Jewellery Fundamentals

Our one-year Jewellery Fundamentals course offers you an exciting, hands-on introduction to jewellery design and manufacturing, providing you with a solid foundation on which to start building your future in the jewellery industry. During your diploma in jewellery design and manufacturing, you will explore a wide variety of introductory-level manufacturing techniques, and learn practical design skills in both jewellery illustration and 2D computer-aided design (CAD). You will also gain an introduction to jewellery history, metallurgy and creative thinking exercises, learning from BAJ’s experienced tutors and taking part in both practical workshop sessions and theoretical classes.

Basic manufacturing skills covered by the course include marking, measuring, cutting, piercing and drilling metal, creating rings and chains, soldering straight seams, polishing and finishing. Students also learn how to carve and produce a wax for casting and gain theoretical knowledge about the lost wax casting process. As the Jewellery Fundamentals course is an introductory programme, emphasis is also placed on the teaching of safe working practice.

In terms of 2D design, students are introduced to technical drawing, jewellery illustration, maquette making and relief creation, among other skills, and are also taught how to research a design brief. Training in computer-aided design (CAD) includes an introduction to programmes such as Rhino 3D and Adobe Suite to create 2D images, as well as lessons providing a basic understanding of computer-aided manufacturing in the jewellery industry.

Alongside this practical training, students receive an introduction to jewellery studies, providing students with fundamental information about the jewellery industry, its history and culture.

All of the Jewellery Fundamentals classes are taught in small groups, meaning that every student gets the attention and guidance they need.

The course is available as a condensed option (complete in 5 months instead of 10 months)

Offered exclusively at our Camden campus, the condensed Jewellery Fundamentals diploma course lasts 5 months, running from September until the beginning of February. Classes are 4 days a week, Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri from 9:30 until 17:00.

An intensive alternative to the typical Jewellery Fundamentals diploma course, this practical option allows people to attain the skills they need quickly to progress into employment.

Course overview

You will come away from the course with your own technical and design portfolios and an accredited qualification, equipping you for continued jewellery studies on a range of diploma or degree programmes.

The course therefore serves as the ideal preparatory year for BAJ’s in-depth two-year Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing, on which you will become an imaginative and versatile designer-maker able to respond, adapt and lead in the dynamic and fast-changing jewellery industry.

Upon completion of the Jewellery Fundamentals course, you will receive an SQA Level 3 qualification in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing.

Click here to see some of the work by our students

Entry requirements

No prior knowledge or skills are required to take the course but some prior jewellery knowledge may be advantageous. This course is suitable for those without a previous qualification in jewellery at a level 3 or higher. Please contact our recruitment team if you require further information.

Fees & funding

The course can be privately funded, co-funded, or funded through Advanced Learner Loan. Full bursaries may be available for 16-18 years based in London, subject to availability and eligibility. Funding may also be available for learners ages 19 and up via the Advanced Learner Loan.

To find out if you are eligible, please contact our recruitment team.

£6421 For learners eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan.

£6921 For learners not eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan, this includes international students who already have sponsorship.

What you will learn

Jewellery Manufacturing

2D Design

2D Computer-Aided Design

Professional Studies

Careers and progression

This course will allow progression to year 1 of the BAJ Technical Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture, a two year learning programme incorporating Levels 4-5.

Learners may also apply to progress to BAJ’s BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design & Production.

Alternatively, learners may progress to a range of external qualifications at Level 4.

BAJ Jewellery Fundamentals can also lead directly into employment within the jewellery industry in a variety of roles including: jewellery designer, jobbing jeweller, goldsmith or silversmith. The qualification also includes critical thinking, presentation and marketing skills, so it is ideal for anyone wishing to start their own business.

Jewellery Fundamentals