Ref: SLW43313
The course starts with the setting up, sharpening and polishing of the various gravers used in jewellery hand engraving. We will cover magnification, transfer techniques, work holding, turntables and associated tools and equipment.
The first copper practice plate is used to build confidence in cutting straight and curved lines, from which you will progress to cutting various Celtic patterns that are commonly found in jewellery work.
On your second practice plate, you will move on to using the flat, round and liner gravers, where you will design and cut a simple flower, incorporating bright cut and cap techniques. You will also introduce the wriggle cut, bright cut borders and the use of liners to produce Florentine designs.
Having practised these specific techniques on a square plate, you will then look to incorporate these into actual pieces of jewellery. Your final task will be to design and cut your own pendant, utilising the various cuts and techniques learned over the previous days.
By the end of the course, you will have built up confidence to undertake the designing and engraving of your own jewellery pieces and you will have established a foundation of techniques that will assist you in incorporating hand engraving into your existing unique jewellery work.
A small piece of plywood: 100mm x 100mm x 18mm
Two pieces of square copper sheet: 0.9mm x 75mm x 75mm
All gravers and equipment necessary for the course will be provided by the tutor. However, there are a selection of gravers available to purchase at the college Craft Shop.
From the College Craft Shop:
From the tutor (you’ll need to pay the tutor by cash or bank transfer):
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
John trained in hand push engraving in Florence, Italy, under the supervision of Beppe Casale. He is the winner of numerous engraving awards, most recent being the 2025 Goldsmiths award for hand engraving and the UK Hand Engravers Association design award for copperplate 2025.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more
