GEMS & GEMMOLOGY WORKSHOP

The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

Saturday 12th April 2025

This one-day workshop with Stuart Pool of Nineteen48 Ltd will give you a solid overview of many of the key topics relating to gems and gemmology, covering scientific aspects of the subject, the journey of a gemstone and the practical side of gem properties and identification. You will learn to use some of the main gemmologist’s tools and have a chance to examine a wide range of gemstones.

This course is suitable for complete beginners to the subject and will also interest those with some previous knowledge, such as jewellery makers who want to learn more about the materials they use.  Students need only bring their energy and enthusiasm, plus something for making notes. Everything else will be provided.

£120.00

to inc. a gem reference book & refreshments

This class will be kept to a maximum of 10 people aged 16 years and over.

 ROUND SILVER PILL BOX WEEKEND WORKSHOP

The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

 Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May : 10am-5pm

Suitable for those with some experience who have already attended at least one 10 week evening class. You can expect to expand on your traditional silver fabrication skills which will include advanced soldering, precision hand piercing, forming, fitting, polishing and stone setting.

Leave with new skills and a completed handcrafted round silver pill box with a lift off decorative lid!

Spaces are limited to a maximum of 4 people.

£350.00 – to inc the silver  (gemstones are an optional extra)

SILVER SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

 The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

Learn how make unique personalised precious jewellery pieces from recycled sterling silver using traditional silver fabrication skills of mold making, melting, sawing, texturing, punching, soldering, forming and polishing.  Each cuttlefish casting, silver bangle, ring and charm making class will be kept to a maximum of 4 people aged 16 years and over, just choose your preferred date and book your place. It’s a fun and creative hands-on experience for all abilities!

If you wish to redeem your Silver Bangle Making or Silver Ring Making Gift Voucher and the current workshop dates are fully booked, please either contact me or Subscribe here for future dates.

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2 & 1/2 hr Silver STAMPED Bangle Making

 Saturday 18th January, Saturday 1st February & Saturday 15th March 2025

10.30am – 1pm

£90.00 to inc. silver

10 WEEK SILVER JEWELLERY EVENING COURSE 2025

The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

Early Spring Monday Beginners from 13th January – 31st March 2025, 7 – 9pm

Early Spring Tuesday Improvers from 14th January – 1st April 2025, 7 – 9pm 

Suitable for beginners and those who wish to expand on their silver jewellery skills. You can expect to learn traditional silver fabrication skills which will include stone setting so that you can then design and make your own piece/s, or complete any unfinished projects as the course progresses.

Both the Beginners & Improvers course break for two weeks over the Spring Half Term.

£360.00 + materials

Each class will be kept to a maximum of 6 people aged 16 years and over.

– BOTH EVENING COURSES ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED

SILVER CUTTLEFISH  CASTING WORKSHOP

The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

Next date tbc

  10am – 1pm  OR  2.30pm – 5.30pm

A fun and immersive 3 hour workshop designed for beginners. You will get to experiment with hand carving a unique pendant design of your choice in the medium of cuttlefish bone, or alternatively pressing a small 3D object into the bone to then be guided through the casting process using recycled silver scrap.

Leave with a handmade piece of precious metal designer jewellery that you’ve made using this age old sustainable technique!

If you wish to redeem your Silver Cuttlefish Casting Gift Voucher and the current workshop dates are fully booked, please either contact me or Subscribe here for future dates.

£80.00 + materials

“Just a message to say thank you for such a lovely day cuttlefish casting with my sister. I learnt so much and it was truly awesome.”

– O. Litchfield

ONE DAY WEDDING / CIVIL PARTNERSHIP RING COURSE

The Polishing Room, Flaxdrayton Farm, South Petherton TA13 5LR

Design & make them together

You choose the date, 10am-5pm.

What better way to start life’s journey together than to design and make your own wedding or civil partnership rings from recycled silver, Fairtrade gold or a combination of both, including reworking your family heirloom pieces!

You do not need experience as you will both be guided every step of the way on this unique and creative one-day course. Run by myself, from my professional yet welcoming silver studio in the heart of rural Somerset.

The outcome will be two beautiful rings, full of love and meaning that you’ll both be proud to wear forever, plus great memories of a fantastic day.

“My husband Dom & I made our wedding rings with Julia’s informative & creative support… An encouraging teacher, guiding us gently in getting it right. What a magical, unique & truly personal experience it was to fashion our wedding rings for one another, such a beautiful & intimate process. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Julia and her workshops to anyone.”

– L. PARSONS

• PPE: Please always wear closed toe shoes when visiting the studio.  PPE such as aprons, eyewear and dust masks are available, however you are also welcome to bring your own. Don’t forget to have long hair tied back and reading glasses if you need them for close-up work!

• Trip Hazard: To ensure the working area is clear with no trip hazards please leave bulky items such as bags in your vehicle. Coats worn into the studio maybe hung up on the hooks by the door. You are also welcome to bring a drink and have a notebook etc. at your bench.

• First Aid: We have a fully stocked first aid and burns kit however items from these such as fabric dressings / plasters can only be offered for cuts, abrasions and burns that may happen during the class.