The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) is thrilled to announce a live fine jewellery project with internationally acclaimed jeweller Michael Robinson, founder of David Michael Jewels.
This collaboration gives students direct access to Robinson’s meticulous, single-author approach, learning techniques including hand-forging, sculpting, stone-setting, and gouache rendering, all entirely by hand, with no digital tools.
The project begins with an exclusive masterclass on 5th February 2026 and will lead to a public exhibition on 23rd April 2026, showcasing one-of-a-kind pieces that explore emotion and craftsmanship. Audiences will experience each piece without knowing the maker’s intention, discovering how jewellery communicates feeling as well as skill.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Robinson creates single-author jewellery. Every piece is entirely hand-crafted. He forges, sculpts, and stone-sets each one-of-a-kind jewel, without assistants, casting, or digital tools. Many of his pieces have sold to collectors via Sotheby’s.
His studio, David Michael Jewels, is named after himself and his identical twin, reflecting the personal connection behind his practice.
Students will create hand-crafted pieces that explore emotion while bridging the gap between intention and perception. Each piece will reflect both technical skill and creative expression, showcasing the full range of collector-grade techniques.
“At BAJ, we embrace a broad and inclusive approach to jewellery design and making, giving our students the most comprehensive understanding of the industry. This is achieved through experimentation with innovative materials, ambitious design briefs, and emerging technologies. What truly distinguishes BAJ, however, is our unwavering commitment to traditional craft: time at the bench, working by hand, and thinking through making as an integral part of the design process.
Michael Robinson is a master jewellery creator, and our partnership with him offers students a rare opportunity to gain insight into his exceptional single-author practice, as well as into jewellery made for collectors at the highest level. His generosity with both his time and expertise has been invaluable. We are immensely excited to work with him on this project and to see how our students respond creatively to this unique opportunity.”
– Phoebe Coleman, Deputy Course Lead (Maternity Cover)
The project provides students with hands-on experience of Robinson’s design philosophy. The exhibition will feature student-designed jewellery, technical journals, and gouache renderings, allowing visitors to experience the emotion and craftsmanship behind each piece.
Through this collaboration, BAJ students will develop practical skills, creative confidence, and critical thinking, preparing them for careers at the forefront of the global jewellery industry.
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