Blog

Our jewellery blog combines news about our courses, projects and events, with tips on jewellery making and design. We also publish interviews with our accomplished tutors, as well as stories and testimonials from our students and graduates. Browse our posts and take a deep dive into the world of BAJ.

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

August 16, 2021

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

June 11, 2021

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?

May 4, 2021

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

April 5, 2021

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

March 23, 2021

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

March 9, 2021

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

February 11, 2021

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

January 19, 2021

Transformable jewellery through the ages

January 11, 2021

Keep calm and carry on: Developing your skills from home

January 7, 2021

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

December 28, 2020

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

December 20, 2020

So you want to take a jewellery making course online?

November 23, 2020

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

November 20, 2020

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

November 20, 2020

Erasmus Student Network International Study Trip | BAJ Student Stories

November 13, 2020

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

November 13, 2020

Making a ring: The first step on your jewellery journey

November 12, 2020

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

October 23, 2020

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

October 19, 2020

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

August 14, 2020

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

August 3, 2020

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

July 15, 2020

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?

February 23, 2018

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?

January 10, 2018

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?

November 8, 2017

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

August 4, 2017

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.

Blog

BAJ partners with Cooksongold to empower next gen jewellers

Five tips to start your jewellery portfolio as a BA applicant

BAJ Graduate Stories: Alexi Hunt

BAJ Theo Fennell interview: jewellery advice from a national treasure

Graduate Stories: Genevieve Schwartz

BAJ graduate Clio Saskia talks about the path to her GC&DC Award win

Building a creative community with BAJ Tutor Bekkie Ora