We’ve changed things a wee bit

Welcome to something a little bit new! We’ve broken up how we teach jewellery making and changed things up a tad. This is one of our Speciality Skills six-week blocks, which focus on the finer points of making jewellery. These sessions have been selected carefully as they match each other nicely and all belong in the same family as one another. Our Speciality Skills Sessions allow you to go at your own pace and choose when you learn.

If this is your first stop on your jewellery journey and you are not familiar with the basics of creating jewellery, then we absolutely insist you take our Introduction to Core Jewellery class before diving into these sessions.

Tell me about it

In this session, we are introduced to stone setting. We are lucky enough to be led by a master setter down in Glasgow, so we definitely know a thing or two on this subject! But we also fully believe in teaching mount making alongside stone setting, which is why we find that the techniques in this session are spread across two weeks each, to give enough time to learn and understand alongside the actual making and setting. You’ll end up with some lovely jewellery as you step into the world of proper, old-school goldsmithing.

Because things now are far more structured, you can now plan ahead and choose when and how you’d like to learn jewellery making. Once you have completed this six week run, you have plenty of choice! You can choose to focus on Core Jewellery Skills of Brooches, Rings, and Bangles/Bracelets [Necklaces will run parallel with our Intro to Surface Patterns session and Rings runs alongside this one, with both returning in 2026], or return for more Speciality Skills of Casting and Alternative Materials. Or if you fancy just relaxing and playing around at your own pace, we offer Freestyle Sessions.

<< We are still in the process of creating and uploading all our content, keep checking back for more Core Jewellery and Speciality Skills! >>

Can I do this class?

If you have already completed our Introduction to Core Jewellery class [or equivalent], these sessions are for you! Once you’ve done this session, why don’t you take a look at our Masterclasses, where you can take the next steps in your your stone setting journey!

What happens?

Please note that in these sessions, the techniques stretch across two weeks. We believe in teaching mount making alongside setting, so these tasks will increase your overall goldsmithing skills alongside the setting. You’ll get plenty of time to watch, learn, then put into practice what you now know!

Weeks One and Two - Create a bezel set ring for a cabochon
Weeks Three and Four - Create a four claw single gallery setting stud earrings
Week Five and Six - Create a three stone slider pendant for faceted stones, then heavy bezel set

Do I need to bring anything?

We will email you our manual ahead of the class, please bring this digitally or printed out. Also a sketchbook or something for taking notes etc.

You don’t need to bring anything with you as we will provide all the equipment needed plus the materials for the entire six weeks. Everyone will have their own bench with access to all the tools required to make jewellery.

Please wear long hair tied up [or bring something to do so], don’t wear open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

If you need glasses to see things close up, please bring them with you. Making jewellery is fiddly!

The details

Three-hour sessions

Every Wednesday, 6pm - 9pm

April 30th to June 4th

We are a Community Interest Company who are beyond profit. When you buy a class from The Smiddy, money is invested in our social enterprise programmes. We aim to create a variety of sessions aimed at the most vulnerable, disadvantaged or deserving in society to give a sense of purpose and help them feel connected to those within their community. Our goal is to promote social engagement and support cultural enhancement. We believe everyone should get the opportunity to experience jewellery making.

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy
Old Market Place
Banff
AB45 1GE