Tell me about it

Always fancied making your own jewellery but haven't a clue where to start? You're in exactly the right place!

Welcome to Level One Jewellery Making, our eight-week beginners' course at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow, where we'll take you from never having held a jeweller's saw to designing and making jewellery that's entirely your own. No experience? No problem!

Over eight weekly sessions, you'll discover the tools, techniques and processes used by professional jewellers, learning how to saw, solder, shape, texture and finish metal. And you'll be making real jewellery from the very beginning!

Our course is divided into two parts. The first four weeks are about learning the fundamentals. The final four weeks are about putting those skills to work on your own designs.

You'll start with guided projects that introduce you to essential jewellery-making techniques, then have the opportunity to develop your own ideas and create pieces that reflect your personal style. With experienced tutors guiding you every step of the way, you'll build confidence, discover new skills and realise just how much you're capable of making.

Four weeks of learning. Four weeks of creating. Eight weeks of possibilities. And who knows? This could be the beginning of a whole new creative adventure!

Can I do this class?

Absolutely! This course is designed for complete beginners. Never made jewellery before? Perfect. Don't know your solder from your saw blades? We'll soon sort that out!

You don't need any previous experience, specialist knowledge or artistic ability to take part. We'll introduce you to everything step by step in a friendly, welcoming workshop where you can learn at your own pace.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to practise, ask questions and build your confidence as you discover the techniques. Whether you're looking for a new hobby, wanting to try something creative or curious about becoming a jeweller, Level One is the perfect place to begin.

All you need is a little curiosity and a willingness to give something new a go.

What happens?

Our Level One course is divided into two parts, giving you the opportunity to learn the essential techniques of jewellery making before applying them to your own designs.

Weeks 1–4: Learn the Fundamentals

During the first half of the course, you'll explore the tools and techniques that form the foundations of traditional jewellery making.

Make a Silver Ring

You'll make your very own silver ring from scratch, learning how to measure, saw, shape, solder and finish metal. It's a brilliant introduction to the jeweller's bench, and there's nothing quite like putting on a ring you've made yourself for the very first time!

Saw-Piercing

You'll learn how to cut shapes and patterns from metal using one of the most versatile tools in jewellery making. From simple outlines to more intricate designs, saw-piercing gives you the freedom to turn your ideas into something tangible.

Texturing & Roll-Printing

Discover how to create beautiful textures and patterns using different tools and techniques. You'll explore roll-printing, using a rolling mill to transfer patterns onto metal, and learn how surface decoration can completely transform a design.

Doming & Forming

Learn how to shape and form metal into three-dimensional designs using traditional jewellery-making tools. You'll explore doming techniques and discover how curves and contours can bring your jewellery to life.

Granulation & Reticulation

Discover two fascinating techniques that use heat to create distinctive textures and decorative effects in silver. You'll explore how controlled heating can transform the surface of metal and how small silver granules can be used to introduce beautiful details. By the end of the first four weeks, you'll have explored a fantastic range of techniques and developed the foundations needed to begin creating your own jewellery.

Weeks 5–8: Make It Your Own

The second half of Level One is dedicated to developing your own jewellery designs and putting your new skills into practice. Perhaps you'd like to make a special piece for someone, experiment with a technique you've particularly enjoyed or create a small collection of jewellery. Whatever inspires you, our tutors will help you turn your ideas into reality.

During these four weeks, you'll develop your own jewellery designs, learn how to plan and prepare a project, choose suitable techniques for your ideas, build confidence working independently, practise and improve your bench skills, and create original jewellery that reflects your personal style.

You'll have plenty of guidance throughout, with experienced tutors nearby to answer questions, demonstrate techniques and help when something doesn't quite go to plan.

By the end of the eight weeks, you'll have developed a solid foundation in jewellery making, created your own pieces and gained the confidence to keep exploring the craft.

And there's a good chance you'll be wondering why you didn't try it sooner!

Do I need to bring anything?

We'll email you our Level One Course Manual before your first session, so please bring a digital or printed copy. A sketchbook or notebook for taking notes and jotting down ideas is also useful.

All tools and materials are provided for the first four weeks, when we'll be introducing the fundamental techniques. During the final four weeks, you'll be working on your own projects, so additional materials may be required depending on what you choose to make. We'll help you plan your designs and source the materials you need.

Everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench, with access to our studio tools and equipment throughout the course.

Please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum. And if you need glasses for close-up work, remember to bring them!

The details

🔨 Eight-week Weekly Course
🕑 Morning or evening sessions [10am – 1pm or 6pm – 9pm]
📅 Choose your preferred block from the booking options below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe learning jewellery making is a journey, and there's always something new to discover.Our Weekly Courses give you the opportunity to build your skills gradually, develop your confidence and explore your creativity in a welcoming, supportive workshop.

With experienced tutors, fully equipped benches and dedicated time to work on your own designs, we'll help you progress from learning the fundamentals to creating jewellery that's entirely your own.

We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every class you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. So while you're developing your own skills, you're helping someone else discover theirs.

Educate. Inspire. Empower. That's what we're all about.

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB