Discover the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay — Insights from Students, Mentors, and Tutors
If you’re curious about the Diploma in Silver Metal Clay, this video of our live open day offers an inside look at what the course has to offer.
Hosted by Anna Campbell (Community Manager and Tutor on the course), the panel includes mentors Vicky Ralph and Jo Richards, graduates Samantha and Julia and current student Niloo. Together, they share their experiences and insights about the Diploma journey exploring the course content, support on the course and the benefits of working with silver metal clay.
The discussion explores the course content — from beginner techniques and botanical jewellery to stone setting, ring making, soldering, enamelling, and even advanced projects like lidded vessels. The students reflected on why they chose the course, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve grown creatively and technically.
A key theme is the strong sense of community and support. Students benefit from regular mentoring, fortnightly Zoom calls, a dedicated Facebook group, and one-on-one sessions that foster feedback, accountability, and encouragement throughout their learning.
The event also highlights the unique advantages of working with metal clay - its forgiving nature, flexibility to rework pieces, and wide scope for creative expression. With participants joining from around the world, this session is perfect for anyone interested in expanding their jewellery-making skills and connecting with a vibrant community of makers.
Do watch it all! If you have any particular areas you’re interested, you can find the timestamps for the main events below - simply skip to what you’d like to know about.
00:00:10-00:00:15 Anna Campbell welcomes everyone to the DMC open day.
00:00:33-00:00:58 Anna Campbell introduces herself as the community manager and a tutor on the diploma in silver metal clay.
00:01:08-00:01:37 Anna mentions guests including mentors, graduates, and a current student.
00:02:18-00:02:41 Anna talks about her initial passion for metal clay and starting teaching in 2012.
00:03:18-00:04:07 Vicky Ralph shares how she started with metal clay and her love for its creativity.
00:05:27-00:06:16 Jo Richards explains her journey into metal clay after silversmithing.
00:08:14-00:09:08 Samantha, a graduate, talks about her motivation to learn more complex metal clay techniques and start her own business.
00:11:01-00:11:40 Julia, a graduate, shares her experience with metal clay and her interest in sculptural work.
00:16:44-00:17:29 Niloo, a current student from Finland, shares her experience as a complete beginner joining the diploma and her love for creative work.
00:21:02-00:21:30 Mariana from Brazil introduces herself and her interest in mixing ceramics with silver and gold in jewellery.
00:23:28-00:25:30 Vicky explains the mentoring and support available on the course, including Facebook groups, Zoom calls, and one-to-one sessions.
00:29:28-00:30:22 Jo talks about her joy in seeing the student's progress and the community aspect of the course.
00:32:11-00:37:34 Anna briefly describes the different projects included in the diploma.
00:37:52-00:39:24 Samantha discusses her favourite projects, including the box ring, lidded vessel, and poison ring.
00:39:24-00:40:20 Samanthahalliwell emphasizes the camaraderie and support within the Facebook groups. She shares a story about how the group collectively navigated challenges with the paper clay project.
00:40:21-00:41:35 Anna Campbell talks about how the community aspect of the course helps with motivation and accountability. She also highlights how individual creativity shines through in the different interpretations of projects.
00:41:35-00:42:38 Anna shares how some students sell their work, while others pursue it as a creative outlet. The course is designed to support both paths.
00:42:38-00:44:12 Anna discusses the various ways students can interact, including Facebook groups, Zoom calls, and optional in-person workshops. She also clarifies that the core course content is entirely online.
00:44:12-00:45:30 Julia Snelling shares her experience with in-person workshops and how they enhanced her learning and social connections.
00:45:30-00:46:24 Anna reiterates that in-person workshops are optional add-ons and the main diploma content is delivered online.
00:46:24-00:47:33 Anna addresses questions about the time commitment required for the course, suggesting about 6-7 hours per week, which can be flexible to fit individual schedules.
00:47:33-00:49:00 Anna explains that the course is structured with weekly project releases and deadlines for work submission.
00:49:00-00:50:32 Anna details how submissions are reviewed, feedback is provided, and one-to-one meetings are held with mentors for personalized guidance.
00:50:32-00:51:50 Anna emphasizes that the mentors are looking for skill development and understanding of techniques, not necessarily perfection.
00:51:50-00:53:00 Anna clarifies the difference between the Metal Clay Diploma and the PMC (Precious Metal Clay) Certification. The diploma focuses on a wider range of skills and projects, while the certification is specifically about levels and amounts of clay used.
00:53:00-00:54:18 Anna confirms that the diploma provides a certificate upon completion.
00:54:18-00:55:33 Anna describes the online learning platform, mentioning professional filming, lifetime access to videos, step-by-step notes, and the option for material kits.
00:55:33-end Anna mentions tools and materials kits available.
DIPLOMA IN SILVER METAL CLAY
Thinking about taking your jewellery-making skills to the next level? The Diploma in Silver Metal Clay is a fully online, one-year course designed for both beginners and those with some experience. Whether you’re looking to start a rewarding hobby or build a creative business, this flexible program fits around your schedule — no matter your time zone.
The next intake starts in September 2025.
Enrolment closes 13th June 2025, and the deadline to order your tools and materials kit is 31st May.
Click the button below to find out more and start your silver clay journey.
If you have any questions do email us on contact@jewellersacademy or if you would like a no-obligation chat, book in now.