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.