Learning

Yesterday I completed level one of my jewellery making course. A lot of information later and many hours spent producing what look like plumbing fittings I can honestly say…I love it!

The portfolio is in and if I pass I will move on to level 2; to be honest I think everyone passes so am confident of packing my bag and heading back to college on Friday 5 February 2024 to build on my skills and understanding of working with metals and gems. My views have not changed, but the amount of recycled metals in use and the fact that they can now grow diamonds in the lab keep me hopeful that I will find a way to creating my own work in way I can endorse. I have time to work on that. Just made my first piece in recycled sterling silver; everything before that was copper and brass. Not too sure exactly what level 2 holds, I expect lots more technique and research. I have started to make my own designs on paper. I have my own hallmark, should I ever produce something worth placing it on and I am excited to see how my designs progress. So far it is less is more, simple, nothing fancy, sophisticated, understated and personal.

Having just scratched the surface I am looking forward to mining my own personal jewellery seam and seeing just what it holds.

The image shown is my first piece of jewellery, it is far from perfect but it took all my skills to produce it. It is an 8mm round, moss agate cabochon; set in a sterling silver bezel with a sterling sliver wire bail.

I look forward now to developing and growing my skills and to making sense of this new love.