Introduction to Jewellery Making

TAFE SA

6 weeks

In a nutshell

Learn essential silversmithing and jewellery making skills in this six-week evening course. Perfect for beginners, you'll create your own silver rings and stone-set designs while mastering cutting, soldering, and finishing techniques.

What you'll need to get in

Minimum age requirement is 15 years old. No prior jewellery making experience is required. Participants should wear closed shoes and have hair tied back for safety. Basic materials are provided, though students may bring their own starter tools if available. Gemstones (approximately $5–$10) and silver (approximately $20) are recommended purchases.

Subject breakdown

The course covers fundamental jewellery making techniques including sawing and filing metal, soldering and polishing processes, ring sizing and forming methods, and surface finishing techniques. Students learn to construct straight bezel and tapered claw settings, work with multiple grades of solder, assemble settings to rings, and complete stone fitting and final finishing. Practical application includes creating a silver ring and expanding skills to stone-set ring designs.

Why this provider?

TAFE SA is a leading vocational education provider in South Australia with extensive experience in arts and design training. The course is delivered at the Adelaide College of the Arts, a dedicated facility for creative disciplines, ensuring professional instruction and access to proper equipment and materials for hands-on learning.

Where will this course take you?

Upon completion, students can pursue jewellery making as a hobby or creative outlet, or progress to further formal qualifications in jewellery design and manufacture. Skills acquired can lead to opportunities in custom jewellery creation, artisan craftsmanship, jewellery retail, or establishing an independent jewellery-making business.