Spend a day immersed in jewellery-making, learning new skills and enjoying a creative experience. This workshop welcomes everyone—from complete beginners to those with some experience. Led by the skilled Rachael Plassard, you'll be supported in a friendly environment as you explore the techniques and joys of jewellery-making.

Special discount to FORGE Friends, enter your code at checkout 

Who is it for and what will I make?

Complete Beginners: A wonderful introduction to jewellery-making, with step-by-step guidance.

Intermediate Makers: Ideal for refining your skills or working on a personal project with expert advice.

Beginners can choose from one of the following guided projects:

1. Silver Stone Set Ring
 Learn key skills such as annealing, shaping, piercing (sawing), soldering, filing, polishing, and setting a stone. This project provides a rounded introduction to a variety of essential techniques.

2. Spinning Ring  
Try your hand at texturing metal, forming your ring, and twisting wire for a unique look. You'll gain experience with techniques like soldering and shaping to create a ring with a spinning element.

For those with some experience:
Make one of the set project above of bring your own work, and Rachael will assist you in bringing ideas to life. Whether you have a piece you started elsewhere, a design you've been planning, or a particular skill you’d like to develop, this workshop will help you achieve your goals. Just let us know in advance what you would like to make. 

PLEASE NOTE MATERIALS NOT INCLUDED FOR OWN PROJECT BOOKINGS. 

What will happen on the day?

This will be a relaxed, welcoming and enjoyable environment, personalised guidance tailored to your skill level and project.  All tools and materials provided, though you may bring your own if you have specific materials in mind.

For both beginners projects you will start by measuring your finger, followed by cutting your silver to the correct length to make your ring.  You'll file up the ends, solder into a ring and then form to fit your finger.

Stone set ring: After forming the ring, you will then saw off a piece of tubing and file to fit the profile of the ring. This will then be soldered onto the ring shank and cleaned up. Once the ring has been pre polished, you will cut the seat for the stone, and set the stone into the ring. The final step is to polish the ring to a high polish or matte finish.

Spinning ring: After forming the ring, you will ad texture to the surface.  Next you will make a twisted silver ring which will be the spinning element, you will assemble both rings together and then perform the magic that turns these two separate rings into one a spinning ring! 

What skills do I need?

Beginners - Perfect for those starting out or who have little to no experience.

Intermediate - For those who already have some prior knowledge on the subject or have relevant skills.

What should I bring?

- Reading glasses (if you need them!) 

- Apron if you wish to protect your clothing.

-Materials if you are working on your won project.

What should I wear? 

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged.  Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my instructor?

Rachel Plassard is an experienced jeweller with a maximalist style. Her work reinterprets the traditional ornament, taking inspiration from highly decorative styles throughout history such as greek headdresses and baroque frames. In creating these opulent pieces she utilises many jeweling techniques such as etching, roller printing, keum boo, gold plating and oxidising. Rachel's mastery of jeweling techniques makes her the ideal instructor to guide you through the process of making your own ring. 

How do I get there? 

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.