Diploma in Silver Jewellery 2022 - Your questions answered
Blog
Enrolment is now open for the Diploma in Silver Jewellery 2022 which starts on 12th September. We recently held an online open day event to go through the course and to answer your questions. Watch the replay now and see the answers to the questions asked on the day.
Watch the open day replay
Did you miss the Open Day or want to watch it again?
You can do so using this link
Your questions answered
Course Content and Online Learning
Is there a way to see what a lesson looks like before committing to the full course ?
Take a look at this free course to give you an idea of what the weekly courses are like https://learn.jewellersacademy.com/p/silver-jewellery-making-for-absolute-beginners-free-course
Do you have the dates for the 2022-2023 year beyond the Sept 12 start date?
You can download a copy of the course dates here - Course Dates
What happens if you have holidays booked during the term time?
The course is split into terms that follow the same pattern as the school terms (in the UK). If, however, you are away on holiday/for work etc each term is flexible and you can plan your time to catch up on pieces when you are back. There is also workbench time scheduled into the course to allow you to catch up or finish off any projects. There is an additional two weeks at the end of terms 1 and 2 and an additional 4 weeks at the end of term 3 which is built into the course for this reason. (There are 4 weeks after term 3 as you have an additional final project to complete).
You get lifetime access to all the Diploma courses so once they are released you will continue to be able to watch them.
Is the content completely new or are some videos linked in from the previous content on the membership?
Some of the courses are included in membership and there are some modules that are exclusively for the Silver Diploma. You can view the course content here - Course Content
Is all the course material released at the start of the course, or is it released as you go along?
The course content is released weekly, each Monday you will receive an email with a summary of the material and the content will be available on the course portal for you. You get lifetime access so once each week is published you will have ongoing access.
Approximately how many hours a week should we put aside for the course? Making a new project each week is lot of work - how will I fit it all in?
We taught a variation of this course in person at the London Jewellery School for 7 years and the students had 1 day per week, 10-5pm (with a lunch break!) and they were able to complete the work in that time. So we suggest a day a week, 6-7 hours. This can be done over a few evenings or short slots, however you prefer to work or what works for your schedule.
We recommend you schedule this time into your week so you have some focus on your course. Some projects won’t take you quite as long, some may take longer. There is also workshop time at the end of each term to allow you time to finish off any projects if they need some more attention.
You get lifetime access to the course content so if you prefer to work at your own pace without participating in assessment you can do that.
Do we make our own designs or copy the designs in the videos?
The marking criteria specifies what you need to make each week so it’s important always to refer back to that so you know the skills we are assessing. Some weeks this will be focused on specific techniques and some weeks will have a design element to them. For example, in the first week, you will be provided with templates - we are focusing on your saw piercing skills so there is no design choice that week. Other weeks you are asked to make a pair of earrings, for example, and the shape and finish of these will be up to you. Beginners often find it easiest to copy what is done in the video in the first instance when learning the new techniques. Others will add in their own design variations so it is up to you as long as what you’ve made has met the criteria.
You do complete a module on Jewellery Design and the Final Project is the ideal time to show off your design skills.
I have always worked better in person and I'm worried about being accountable/actually getting down to it and motivate myself to do an online course. Any suggestions/recommendations?
The structured style of the Diploma will help you with this. Each week has a set project to complete and these need to be finished ready to submit for marking at the end of each term. You will be investing money in your own development which can also help focus your mind. We would recommend scheduling time for your learning each week, for example Monday is jewellery day and nothing can interrupt that (in a perfect world!). Having this time scheduled can give you a structure as if you were attending an in-person class. You will also receive weekly emails regarding the course content to keep you on track.
There are assessment deadlines each term that will also help keep you on track. The assessment deadlines are non-negotiable and you will be required to post your work to us each term by a certain date and send us a copy/photo of your recorded delivery receipt as proof of sending. If you do not meet the assessment deadlines (even one of them) the highest you can be assessed at is a pass level even if your work is of a higher standard. Think of it like not turning up for your university exams. Holding you to these assessment deadlines helps keep you motivated and prepared for when you are running your own business or working for another jeweller.
I am keen to eventually set up my own jewellery business but have no idea where to start. Is this covered much in the Diploma or would I need to do some of the other courses as well?
Jewellery Business and Jewellery Photography are covered in the course. You also get access to the Launch Your Jewellery Business in 20 days course as part of your business training.
We often suggest that people take the Jewellery Business Bootcamp after the Diploma as it's the perfect follow on. You can find lots of business courses within our Jewellers Academy Membership or take a one-off course.
Enrolment and Payment Plans
Which payment option is designed to be the most flexible? or spreads out the payment the most?
We currently have an 18-month payment plan available, this is available until 31st January 2022. We have lots of different options for the different combinations you can choose e.g. course only, course + materials, course + tools + materials etc
You can see all the payment options here https://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/diploma-in-silver-jewellery-2022
When does payment start if you sign up for the 18-month payment plan?
If you choose a payment plan it starts immediately and the payment goes out on the same date each month so if you sign up on the 8th of the month, the payments will go out on the 8th of each month until the plan is complete and the course is paid in full. If you prefer your payment to go out on a certain date e.g. on 1st of the month we suggest signing up on that date as unfortunately we aren’t able to change the date.
Can we pay in different instalment amounts rather than monthly?
You can pay in full or pay a monthly fee. If you would like another payment plan do email us contact@jewellersacademy.com
Is this course eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?
As we are a private educational institution unfortunately our courses aren’t eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan. We do offer an 18-month payment plan to help you spread the cost.
You could look at local authority funding opportunities and also the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
I'm not in the UK, how do the payments work with the exchange rate?
The monthly payments will fluctuate slightly with exchange rate fluctuations and can go down as well as up. If you want to start a monthly payment programme and then pay off in full when the exchange rate is in your favour you can do this by getting in touch with us contact@jewellersacademy.com
What is the latest date you can enrol?
We have not yet set a closing date. The 18-month payment plan offer will end on 1st February 2022 and will not be extended past that date as the course needs to be paid in full before it finishes.
In previous years the Diploma in Silver Jewellery has sold out and we do have limited places available. The tools and materials kits usually sell out first as we have a limited supply and won’t be getting any more in 2022.
Tools and Materials
Is there some advice for setting up a workspace to be ready for the course?
Fortunately, you don’t need a lot of space to get started with jewellery making. The course has a section dedicated to getting you set up including a rundown of all the tools. In the meantime, you can take a look at this blog post here or try one of our free courses which will take you through some of the tools we will be using. Try Silver Jewellery for Absolute Beginners
Do you need a jewellery bench?
No! A jewellers bench is a nice thing to have but not a necessity. Any sturdy table or worktop will be suitable.
Do we need anything like a rolling mill?
No. We don't have any projects that require a rolling mill
Is there a tools and materials list?
There is! You can find that here - https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-toolkit
I have lots of tools already, but some of the tools in your list I do not have. Are we able to buy the odd items we need from you or is it only the whole kit for sale?
Unfortunately not. We are only selling the kits in full. You can find local suppliers here https://www.jewellersacademy.com/jewellery-supplies
Do we work with solid gold, gold vermeil, gold plated and gold-filled?
We work with a range of metals throughout the course - copper, brass, sterling silver and gold (usually 9k or 10k gold). We don’t work with gold vermeil or plated pieces in this course because you can’t solder these easily.
With the material kit - do we choose from a selection of stones or are we given the exact ones to use?
We will send you a set of stones that are the correct sizes for the projects needed. If you wish to have certain colours or gemstones, you could always source your own stones so long as they were the right size and then use the ones supplied in different projects.
When will the material and tool kits be sent out?
We don’t yet have a date for sending them out to you but they will be sent out in time for the start of the course on 12th September 2022. We will be in touch with everyone who has purchased a kit to keep them updated and let you know when they are shipped.
Is the shipping costs and import duties included in the course price?
Yes, international shipping and tax costs are covered by us.
(This may change in future years, we have committed to covering this cost for International students in 2022)
Which countries can you ship the materials and toolkits to?
We ship worldwide with the exception of India, Greece and the Falkland Islands. Due to shipping regulations, we are unable to ship beeswax to the Netherlands. Students from the Netherlands can still purchase the tool and materials kit but the beeswax will need to be left out to comply.
I believe you do not ship the materials and tools to the country I reside in. Would it be possible to receive guidance in purchasing them?
We can - there is a full list of materials and tools required here We have a list of international suppliers here https://www.jewellersacademy.com/jewellery-supplies You can also book a discovery call with Mireille who orders all of our tools and materials for the kits and who can advise you further - book a call here
Mentors and Course Support
Is it possible to choose/request a specific mentor?
We assign mentors based on your and their availability for your one to one Zoom calls. As the mentors are working jewellers and teachers not all will be available when you are. You are welcome to email us with your mentor preference and we will do what we can but we can't guarantee to match you contact@jewellersacademy.com
Will the mentors be available to speak to even after the course has ended?
No, the support from the mentors is only available for the duration of the course.
What do you do if you are struggling to get to grips with something and you don’t use Facebook?
As well as the Facebook group staffed by jewellers Monday to Saturday you are also placed in a mentor group where you have a fortnightly Zoom Q&A call. This is where you can ask your questions of a mentor. You also get a one to one Zoom call with your mentor every term so you can use that to ask questions and to get support and feedback on your technique.
Some of our current students have created a Facebook profile that they only use to access the group as it is good to have that regular support from the others on the course but that is up to you.
Are the zoom calls evening slots?
We have different time slots available throughout the day, evening and at weekends as we also have people from all over the world and need to cover different time zones.
If we're based in London, can we go and practice there too?
The London Jewellery School is not open at the moment, we are currently working online only
Assessment
Could you tell us more about the assessment criteria for each term?
You will receive a copy of the assessment criteria for each term. This is what our mentors will use when marking your work.
Here is an example from week 1 term 1
Accurately transfer the design of your chosen template onto your metal Mark ______/5
Sawing - Demonstrate the use of a jewellers saw to cut out your chosen template Mark ______/5
Filing - All edges of the piece must be filed smooth Mark ______/5
Finishing - The piece must be well finished and 'ready to wear' Mark ______/5
Total Mark ______/20
Is the Diploma recognised by other colleges or university? Or is it a standalone qualification?
This course is accredited by the Jewellers Academy. It is not associated with any other awarding body and there is a reason for that. We did look at different courses and mapping the content to national criteria but found that they were all very administration heavy, there were lots of written essays and work to do that we felt had nothing to do with being a successful jeweller. This course is all about helping you learn the skills you need to make and sell jewellery or to become a bench jeweller. We don’t care if you can write essays or not! And neither will your customers!
What level Diploma is it that is awarded if we are successful?
The pass mark for the Diploma is 60% and if you achieve 60% or above you will be awarded the Diploma certification.
What if there is an emergency?
If we sign up, but something then happens or changes, and for some reason we can't then go on to do it, is it possible to postpone until the next year's one?
Remember that you get lifetime access to the course so if you find you’re not able to complete it in a year you don’t have to worry about losing access to the content.
We will always try to support our students in these situations. We would assess each situation on a cases by case basis and there would be options available to you depending on how you wish to proceed. The best thing to do in this situation is to email Anna on contact@jewellersacademy.com who will be able to advise you further.
What if we find that this course isn't for us or if our marks are always low? What's your policy if we want to leave the course early?
As part of signing up for the course, you are committing to completing it. You get a lot of support and we have not yet had this situation happen in 8 years. If you do have any concerns we invite you to book a discovery call > with us so that you can discuss it and we can advise you.
Is this the right Diploma for me?
I have been making silver (and a bit of gold) jewellery for a few years. I can do quite a lot of these things already but am not sure that I am advanced enough to do the Fine Jewellery Diploma. Can you help?
The Diploma in Silver Jewellery is perfect for beginners and improvers. We do have lots of students who have got experience already take the Silver Diploma, this could be to boost confidence, solidify their learning and to cover some of the content they may not have experienced yet.
For the Diploma in Fine Jewellery we would ask that you have experience with 70-80% of the Silver Diploma content (you can check this here) We will not be covering any basic jewellery making skills on the Fine Diploma and would like you to be confident using hand tools, in soldering pieces with multiple joins and setting stones (bezel, tube, flush and collet)
If you enrol in the Diploma in Fine Jewellery before 1st February 2022 you will get Makers Membership until the course starts - this would give you access to all our current individual making courses so you could brush up on your skills before September.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you are ready for this course. Listen to your gut feeling, if you feel excited about the challenge then we think it is right for you! Remember, you are not expected to know how to make fine jewellery already, just willing and ready to learn. It might be a good idea to book in a discovery call with Mireille to chat through which course would be best for you - Book a Discovery Call
Are you ready?
If you are ready to learn how to make professional jewellery from home, it’s time to enrol in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery!
Still have questions?
If you have a question we haven’t covered or you would like further clarification before enrolling then do get in touch. You can email the team on contact@jewellersacademy.com
If you prefer to chat with us one to one then you can also book in for a Discovery Call with Mireille who will be happy to help. This is a no-obligation call. We’ve set these up in order to help you decide what is right for you