Jewellery making
The making of precious and non-precious studio jewellery, including non-metals, but excluding pure gold (see goldsmithing) or silver (see silversmithing).
| Status | Currently viable |
| Craft category | Precious metals |
| Historic area of significance | London and Birmingham. Also, Edinburgh and Sheffield |
| Area currently practised | UK |
| Origin in the UK | |
| Minimum no. of craftspeople required | 501-1000 |
| Current no. of trainees | 1000+ |
| Current no. of skilled craftspeople | 1000+ |
| Current total no. of craftspeople | 1000+ |
History
Jewellery includes many forms of work from traditional precious metal and gemstone pieces through to cutting edge art jewellery which may include both traditional and non traditional materials.
Techniques
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Metalwork: soldering; forging; etching; repose; raising; enamelling; hammering; stone setting; plating; engraving.
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Non-metal processes can include techniques taken from textiles; plastics; paper etc
Local forms
Sub-crafts
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Gem setting (also classified as a sub-craft of goldsmithing – see entry for further details).
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Jewellery polishing and finishing (also classified as a sub-craft of goldsmithing – see entry for further details).
Issues affecting the viability of the craft
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There are fewer colleges offering jewellery at degree level, although there are many more independent colleges springing up.
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There are issues for our trades, e.g. stonecutters; engravers; polishers and platers finding young apprentices.
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There are also issues, particularly for London-based jewellers, finding affordable workspace.
Support organisations
Craftspeople currently known
Jewellery has a very healthy amount of craftspeople, including those who have specifically trained in the area and craftspeople who, although trained in other areas, find jewellery to be a viable way to make a living over their original craft.
Other information
References