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 | |
| Current no. of professionals (main income) | 1,000+ |
| Current no. of professionals (sideline to main income) |
|
| Current no. of trainees | 1,000+ |
| Current total no. serious amateur makers |
|
| Current total no. of leisure makers |
|
| Minimum no. of craftspeople required | 501-1,000 |
History
Jewellery is a personal ornament, such as a necklace, ring, or bracelet, made from gemstones, precious metals or other materials. Although during earlier times jewellery was created for practical uses such as wealth, storage and pinning clothes together, in recent times it has been used almost exclusively for decoration. The first pieces of jewellery were made from natural materials, such as bone, animal teeth, shell, wood, and carved stone.
Techniques
-
Metalwork: soldering; forging; etching; repose; raising; enamelling; hammering; stone setting; plating; engraving.
-
Non-metal processes can include techniques taken from textiles; plastics; paper etc
Local forms
Sub-crafts
-
Gem setting (also classified as a sub-craft of goldsmithing – see entry for further details).
-
Jewellery polishing and finishing (also classified as a sub-craft of goldsmithing – see entry for further details).
Issues affecting the viability of the craft
-
There are fewer colleges offering jewellery at degree level, although there are many more independent colleges springing up.
-
There are issues for our trades, e.g. stonecutters; engravers; polishers and platers finding young apprentices.
-
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
