Did you know, as well as running my own thriving fine jewellery business, for the past three years I have been a part of the Jewellers Academy mentoring team for their fabulous Diploma in Silver Jewellery, which takes budding jewellers on a year long online course to learn the fundamental techniques of metal-smithing.
When I started my mentorship in 2020 it was in the depths of the pandemic when in-person learning was no longer a thing. With a similar course having been taught at their jewellery school in London, the Jewellers Academy used their already successful online learning format to create a version of the diploma that could be completed online and were recruiting for mentors to guide their online students. This gave me a chance to dip my toe into the world of teaching. Before I joined the mentor team I was a member of their Academy for three years prior and found their online learning and business courses integral to the growth of my business.
Over the past three years as a mentor I have seen students who have never touched a saw or blowtorch before, be able to create the most beautiful intricate pieces of jewellery from their own designs after just 11 months of training. The joy of observing my students' flourish and thrive throughout the year is what makes my job so fulfilling.
SO WHAT IS THE DIPLOMA IN SILVER JEWELLERY?
This course is a complete training in silver (and gold) jewellery making suitable for beginners who are looking for structured, supported online training in making professional silver jewellery from home.
Master the foundational techniques of sawing, filing and soldering through the projects on the course and then build up your confidence, making rings, pendants, earrings - even a silver box!
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Well the answer to that is ANYONE! This course is perfect for anyone who has always wanted to make their own jewellery. This is an online Diploma course with professionally filmed videos so you can take this course from anywhere in the world. It is suitable for beginners or those who already have a passion jewellery making and are ready to develop their skills.
DO YOU NEED EXPERIENCE AND A WORKSHOP FULL OF TOOLS?
Absolutely not! The beauty of this course is that it takes you from the very basics and you can even purchase your tools and materials needed from Jewellers Academy to make it totally stress free. All you need is somewhere to work from (a spare room corner of your kitchen is the perfect start) and lots of enthusiasm.
HOW ARE STUDENTS SUPPORTED ON THE COURSE? WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A MENTOR?
As a Diploma student with the Jewellers Academy you are fully supported. You will assigned a mentor (it could be me!) and put into a small group with other students. My role as a mentor is to provide advice, feedback and support to you via one-to-one zoom calls, assessment of your work at the end of each term (there are three terms in total) and regular group sessions via Zoom. There is even a dedicated Facebook group staffed by an expert to answer your questions.
DO YOU NEED TO BE IN THE UK TO TAKE THE COURSE?
The beauty of this course being online is that it can be taken from anywhere in the world. Jewellers Academy schedule the fortnightly group calls at different times of the day to accommodate different time zones.
Over the last three years I have had students from all over the world including California, Arizona, Canada, UAE, Iceland, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and even Alaska - we really are a global family!
WHEN DOES THE DIPLOMA COURSE RUN?
The course starts in September 2024 and you submit your final pieces of work in July 2025 with marking and feedback taking place in September. The course follows the England and Wales school terms with 10 weeks of content per term which makes it ideal if you have children like me! There is also additional time at the end of each term for any catch up work or final finishing of pieces. It is recommended to put aside around 1-2 days per week but this could easily be slotted in to evenings and weekends to fit around family life.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER DIPLOMA COURSES IF YOU ALREADY HAVE SILVERSMITHING EXPERIENCE?
As well as the Diploma in Silver Jewellery, the Jewellers Academy also run the Diploma in Fine Jewellery and the Advanced Jewellery Diploma for jewellers who are already established and would like to improve their skills.
The Diploma in Fine Jewellery is designed as the perfect follow on from the Diploma in Silver Jewellery and is designed to equip you with the skills to help you create commercial, highly desirable fine jewellery. With a focus on mastering techniques ideal for commission work such as making engagement and wedding rings, tennis bracelets, earrings, necklaces and even traditional design and rendering.
The Advanced Diploma is designed as the third-year follow-on from the Diploma in Fine Jewellery and is for those whose focus is to increase their technical-making skills for advanced jewellery commissions and collection pieces.
All of these courses are run along the same format as the Diploma in Silver Jewellery and you will receive the same one-to-one mentor support throughout.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION?
If you fancy joining me on next year's Diploma in Silver Jewellery or one of the other Diploma programs run by the Jewellers Academy then you can find out more information over on their website at https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diplomas
You can also find replays of the Open Evenings for the Silver and Fine Diplomas over on YouTube via the links below:
Enrolment is now open for all the 2024 courses which begin on Monday 9th September. Students can choose whether to pay in full or spread the cost with a payment plan.
If you are considering enrolling then there are a few important dates to remember:
Friday 9th February 2024 - 18-month payment plan ends
Saturday 10th February - 12-month payment plan starts
Enrolment for all courses closed on Monday 20th May 2024
You can also find out more and follow Jewellers Academy over on Instagram
If you have any questions then feel free to drop me an email on hello@honeybeedesign@gmail.com
As a member of the Diploma Launch Team, I am proud to be affiliated with Jewellers Academy for their courses. Through this affiliation, I may receive affiliate payments at no cost to you. I wholeheartedly believe in these Diploma courses and wouldn't endorse them otherwise. If you do enrol on this course and are referred by me (Zoë Leavy / Honey Bee Design), I would love you to let me know and also to let Jewellers Academy know at contact@jewellersacademy.com