’ll shape, solder and polish your piece until it’s ready to wear. Seeing raw materials transform into a finished piece is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
4. Finishing Touches
Once your piece is crafted, you’ll learn how to add finishing touches, from polishing to texturing, to give it that professional look. By the end of the session, you’ll have a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home with you.
Types of Jewellery-Making Courses Available in Charlestown, Cornwall
I offer several ways to learn, depending on your experience, interests and how much time you have:
- Five-week silversmithing courses – Learn core skills including sawing, forming, soldering, texturing and professional finishing while creating your own jewellery.
- Private jewellery-making days – Choose a half or full day tailored to you. Private days are suitable for individuals, couples or small groups of up to four.
- Lost Wax jewellery courses – Design and make jewellery in wax before your pieces are professionally cast in metal and returned to the studio for finishing.
- Mitsuro Hikime courses – Explore the distinctive flowing textures created through this specialist Japanese wax technique. Cornovii Silver is currently the only studio in Cornwall offering a dedicated Mitsuro Hikime course.
- Silversmithing Summer Schools – Spend five immersive days developing your skills, completing projects and enjoying plenty of supported bench time.
- Guided Bench Sessions – Return to the studio for help developing an idea, finishing a project or practising techniques with guidance nearby.
Some options are ideal for complete beginners while others are designed for people who already have jewellery-making experience and want to develop their skills further.
Learning silversmithing in Charlestown, Cornwall
My studio is in Charlestown, close to the historic harbour and coast. It’s a lovely setting for learning, whether you live locally or want to include a creative experience in a visit to Cornwall.
The courses themselves take place in a small, properly equipped working studio. Groups are deliberately kept small so I can demonstrate techniques clearly, answer questions and give each person individual help. You’ll have time to practise, make mistakes, solve problems and develop jewellery that reflects your own ideas.
Who Can Join a Jewellery-Making Course?
You don’t need previous experience to begin. My five-week silversmithing courses, private days, Lost Wax courses and selected Summer Schools are suitable for complete beginners.
I also offer options for people who have made jewellery before and want to develop their technique, work on more ambitious projects or return to the bench with support.
People join me for all sorts of reasons:
- to try silversmithing for the first time
- to develop a creative hobby
- to improve existing jewellery-making skills
- to enjoy a private creative day with a friend or family member
- to add something memorable to a visit to Cornwall
- to learn in a small group with clear demonstrations and individual guidance
Each course page explains the expected experience level. If you’re uncertain which option would suit you, contact me and I’ll help you choose.
Find the right jewellery-making course in Cornwall
Whether you’re a complete beginner, returning to jewellery-making or looking for a focused creative experience in Cornwall, there’s more than one way to learn at Cornovii Silver.
Explore my current jewellery-making courses to compare the different options, dates and experience levels. If you’re unsure which course would suit you, contact me and I’ll be happy to help.
