Weekly Jewellery Classes: Learn, Create and Make Jewellery That’s Truly Your Own
Have you always wanted to learn how to make jewellery? Perhaps you have a growing list of ideas you would love to bring to life, or maybe you simply want to try something creative and learn a new skill.
At North West Jewellery School, our weekly term time jewellery classes give you the space, support and freedom to do just that.
Unlike our one-day workshops, our weekly classes are less set in stone. There is no set piece that everyone is making. Instead, you can learn essential jewellery-making skills, explore different techniques and work on projects that genuinely interest you.
In short, you decide what you want to make.
A jewellery class where you can follow your creativity
One of the things we love most about our weekly classes is seeing where our students' creativity takes them.
You might want to make a simple pair of earrings, learn how to make rings or create a statement bangle. You might want to experiment with stone setting, silver clay, Delft clay casting, bead work or sea glass. Perhaps you have some old jewellery sitting in a jewellery box that you would love to give a completely new lease of life.
There is no shortage of possibilities.
Our tutors will help you build the skills you need and then support you as you develop them. As your confidence grows, you can become more independent at the bench and start taking your ideas in new directions.
We want our students to have the courage to experiment, try something different and think outside the box.
“I love our Monday Night sessions. Seeing the creativity of others in the group is really inspiring, and having expert guidance on hand is invaluable. I am learning lots, and just want to keep on making!” - Rachel
From Byzantine chains to jewellery with a purpose
Our term timers never fail to come up with interesting ideas.
One of our lovely students, Collette, has been making the most of her time at her caravan by peacefully linking together her Byzantine chain. She then brought her project into class to finish the chain with a super chunky bolt ring.
We can't wait to see her Surfite charm added to the finished necklace!
Another student, Liss, created a beautiful Carnelian pendant with an extra special purpose.
As well as being a gorgeous piece of jewellery in its own right, the pendant gives her somewhere safe to keep her wedding rings when she needs to take them off.
This is exactly what we love about our weekly classes. You are not simply following instructions to make the same piece as everyone else. You can create jewellery that reflects your ideas, interests and life.
And the variety doesn't stop there.
Our term timers have been busy creating statement cuffs, charm bangles, knot bangles and even adjustable christening bangles. Every project is different, and every maker brings their own ideas to the bench.
You don't need to be an expert
If you are looking at all of this and thinking, “That sounds amazing, but I've never made jewellery before!”, don't worry. Our weekly classes are suitable for complete beginners as well as those who already have some jewellery-making experience.
We have a range of abilities within our classes, and our tutors work with each student according to their experience and confidence. Beginners can learn the basic skills they need, while more experienced makers can continue developing their techniques and take on more ambitious projects.
With a maximum of just six students in each class, there is plenty of opportunity for individual guidance and support.
You can ask questions, get help when you need it and then get back to working independently when you feel ready.
A supportive community of makers
Our weekly jewellery classes are about much more than the jewellery itself. When you join us, you become part of a small community of like-minded people who enjoy making things, learning new skills and sharing their creativity.
There is something lovely about spending a couple of hours each week in a warm and welcoming studio, surrounded by people who are also making, experimenting and learning.
Friendships grow. Ideas get shared. Someone might show you a technique they have discovered, or you might see another student's project and suddenly think, “I want to try that!”
It is a space where you can take some time for yourself, enjoy being creative and learn something new along the way.
A studio designed for making
Our studio is well equipped with the tools and equipment you need to explore jewellery making. We continually invest in our equipment and develop the studio so that our students can access more techniques and get the most from their time with us.
There is both group and individual support available, and our tutors are always on hand to help you work through your ideas and projects.
In your first session, you will receive copper to get you started, along with information about ordering the materials you will need for your chosen projects throughout the term. Sundries such as solder, saw blades, emery paper and polishing materials are included. Material costs will depend on what you choose to make, but as a guide, you can expect to spend around £15–£20 on materials. Your tutor will talk you through what you need, so you can have a better idea of your budget before you get started.
Give old jewellery a new life
We also love helping our students repurpose and recycle jewellery that already has meaning.
If you have heirloom jewellery that you would like to transform into something new, you can bring it into class, usually around weeks two or three.
Your pieces must be hallmarked so that we know what materials we are working with, and we also have the ability to test precious metals where necessary.
Repurposing jewellery can be a wonderful way to create something new while keeping a connection to a much-loved piece from the past.
How do the weekly classes work?
Our term time courses usually run for six or seven weeks, depending on the term, and we tend to follow local school terms.
You don't have to commit to term after term. If you want to try a single term and see how you get on, that's absolutely fine. We simply ask that you let us know if you don't want to continue so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
Our current sessions are:
Monday: 10:00–12:00, 12:30–14:30 and 19:00–21:00
Tuesday: 10:00–12:00, 12:30–14:30 and 19:00–21:00
Wednesday: 10:00–12:00, 12:30–14:30 and 19:00–21:00
Thursday: 10:00–12:00 and 19:00–21:00
Classes are for adults aged 18 and over.
Your questions answered
Are the weekly classes suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! Our regular classes are open to all abilities.
If you are completely new to jewellery making, your tutor will help you learn the essential skills and build your confidence. As you progress, you can start working more independently and developing your own projects.
How big are the classes?
We keep our classes small, with a maximum of six students.
This means our tutors can give everyone personalised support while also creating a friendly and intimate community of makers.
Do I have to commit to more than one term?
No. We understand that everyone has different commitments and that sometimes you simply want to try something new.
You can join us for a term and decide whether you would like to continue. If you don't want to re-enrol, just let us know so we can offer the space to someone else.
What will I make?
Whatever you like!
Everyone works on their own projects, so there is no single piece that you have to make.
You could create rings, earrings, bangles, pendants or something completely different. You can explore techniques such as Delft clay casting, silver clay, stone setting and bead work, or experiment with sea glass and other materials.
You can even melt down and repurpose suitable heirloom jewellery.
The list really is endless, and we will help you explore as many techniques as possible.
How much will materials cost?
As a general guide, you can expect to spend around £15–£20 on materials, although this will depend on your chosen project.
Your tutor will discuss the materials you need with you, so you can plan your projects and budget accordingly.
What if my class is full?
Because we keep our classes small, spaces can fill quickly. Existing students have the opportunity to re-enrol before any remaining spaces are made available.
If your preferred class is full, you can email admin@northwestjewelleryschool.co.uk to join the waiting list.
Ready to start your jewellery-making journey?
Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced maker or simply someone who wants to spend a few hours each week doing something creative, our weekly jewellery classes are a chance to learn, experiment and make something that is completely your own.
There is no pressure to make a particular piece. No need to already know what you are doing. And no limit to where your creativity can take you.
Just bring your ideas, your curiosity and a willingness to have a go.
We can't wait to see what you create.
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