Diploma in Wax jewellery

(1 Year Online Programme)

NEW for 2026

 
 

Our 2026 Diploma is now underway. If you’re interested in joining our next intake in September 2027, leave your email address below and we’ll let you know when enrolment opens.

let me know

Welcome to our one-year online Diploma in Wax Jewellery.

This fully online course is dedicated to the art of wax jewellery making and is perfect for developing your skills in creating both organic and geometric jewellery forms.

Designed to give you a strong foundation in wax carving and jewellery design, the course will help you develop techniques that are enjoyable and rewarding to master while also giving you the skills to create commercial, highly desirable fine jewellery.

You’ll master the ancient craft of wax carving, a technique ideal for commission work and for producing a wide variety of jewellery pieces. The course includes many stone setting techniques as well as refining your metalsmithing skills, helping you bring your designs from concept to finished piece.

There’s truly no other course like this - created specifically for jewellers at this level, with the depth of support and guidance you’ll receive here. We can’t wait to see what you create!

 

Diploma in Wax Jewellery

C U R R I C U L U M

term 1 - Carving & Casting in Wax

Week 1: Wax Carving Level 1: Making a Wax Ring & Pendant

Week 2: Wax Carving Level 2: Stone Setting in Wax - Cabochon & Faceted Settings

Week 3: Wax Signet Ring (Round)

Week 4: Wax Carving Level 3: Claw Setting in Wax

Week 5: Sand Casting Jewellery

CASTING 1: Send work so far for casting ready to clean up at the start of term 2

Week 6: Shaped Signet Ring - Stars and Hearts

Week 7-8: Grain Setting in Wax - Part 1

Week 9-10: Cast-in-place wax stone settings

Week 11: Workshop Week

CASTING 2: Send work for casting ready to clean up and set stones in the second half of term 2

TERM 2: Wax & stone Setting

CASTING: Pieces back from mid-term 1 casting

Week 1: Polishing, Finishing & Cleaning up Castings in Wax

Week 2: Setting Stones in Metal - (Set the flush, cabochon & claw projects)

Week 3: The ‘Build-up’ Wax Technique - Level 1

Week 4-5: Statement Oval Stone Setting in Wax

CASTING: Pieces back from end of term 1 casting

Week 6: Star Setting: Clean up shaped signet ring & Cast-in-place pieces

Week 7: Grain Setting in Wax (stone setting section) - Part 2

Week 8-9: Build-up Technique Claw Set Ring - Level 2

Week 10: Creating a Wax Jewellery Business

Week 11: Workshop Week

CASTING 3 Send pieces off for casting - Build-up technique, large oval pendant, build-up ring

TERM 3: Further explorations in wax

Week 1-2: Stone Setting in Wax Masterclass (with Scott McIntyre)

CASTING 4: Send off for casting

Week 3: Stone Setting & Clean-up: Large Oval Ring

Week 4: Stone Setting & Clean-up: Build-up Technique Pieces

Week 5: Soft Waxes - Creating Designs using Modelling and soft wax

Week 6: Mitsuro Hikime technique with Lorna Romanenghi

Masterclass project back from casting

Week 7-8: Stone Setting & Clean-up: Wax Masterclass Piece

Week 9-10: Final Project (Make a mini collection in wax)

 Week 11: Workshop Week

 Send your work for marking: Aug 2028

* please note we reserve the right to make changes to the curriculum along with updates and development of the course

Note: as this is a fully flexible online course if there are weeks when you are away you are able to plan your time to ensure you cover all of the course content

Dusty Pink Background.jpg
 

Course Samples… What you could make

Advanced Stone Setting in Wax
 
 

Watch the PROGRAMME Trailer video to find out more:

 
 

How the online Training Works

We are professionals in online training for jewellers

Having run online programmes for jewellers for over 10 years, we are world-class leaders in this type of training. This is a highly structured and supportive training course, combining a mixture of live and pre-recorded video training sessions.

We are focused on helping you learn and develop your jewellery-making skills and abilities through a comprehensive online programme.

WHO IS THE DIploma in wax jewellery PROGRAMME FOR?

This online Diploma is perfect for you:

  • If you love making and really want to give yourself permission to dive into learning wax designs in greater detail

  • If you would love to start a side business or would like to make jewellery your full-time occupation (you absolutely can achieve this!)

  • If you have other commitments e.g. work, family as you can fit it in when it works for you

  • Wherever you are in the world - you don’t need to travel to study with us anymore! (Our 2025 Diploma students were in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Iceland, The Netherlands, Austria, France, Seychelles, Cayman Islands, Ireland, Belgium, New Zealand, Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, Spain, Kuwait, Italy, Guam, Andorra, UAE, South Africa, Romania)

  • You could be a beginner or have some experience of making jewellery with wax and want a structured programme to continue to develop your skills

EACH DIPLOMA STUDENT IS FULLY SUPPORTED IN THEIR LEARNING WITH…

  • 1-2-1 mentoring sessions over live video at a time that works for you

  • Fortnightly LIVE Zoom sessions with a course mentor in a small group to get the support you need

  • Exclusive access to the Diploma in Wax Jewellery student Facebook Group to share your weekly progress and gain feedback 24/7

  • Weekly lessons, professionally filmed that you can watch anytime (time zone is not an issue!)

  • Ongoing access to the Diploma video lessons. Go back to them anytime you want

  • Your work is assessed and graded by a professional jeweller and 1-2-1 feedback will be provided to help you to continue to learn and improve

  • At the end of the course, we will be awarding students the Diploma in Wax Jewellery accredited by Jewellers Academy. This is awarded to students that have completed and submitted all the assessed work to the required standard by the deadline dates. Full marking criteria and guidance is provided at the beginning of each term

This is not simply an online course. This is a virtual Diploma which is a highly supported learning experience

 

Creating a Business with Wax Jewellery...

 

Wax is a great medium to work in if you are looking to start or grow a thriving jewellery business. It allows you to make incredible and unique one-of-a-kind pieces as well as creating collections which can easily be made time and time again through having a mould made of your designs.

This year-long course (minimum 1 day a week commitment) is suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced wax jewellers who are looking to explore more and grow.

This course runs across three terms for 1 year. It is flexible study to fit around your timetable.

 
Diploma in Wax Jewellery 18.jpg
 

1-2-1 Support

Each Diploma student will have 1-2-1 online sessions with their mentors each term (three terms per year).

At the end of each term, you will send photos of your finished work to us as an accountability check-in and at the end of the year you will ship your work to us in London, UK for it to be marked.

All of your Diploma work is marked at the end of the year with feedback given to you via a Zoom call from your mentor.

This ensures you stay on track, you are getting full feedback and the support you need to really grow as a jeweller.

 

 watch the LIVE OPEN DAY replay

 
 
 

Want to see exactly what’s included before you join?

In this Diploma in Wax Jewellery Open Day replay, Jessica Rose takes you through the projects and techniques you’ll learn across the year, from wax carving and stone setting through to creating your final collection.

You’ll also discover how the mentoring, accountability and community support work to help you keep progressing throughout the Diploma.

Plus, hear the answers to the questions asked live by prospective students and get a feel for whether this could be the right next step for your jewellery journey.

 

Meet the Tutors & Mentors

Meet some of the incredible tutors & mentors who will be teaching and guiding you through this programme

 
 
 

SCOTT McIntyre

Scott McIntyre is a Master Goldsmith and Founding Director of Vanilla Ink Jewellery School & Studios. With over 25 years of experience in the jewellery industry, there isn’t much Scott doesn’t know! After years of working as a jeweller in high-end workshops across Scotland’s Central Belt, he found his calling as a naturally gifted tutor.

Scott is a thorough, deliberate and professional tutor.

Scott is the author of the very popular book ‘Stone Setting’ - so who better to teach you!

 
 

JANE TAYLOR

Jane specialises in bespoke handmade jewellery, working with client commissions and one-off pieces with beautiful gemstones. She ran her own shop Taylormade, a in Godalming High Street for nearly 20 years and has since moved to a studio in Surrey, creating her pieces and teaching in-person classes. Her work is available from the Jewelled Boutique in Hambledon as well as online. Jane is a mentor on our Advanced Diploma course and is also one of the tutors at Jewellers Academy Brighton.

 
 

Elin Horgan

Elin Horgan is a Bristol-based jewellery designer and maker with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She makes her own collections, makes her own collections incorporating wax carved & cast designs.

Her geometric designs are inspired by abstract art, architecture and the urban environment, which she sells online and through selected independent shops & galleries in the UK. Elin's work was chosen to be a part of the Royal Academy's RA-ted programme which supported a small group of emerging designers by selling a selection of their work through it's shop. Elin has also exhibited at international conferences.

 
 

lorna romanenghi

Lorna is fine jeweller, goldsmith and tutor, based in her home studio in rural Italy who specialises in the Mitsuro Hikime technique.

Trained by Master Goldsmith Scott McIntyre and holding an Honours degree from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Lorna blends traditional bench skills with contemporary design sensibilities. She has a particular passion for alternative techniques - including Mitsuro Hikime, Keum-boo, and titanium colouration - and loves helping makers of all levels develop their skills and confidence at the bench.

 
 

Jo HUNT

Jo is a jewellery designer and maker based in North East England where she creates both her collections and one-of-a-kind pieces from her home studio. Her work is inspired by the distinctive coastal textures and scenery of the north east coastline. Jo sells her jewellery through her website as well as in local independent shops and galleries. She works primarily with the lost-wax casting technique - most often using the build-up method.

Jo teaches the two build-up technique classes on the Diploma in Wax Jewellery and is passionate about sharing this technique and the endless possibilities it offers to students.

 
 
 
 
 

Jessica Rose

Jess is the founder of Jewellers Academy and she will be teaching and supporting students on this course in both wax techniques and how to create a thriving business using wax designs.

Jess is extremely passionate about jewellery making and spends most of her time supporting jewellers to run their own successful jewellery businesses.

 
Dusty Pink Background.jpg

Versatile and affordable

 

Wax carving is hugely popular right now and is a versatile and affordable way to create many designs and experiment in a cheaper material (wax) before committing to designs in silver, gold or other precious metals. Plus it is super fun to work with!

 

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE TOOLS & MATerials?

 
 

Tools & materials

We have tools and materials kits available for you to purchase.

Tool kits

We have three tool kits available. We’ve chosen to split these tools up as some people enrolling will have some tools already and we don’t want you to have to purchase duplicates. The tool kits are:

  • Foundation Toolkit

  • Wax Carving Toolkit

  • Wax Tools Stone Setting Kit

Materials kit

SOLD OUT

Kits are available first come first served - we do run out every year before we close enrolment so if you want to secure yours, don’t wait.

However, if you would prefer to order your own tools and materials that’s no problem. You can download a full list of what you need on the button below.

tools and materials - more info
Dusty Pink Background.jpg
 

Imagine where you could be a year from now

COURSE FEES for 2026/27

1 YEAR DIPLOMA IN Wax JEWELLERY ONLINE

Please note, these fees are for the 2026/27 course

COURSE FEE £3,278

Spread the cost of the course with our 18 month payment plan.

MATERIALS KIT: £492

TOOL KITS

Foundation Toolkit: £335

Wax Carving Toolkit: £282

Wax Tools Stone Setting Kit: £347

Prefer to pay in US dollars? No problem.

COURSE FEE: $4590

Course only - 12 month payment plan - $383 per month

Tools and materials are available for US/Canada shipping

Our 2026 Diploma is now underway. If you’re interested in joining our next intake in September 2027, leave your email address below and we’ll let you know when enrolment opens.

LET ME KNOW

Would you like to take this course in-person?

We run this class from our state-of-the-art jewellery school in Brighton, UK. To find out more and book your in-person Diploma click below:

Book an In-Person Diploma
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to your questions. Just click/tap on the question to reveal the answer.

If your question is not covered here then please do email us, contact@jewellersacademy.com

Please note by enrolling on this course you are agreeing to our terms and conditions >

 

What is wax carved jewellery?

Working with wax is a versatile way of making precious metal jewellery. There are various types of waxes (you will learn how to use many on the course) that can be carved, moulded and shaped. These are then usually sent away to a caster to be cast in the metal of your choice. When you receive your cast metal back you work on it to polish and finish it and set any gemstones etc. Wax is an inexpensive material which means that you can experiment with organic and geometric shapes in your jewellery that you can't achieve using other methods.

How much should I budget for castings during the Diploma?

During the Diploma, you’ll complete 13 cast pieces across the year. We estimate an average casting cost of around £30 per piece, this would total approximately £390. However, within these 13 pieces there are two larger items (including one cast-in-place and one Mitsuro piece), which are likely to cost more. When factoring in these pieces, along with shipping to and from the casting house, we recommend budgeting around £500 for castings over the year for small to medium-sized silver pieces.

This is a guide only. Your costs may be higher if you are casting larger pieces, using more expensive metals, working with a casting house that charges higher fees, or sending items individually rather than in batches. Equally, costs may be lower if you mostly make smaller pieces and batch your castings together.

Castings are spread throughout the year as follows:

7 castings in Term 1

3 castings in Term 2

3 castings in Term 3

As metal prices and casting fees vary by location and supplier, we can’t guarantee exact costs, but this guidance is intended to help you plan and budget confidently for the year ahead.

What experience do I need to do the Diploma in Wax Jewellery?

No experience of working with wax is required as the course starts from beginners level and quickly moves on to more advanced projects and masterclasses through the year. If you have some experience of working with wax then the first week of the course may be a refresher for you before you build on your existing knowledge.

You will also be working with metal so we do suggest that you have some basic skills. We recommend you take our free 10 days of silver jewellery challenge

What are the benefits of learning jewellery making online?

You can watch me answer this question

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzFACNelG1M

What is the minimum amount of time I should spend each week on my Diploma training?

We recommend 6-7 hours per week.

If you can set aside the same day every week and get into a routine that will help you achieve this Diploma qualification. We release the content for the week and then you can decide when you watch it and work on your pieces. At our studios in Hatton Garden we had students that were working full time take the weekend option of this course successfully and you can too!

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://jewelleryschoolonline.teachable.com/p/wax-signet-ring/

What tools and materials do I need?

You can find the full tools and materials list here. https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery-tools-and-materials

When does enrolment close?

Enrolment closed on Friday 12th June 2026. Thank you to everyone joining us this year. We’re now preparing for September and getting everything ready for the new cohort. Missed enrolment? If you’d still like to join this year should a place become available, leave your details below.

LET ME KNOW

What happens if I have holiday/business trip 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).

Additionally, you can watch me answer this question here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUCXbZ6Hi04&feature=youtu.be

What is the marking process for the Diploma?

At the end of the course you will send your work to us in London, UK for assessment. You will pay for postage and any customs charges accrued for sending your work to us (customs charges are variable). We will cover the post of postage and any customs charges for returning the work to you.

If you have completed one of our other Diploma courses, the marking process is a bit different because of giving additional time for the casting process. There will be interim accountability deadlines where we will ask you to send photos of your completed work to help you stay on track.

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 during term time, 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.

How can I stay accountable and motivated on an online course?

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 the year. 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 regular deadlines for sending photos of your work to your mentor each term that will also help keep you on track. The assessment deadline is non-negotiable and you will be required to post your work to us 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 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.

What support do I get as a student on the Diploma?

You get:

1-2-1 mentoring sessions over live video at a time that works for you

Fortnightly LIVE Zoom sessions with a course mentor in a small group to get the support you need

Exclusive access to the Diploma in Wax Jewellery student Facebook Group to share your weekly progress, ask questions and get feedback. This group opens before the start of the course in September.

When does payment start if I sign up for a 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.

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 payment plans to help you spread the cost.

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

You can choose to pay in US dollars if you prefer.

Is the Diploma externally accredited?

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 to make jewellery from wax and to go onto starting a business if you want. 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 I am successful?

To pass this course and be awarded with the diploma certification you need to achieve 60% or above. To calculate this, we add up all of your marks at the end of the year and calculate your percentage. Students are given a full transcript of their marks. The hard copy diploma certification is stated as ‘successfully completed’ for the diploma they are awarded.

 
Jessica Rose Jewellers Academy
 

‘You owe it to yourself to become everything you have ever dreamed of being’