My Top 10 Picks for Goldsmithing Courses in the UK: A Surgeon’s Guide to Jewellery Making

How did I learn my craft?

Given my full-time job as an orthopaedic surgeon, pursuing a formal jewellery qualification wasn't feasible. Instead, I embraced short courses across the UK, and have met some amazing tutors along the way.

1. The Goldsmiths Centre, London

The Goldsmiths Centre in Farringdon, just a short distance from Hatton Garden, is a remarkable hub for the jewellery and silversmithing industries. Established by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and opened in 2012, it supports both apprentices and established professionals. I've had the opportunity to attend various courses there, covering technical skills like stone setting, filigree, and enamelling, as well as business aspects like range planning and pricing. I have never been disappointed; the quality of the teaching and breadth of courses available is exceptional.

It is also where I first encountered the renowned Stephen Goldsmith, a true Guru of precious metal polishing. His book is essential reading for any silversmith or goldsmith.

2. Vanilla Ink, Glasgow

3. Workshop 925 & Stephen Barnett

Workshop 925, nestled near Woking in Surrey, reflects Kirsten Hendrich's vision for a perfect learning environment for jewellers. Launched in January 2019, it offers short courses in a well-equipped setting with small class sizes. The team of tutors includes Stephen Barnett, with whom I have done a number of courses at Workshop 925 but also bespoke courses at his studio in Farnham.

Stephen is known for his work teaching in prestigious institutions, including the British Academy of Jewellery. His teaching style is detailed and practical, focusing on stone setting and mounting, using traditional tools and techniques. Stephen’s courses are aimed at enhancing the skills of jewellers with some prior experience and really help you understand the why as well as the how of stone setting.

Workshop 925 also offers fascinating courses on topics such as silver etching and press forming.

4. CityLit, London

City Lit in Holborn stands out for its wide array of adult education courses, including several notable jewellery making classes. While most are scheduled on weekdays or evenings, I've found their weekend courses to be a good match for my busy timetable. I particularly recommend the classes taught by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn for her comprehensive and insightful approach. Additionally, for those delving deeper into jewellery design, Louise's book is an invaluable resource. 

5. Morley College, London 

Morley College, with its commitment to inclusivity and social justice, offers diverse jewellery making courses across London. It supports a broad spectrum of students and fosters creativity and personal development. 

At Morley College's Waterloo Centre, I had the privilege of learning from Annette Warham, an esteemed Associate Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths. Under her expert guidance, I learnt so much about the intricacies of high-end  knotting and stringing techniques.

6. Whitney Jewellery School, North Lincolnshire

At Whitney Jewellery School, I had the privilege of learning from Guy Whitney, a goldsmith and diamond setter with vast experience. The school's courses, covering diamond setting to micro setting and wax carving, offer rich, hands-on learning in a well equipped studio. I attended two courses, focusing initially on various diamond setting techniques, including a taste of setting with a microscope. This got me hooked and I returned for a dedicated micro-setting course. The intimate class size, just me and another jeweller, allowed for tailored instruction, and is suited to more experienced jewellers who want to hone specific skills.

7. Rachel Hearne Jewellery, Lancashire

At Rachel Hearne Jewellery School, I was very lucky to meet Peter Keep whose online training platform, Jewellery Training Solutions has been invaluable. Rachel, with over 18 years of teaching, offers courses ranging from basic techniques to advanced skills like mount making. The school's high standard of teaching is further exemplified by guest tutors like Peter and Stephen M Goldsmith, providing valuable expertise to students in the north.

8. St Albans School of Jewellery

St Albans School of Jewellery holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my journey in jewellery making began. There, under the guidance of Martin Hopton and Tracy Furlong, both accomplished Designer Goldsmiths and Martin a lecturer at Central St Martins, I first experienced the thrill of crafting a silver ring. The process of soldering and transforming metal from its raw, unrefined state to a polished, elegant piece, captivated me. 

They run regular weekday courses but the ad hoc Sundays worked better with my crazy schedule. Their beautifully restored barn in Hertfordshire became my weekend sanctuary, where I progressed from beginner classes to more advanced, self-guided workshops.

9. West Dean College, West Sussex

West Dean College, just north of Chichester, is known internationally for its arts, conservation, and design training. Their range of short courses includes an excellent one on Traditional and Contemporary Stone Setting, led by Penny Davis, which I attended back in 2019. This course was a comprehensive introduction to various setting techniques, including rex collets and flush setting. I recommend the residential option; staying on the scenic West Dean Estate adds to the experience with its beautiful gardens and fabulous meals.

10. Joanne Tinley Jewellery, Southampton

Joanne Tinley's studio in Hampshire offers an ideal learning environment for beginner and intermediate jewellery makers. Her workshops and private tuition, complemented by detailed handouts, provide a solid, practical foundation in jewellery making. Joanne's personalised teaching approach at her summer school led me to master two fascinating techniques: keum boo and using a hydraulic press for hollow forms. This valuable experience was further enhanced by meeting the talented Ruth Hollick, who has since become not just an inspiration but also a close friend.

Joanne now also offers online classes at The Jewellers' Bench.

Final Thoughts

In my exploration of jewellery making across the UK, I've been fortunate to learn from a variety of institutions and tutors, each enriching my journey as a surgeon with a passion for this art. This path has not only been about acquiring skills but also about embracing lifelong learning and finding harmony between professional responsibilities and personal interests. While my experiences are unique, the UK offers many other outstanding jewellery training opportunities, and beyond these, local councils and universities also offer excellent short courses.