What Is The Goldsmith Series? A Modern Alternative to a Traditional Goldsmith Apprenticeship
If you've ever wished you could spend time learning alongside an experienced goldsmith, The Goldsmith Series was created with exactly that in mind.
For generations, jewellers learned through apprenticeships: standing beside a master, watching how they approached repairs, understanding why they made certain decisions and gradually building confidence through experience. Today, those opportunities are increasingly rare.
The Goldsmith Series brings that style of learning online.
Created by Jewellers Academy with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton, this six-week apprenticeship-style programme gives experienced jewellers the opportunity to learn techniques, bench practices and professional ways of working developed over more than 60 years at the bench.
How The Goldsmith Series came about
The programme began when Michael Lynton approached Jewellers Academy with a simple ambition: to pass on the knowledge he has developed throughout a lifetime working in Hatton Garden.
Rather than creating a traditional project-based course, we wanted to capture the experience of learning alongside a practising master goldsmith. Michael brought the techniques, repair methods and workshop challenges he would teach an apprentice, while the Jewellers Academy team developed the structure, filming and learning experience that makes those skills accessible online.
More than learning projects
If you've completed a Jewellers Academy Diploma, you'll already know our project-led approach to learning.
The Goldsmith Series is different.
Instead of focusing on creating one finished piece from start to finish, the emphasis is on learning how experienced goldsmiths think. Throughout the programme Michael shares the small decisions, techniques and observations that become second nature after decades at the bench.
You'll learn about:
Bench efficiency and workflow
Repair thinking and professional decision making
Working confidently in precious metals
Professional finishing techniques
Troubleshooting when things don't go to plan
These are the skills that help experienced jewellers approach unfamiliar work with confidence rather than hesitation.
Learn from over 60 years of experience
Michael Lynton has spent more than six decades creating, restoring and repairing jewellery in London's Hatton Garden.
His expertise includes antique restoration, fine jewellery repairs and traditional goldsmithing techniques, but perhaps even more valuable is his willingness to share that knowledge openly.
As Jess explains during the Open Day, every conversation with Michael reveals another insight into how an experienced goldsmith approaches their work. Rather than simply demonstrating techniques, he explains why he works the way he does and the thinking behind every decision.
What will you learn?
The programme includes 14 professionally filmed bench challenges inspired by the types of work traditionally given to apprentices.
These include:
Creating shaped back holes on eternity bands
Fusing a gold wedding ring without solder
Making tube from sheet metal
Complex chain repairs
Recycling precious metals
Ring resizing
Traditional tap-up shanks
Art Deco collet making
Removing and replacing stones during repairs
Claw setting repairs
Michael's signature butterfly earring backs
Each project develops practical skills while also strengthening your understanding of professional bench practice.
Who is The Goldsmith Series for?
The Goldsmith Series is designed for intermediate jewellers and above.
We recommend it for jewellers who have completed our Diploma in Silver Jewellery or have equivalent experience at the bench. Students on the Fine Jewellery Diploma or Advanced Jewellery Diploma will also be well prepared.
It's ideal if you want to:
Build confidence with jewellery repairs.
Work more confidently in gold.
Learn traditional goldsmithing techniques.
Develop professional bench habits.
Learn directly from a master goldsmith.
Flexible online learning
Although described as a six-week programme, you'll receive lifetime access to all the course materials.
That means you can:
Learn at your own pace.
Return to the lessons whenever you need them.
Attend live Q&A sessions with Michael.
Join the private Facebook community.
Continue learning long after the initial support period has ended.
Goldsmith Series Certification
Students who would like to gain certification can submit photographic evidence of completing eight of the fourteen projects.
Certification is based on successful completion of the required projects rather than detailed marking, giving students a recognised record of their achievement while allowing them to complete the programme at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use silver instead of gold?
Yes. Many of the techniques can be practised in silver, although Michael explains where working in gold differs and discusses the considerations for each metal.
Do I have to complete the projects in order?
No. All 14 challenges are available from the start, allowing you to choose the techniques most relevant to your own work and interests.
What tools will I need?
The programme assumes you already have an intermediate jewellery workshop. Some projects require additional equipment, such as a propane torch or rolling mill, but students are encouraged to watch the lessons first before deciding which tools they wish to invest in.
Learn from a Master Goldsmith
Jewellery skills can be taught.
Judgement, confidence and decades of practical experience are much harder to pass on.
The Goldsmith Series offers a rare opportunity to learn not just what to do at the bench, but how an experienced goldsmith thinks. If you've been looking for a way to deepen your technical skills, take on repairs with confidence and develop professionally, this programme was created for you.
Ready to explore The Goldsmith Series?
Discover the full programme, see all 14 bench challenges and learn more about studying with Master Goldsmith Michael Lynton.