After School Jewels – Jewellery skills for 13 to 17-year-olds

Course Info

Thursdays: 4 pm – 5.30 pm

Central Scotland School of Jewellery, Craft Central, High Street, Dunblane

Level: Beginner/ages 13-17

Half term: Please note there will be no classes on 15th & 22nd October 

This course is open to new applicants only. Two fully funded places are available for those from low-income families. Email hello@cssj.co.uk to apply for a place. 

A fun, hands-on after-school jewellery course for young people who enjoy making, experimenting, and learning practical skills. Supported by the Goldsmith Centre.

Over the course of six weeks, students are introduced to the fundamentals of traditional jewellery and metalwork in a safe, friendly, and supportive studio environment. The course is designed to build confidence, curiosity, and technical understanding through guided making and creative exploration.

Course Structure

Weeks 1 – 3 : Skills, tools, and exploration
The first half of the course focuses on developing core-making skills through samples and short projects. Students learn how a jewellery studio works, how to use tools safely, and how metal can be transformed into wearable objects. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, good studio habits, and enjoyment of the process.

Skills explored include:

• Introduction to various metals and jewellery tools

• Sawing, filing, drilling, and working accurately with metal

• Texturing using hammers, stamps, and letter punches

• Rolling mill use

• Disc cutting and shaping

• Doming, sanding, and polishing

• Ring and bangle making

• Finishing techniques

Each student receives a personal sketchbook to record samples, sketch ideas, and make notes throughout the course. This encourages reflection, design thinking, and creative development alongside practical skills.

Soldering is introduced gradually and safely. Students work in small, closely supervised groups at the main soldering stations. Torches are always used with a member of staff present, ensuring a calm and confidence-building introduction to this exciting process.

Weeks 4–6: Design and making
In the final three weeks, students consolidate their skills to design and create 2–3 finished pieces. Projects may include:

• A textured silver ring

• A base-metal bangle

• A pair of silver earrings or a small silver pendant

What’s included

• All tools and materials

• A personal sketchbook

What to wear

• Comfortable clothing suitable for studio work

• Closed-toe shoes

• Long hair tied back

• Glasses, if needed for close work

Juice and biscuits are provided throughout the session.