Keum Boo Masterclass

Sat 19 September 10 am – 1 pm

Level: Intermediate. Previous workshop experience, including sawing, drilling and soldering, is required. Previous experience with disc cutters and the rolling mill would be beneficial.

Our half-day Keum-Boo Masterclass will introduce jewellery makers to this ancient Korean gilding technique, which, literally translated, means ‘attached gold’. This simple gilding process enables you to permanently attach an ultra-fine layer of pure gold to the surface of solid silver. Keum Boo offers a simple, reliable and affordable way to incorporate the warmth of gold into your designs without the added expense of making in gold. We’ll begin the day with a practical demonstration before you get to work, experimenting with texture and pattern and creating your designs in silver and gold. We’ll look at how processes such as reticulation and oxidation can add further depth to your keum boo pieces. You will work in Fine silver and create a set of samples which can easily be translated into simple finished pieces or be incorporated into your future jewellery designs.

This class will build on an existing foundation of jewellery-making skills such as sawing, soldering and drilling. These techniques will not be covered in the masterclass. Please take one of our beginner workshops or weekly classes first to bring you up to speed with the basics.

Student Feedback

“An excellent teacher and I now feel able to try this technique in my own workshop.”

What to bring:

• We’ll provide all the things you will need to make your Keum Boo piece, including tools, silver and gold. If you want to make a larger piece, such as a ‘statement’ pendant, this can sometimes be accommodated; however, there will be a charge for extra silver.
• A sketch/notebook plus a pen/pencil for notes and designs could come in handy for this workshop. Be sure to check out the range of CSSJ-branded stationery upstairs in the gallery!
• Please bring along glasses if you need them
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a studio environment, including closed-toe shoes. Why not treat yourself to a CSSJ-branded apron to make you feel right at home?
• If you have long hair, please wear it up
• If you are the type of person who prefers to arm yourself with some knowledge ahead of time, then we have prepared a Pinterest board filled with information and inspiration just for you.
• Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please bring your own lidded cup for use in the studio. While we do not have a dedicated lunch area, you are welcome to eat at your desk, and we can also recommend nearby places to eat if you prefer.