5 Compelling Reasons Aspiring Jewellers Should Study at the British Academy of Jewellery
For aspiring jewellers seeking to turn their passion for craftsmanship and design into a fulfilling career, choosing the right educational institution is crucial. The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) stands out as a beacon of excellence in the world of jewellery education. With a legacy of nurturing talent and providing industry-focused training, BAJ offers a […]
Meet the Tutor: Hollie Paxton
Last week we had the pleasure of speaking with Hollie Paxton, an experienced jeweller and educator who has joined the British Academy of Jewellery as the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Production Year 1 Lead. Read below to learn more about the newest addition to the BAJ team. Hey Hollie, we’re so excited to have […]
Top five benefits of hiring an Apprentice
Apprenticeships give motivated and talented individuals a great start in their career of choice. The new Apprenticeship Standard for Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Allied Trades Professional also offers many benefits to employers and is designed to help subsidise training much-needed staff in businesses across the UK. Here are our top five benefits the Apprenticeship programme offers […]
How to use UCAS Extra and Clearing to find a course
Are you keen to begin studying a degree this September and figuring out your options? Follow our FAQ to navigate UCAS Extra and Clearing to apply for the right course for you. What is UCAS Extra and how do I apply? UCAS Extra gives you the chance to keep applying to higher education courses after […]
BAJ Tutor interview: Collette Waudby
BAJ Tutor Collette Waudby has been nominated for the National Association of Jewellers’ Designer of the Year 2023 award for her jewellery. We chat to Collette about her nomination, her experience at BAJ, and tips for budding jewellers. BAJ: Congratulations on your nomination for NAJ Designer of the Year 2023, tell us about the jewellery […]
BAJ’s Sofie Boons gets inspired at Munich Jewellery Week
Munich Jewellery Week is one of the world’s most important events for the contemporary jewellery industry. BAJ’s Sofie Boons attended the 2023 event this March to see what’s next for jewellery and get inspired. Here is her diary of a jewellery-packed week in Germany. Reflections by Sofie Boons Munich Jewellery Week Day 1 Even though […]
BAJ Graduate Stories: former Apprentice and award winning engraver Megan Rigby
British Academy of Jewellery Apprenticeship graduate Megan Rigby creates intricately detailed and precise engravings at Rebus Signet Rings. Megan has won her five Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council awards in a row, with three gold awards for her work. We chatted with Megan about her experience as a BAJ apprentice and her flourishing career as […]
BAJ partners with Cooksongold to empower next gen jewellers
British Academy of Jewellery is delighted to announce that it has partnered with supplier of precious metals, jewellery components and tools Cooksongold. The BAJ x Cooksongold partnership will include a range of future-facing interactive activities and contests for BAJ students at various levels of study to provide them with valuable industry experience. Cooksongold offers groundbreaking […]
Five tips to start your jewellery portfolio as a BA applicant
Many creative courses require prospective students to submit a portfolio of their work as part of their application. This helps the institute to gauge the applicant’s skill level and see whether or not they will be able to excel on their chosen course. Putting together your first portfolio can be daunting but it is really […]
BAJ Graduate Stories: Alexi Hunt
Alexi completed BAJ’s Jewellery Fundamentals Level 3 Diploma and Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma, Level 4 in London. We chat with Alexi about running a jewellery brand, BAJ memories, and the future. Your jewellery was recently featured in iconic fashion and culture magazine The Face, how did that come about? Whilst most things happen online […]
BAJ Theo Fennell interview: jewellery advice from a national treasure
Wondered how iconic London-based jeweller Theo Fennell rose to the top of the UK jewellery industry and how you could too? Read on to find out in his own words. BAJ:What is your advice for jewellery students looking to excel in jewellery? Theo Fennell: You must have a passion for jewellery, so immerse yourself in […]
Graduate Stories: Genevieve Schwartz
In the latest instalment of our Graduate Stories series, we catch up with BAJ Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma alumna Genevieve Schwartz who has just launched her eponymous brand.
BAJ graduate Clio Saskia talks about the path to her GC&DC Award win
BAJ graduate Clio Saskia currently runs her own jewellery brand, creating fascinating pieces inspired by exotic animals. At this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council (GC&DC) Awards, she won the Gem-A Award for her striking “Snake Knuckleduster” ring. We speak to her about her career so far, her inspiration and her plans for the future.
Building a creative community with BAJ Tutor Bekkie Ora
At BAJ, we believe in fostering a creative fellowship which enables our community to grow and uplift each other. We talk with BAJ tutor and accomplished jeweller Bekkie Ora about the importance of community in the jewellery industry.
Getting started with sustainable jewellery: what should I know?
Produced in a way that minimises its social and environmental impact, sustainable or ethical jewellery is a fast-growing trend. We take a look at how jewellers and shoppers can embrace sustainability.
All about sapphire jewellery
Blue sapphire stones are some of the most beautiful and desirable gems in the world. Here we explore some of the qualities and uses of these fascinating gems.
Graduate Stories: Petra Otenšlégrová
In the new episode of our Graduate Stories video series, we talk to Petra Otenšlégrová who recently graduated from our Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma in London.
How do BAJ’s Live Projects prepare students for a career in jewellery design? A conversation with Head of Academy Kate Rieppel
From organising live projects with established brands, to helping students find jewellery placements through our extensive industry network, BAJ does everything it can to prepare its graduates for life after the academy. We sat down with Head of Academy Kate Rieppel to discuss BAJ’s latest live projects and find out more about the academy’s other career-focused initiatives.
How to become a jeweller: Finding the right role for you in the jewellery industry
What does it take to become a jeweller? If you have just discovered a passion for jewellery, you may be starting to look for information to help you on your journey to becoming a professional jeweller. Here we’ll go over some of the main questions you may have and help you find your vocation in the jewellery industry!
Setting goals and keeping on top of them this January
The start of the new year is a great time to take stock and set goals for the future. But with everything that’s happening this January, it can be hard to keep track of your own objectives. How can you best plan your progress in the midst of so much uncertainty? Here we consider some […]
Transformable jewellery through the ages
Transformable jewellery is currently a popular trend in the jewellery industry. From flexible modular pieces that can be broken down into smaller adornments, to kinetic jewellery that reacts to the wearer’s movements, jewellers are getting creative with all kind of transformations. But did you know that transforming jewellery has been around, in one form or […]
Keep calm and carry on: Developing your skills from home
With lockdown measures in the UK, many jewellery students and professionals no longer have access to facilities to carry out their craft. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your jewellery journey on hold: there are a whole range of resources and activities that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your own home. Here are five ways to keep growing as a jeweller during lockdown.
Jewellery making techniques for creating fascinating transforming pieces
You can use a wide range of jewellery making techniques to create inspiring pieces that transform and evolve. From multifunctional jewellery to intricate pieces that can be opened or collapsed, transforming jewellery is an exciting field to explore. Here, you can find out more about jewellery techniques you can use to make your own magical transforming pieces. Take a look at our tips and find your inspiration!
Jewellery making techniques for creating fascinating transforming pieces
ou can use a wide range of jewellery making techniques to create inspiring pieces that transform and evolve. From multifunctional jewellery to intricate pieces that can be opened or collapsed, transforming jewellery is an exciting field to explore. Here, you can find out more about jewellery techniques you can use to make your own magical […]
So you want to take a jewellery making course online?
Taking a jewellery making course online is a great way to learn new jewellery techniques or improve your existing skills, all while in the comfort of your own home. The number of available courses has greatly increased in recent years, with programmes catering to all interests and skill levels. But with so many online jewellery courses around, how do you choose the right one for you? Here we’ll go over some of the main things to consider when you’re searching for a programme.
Student Stories: Yvonne Oshodi of Maeve Hardware
While studying Jewellery Fundamentals at BAJ London, Yvonne Oshodi runs her own jewellery brand Maeve Hardware. Yvonne’s brand, which she retails from her online shop, was recently featured in Elle and Vogue Arabia. In this interview, Yvonne shares what it’s like to run an independent jewellery brand while studying at BAJ.
BAJ Student Stories: Yvonne Oshodi of Maeve Hardware
While studying at BAJ, Jewellery Fundamentals student Yvonne Oshodi runs her own jewellery brand Maeve Hardware, a Nigerian-British brand with bold pieces that aim to embody female power with a hint of masculinity. Recently, Maeve Hardware was featured in Vogue Arabia and showcased as part of Elle magazine’s “60 New Black Businesses to Follow.” In […]
Erasmus Student Network International Study Trip | BAJ Student Stories
British Academy of Jewellery talks to student Robin about her study abroad experience as part of the Erasmus student network.
Erasmus Student Network International Study Trip | BAJ Student Stories
Jewellery made by British Academy of Jewellery students is currently touring Europe. Students’ designs have been featured in international exhibitions as part of the multi-year Erasmus Student Network programme we are participating in titled ‘The Future is our Jewel’. Previously, at the beginning of the year, a group of BAJ Erasmus students visited several jewellery schools in […]
Making a ring: The first step on your jewellery journey
If you’re thinking of exploring your creativity through jewellery production, making a ring is an ideal first project. But how do you get started? And what material should you choose? When you decide to make a ring, these are just some of the questions you’ll need to think about. Here you’ll find useful information to help guide you.
Graduate Stories: Naki Kaddu
We speak to BAJ alumnus and owner of jewellery brand Nakibirango London, Naki Kaddu, about her time at our London academy and how she crafted a name for herself in the jewellery industry.
Ancestral Artistry: A brief history of wax carving and lost wax casting
Wax carving is an essential skill for jewellery makers, allowing them to craft wax models that can be used to produce beautiful and intricately detailed jewellery pieces through the lost wax casting method. We take a brief look at the history of this ancient art.
Graduate Stories: Susannah King
Susannah King began her journey at the British Academy of Jewellery, studying jewellery manufacturing and design. She now runs her own jewellery brand specialising in durable handmade pieces and is the first vegan jewellery brand in the UK. BAJ sat down with King to talk about her achievements and inspirations, as well as her experiences studying at the academy.
5 tips for getting ahead in jewellery retail
Jewellery retail is a dynamic sector offering a variety of rewarding employment opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out in jewellery retail or are looking to give your career a boost, here are five tips from BAJ on how to get ahead.
Getting started with 3D printing for jewellery design
3D printing for jewellery design is a fast-growing field and one that is creative, demanding and extremely rewarding. Learning 3D modelling gives you the opportunity to learn in-demand skills in the industry and print your own designs – so how can you get started?
BAJ Insight: What does the rise of Z by Accessorize mean for jewellery?
Demi-fine jewels are getting a lot of attention as fine jewellery looks with costume prices are converting high street shoppers.
BAJ Insight: Is blackamoor jewellery racist?
Princess Michael of Kent and Dolce & Gabbana got their fingers slapped for its use, but these controversial jewels still attract buyers.
BAJ Insight: What is conceptual jewellery?
The news of the passing of Ralph Turner, co-founder of The Electrum Gallery, has left me thinking about conceptual jewellery. Turner and his business partner Barbara Cartlidge were the first gallery owners in Britain to champion this style of jewellery when they opened their store in 1971, and the shop continued to do so until its closure in 2012.
BAJ Insight: Celebrities and their jewellery lines
Kate Moss’s announcement last week that she has designed a jewellery line did not come as a shock. Just like fashion and homewares, gardening and cooking, the jewellery industry is not immune to a celebrity collaboration. While some stars simply lend their necklines and hands to a brand, other will get involved in the design process (or at least claim to). Here are just a few of those celebrity jewellery lines, including Kate’s.
