Jewellery (Experienced) Night Class and Morning Class
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
An intermediate/advanced practical jewellery course for those with prior experience, focusing on new skills each term such as casting, stone carving, chain making, brooch making, saw piercing, and hydraulic pressing.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin School of Art, P Block, Dunedin
It will take a total of 8 weeks
This course requires 2 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Advance technical jewellery making skills
Extend proficiency in specific jewellery techniques such as casting, stone carving, and 3D metalwork.
Develop individual projects
Work independently to develop your own creative ideas and create finished pieces, with tutor support.
Engage in studio practice
Participate in a collaborative studio environment, observing health and safety protocols.
What You're Signing Up For
This course is designed for people with previous experience in jewellery making who wish to further develop their skills in a collaborative studio environment. Each term offers a different technical focus, from casting and stone setting to chain, brooch, and 3D metalwork, guided by experienced tutors. Not suitable for beginners. Participants work on tutor-led and individual projects to extend their workshop abilities.
Course Content
- Casting using Delft clay (sand casting process)
- Basic stone carving and stone setting (using wet diamond grinding and setting stones in jewellery)
- Chain making (primarily in silver, copper and brass available for purchase)
- Brooch making (including attachments and clasps)
- Saw piercing (cutting intricate shapes with jewellers' saw)
- Using the hydraulic press (creating 3D lightweight shapes)
- Tutor-guided and independent project work
What you need to know first
Previous jewellery making experience required
Basic jewellery soldering and sawing skills
Not suitable for beginners
For under 16s: parental/guardian consent required
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Jewellery
Visual Arts
Craft and Creative Industries
Future employment opportunities might be
Jewellery maker
Studio assistant
Further study in visual arts or jewellery
Independent craftsperson
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.