Advanced Surface Decoration Course

Advanced
Term

Course Dates

Register Interest
Course Enquiry
Tue 1 Jan 2030, 10.00am

Course Starts

Tue 1 Jan 2030
10.00am - 12.30pm

Tickets

Course Notes

  • 8 weekly classes

Course Overview

Advanced Surface Decoration Course

Develop a refined eye for pattern, texture and finish shaped by the group’s shared creative interests.

Nerissa Parker Jewellery Designer
Class tutor, Nerissa Parker
Primary Tutor / Owner
Level, Advanced
Course type, Term

Our Advanced Surface Decoration Course is for jewellers who already have a working knowledge of surface techniques and want to bring greater depth and intention to their finishes. Across the term, you’ll explore ways of transforming plain metal into something layered and expressive, drawing on techniques such as reticulation, roller printing, engraving, etching, fusing, mixed metals and surface finishes.

What will I make during the course?

The direction of the course is shaped by everyone in the class. In the opening sessions, we’ll talk through the surfaces and effects everyone wants to explore, then tailor the term’s projects around those shared interests. With expert guidance throughout, you’ll build a more considered, professional approach to decorating and finishing your work.

Techniques covered

This advanced surface decoration course is built around a series of focused projects, each chosen to deepen your understanding of surface treatment. Not all techniques will be covered in every course – the focus is on what’s most useful and relevant for each group.

Projects are agreed at the start of term based on the class’s goals and may draw from techniques including:

  • Reticulation – controlled surface melting to create rich, textured molten-look surfaces
  • Roller printing – rolling metal with textured materials or plates to imprint pattern and depth
  • Engraving – cutting fine lines and designs into the metal surface with gravers
  • Etching – using acid to selectively remove metal and create depth and pattern
  • Fusing – melting fine layers or particles of metal onto a surface for texture and detail
  • Mixed metals – combining different metals for contrast in colour, texture and tone
  • Surface finishes – exploring a range of finishing techniques, from high polish to matte, satin and oxidised effects

What will I learn?

  • Refine a range of surface techniques including reticulation, roller printing, engraving, etching, fusing, mixed metals and surface finishes
  • Develop greater control in planning and executing surface decoration
  • Build precision in tool control, heat management and material behaviour
  • Advance your ability to combine texture and decoration with form
  • Sharpen marking, measuring, and design transfer for consistent results
  • Manage risk and safety when working with acids and open flame
  • Finish and polish decorated surfaces to a professional standard

Who is this course for?

This course is for experienced makers with an intermediate to advanced level of competence. This course is ideal for:

  • Jewellers who have encountered most surface techniques and want to refine and build on them
  • Makers wanting to deepen their repertoire across a range of surface decoration styles
  • Professionals seeking to improve precision, consistency, and finish quality in decorated work

Age Guidance

All students attending classes or workshops at Kingham Jewellery School must be 18 or over unless otherwise stated in the course information.

The minimum age for students attending group bookings is school year 11, 15-16 years of age provided they are accompanied by fee paying adults. We do not offer group bookings for under 18’s unless at least 1 fee paying responsible adult attends the class.

Course materials

Course fees include silver solder and saw blades. Metals, findings, gold solder and a variety of stones are available for purchase at the school.

Materials cost

Cost of course materials can vary based on amount required and fluctuations in market prices.

As a general guide, materials for a single day silver course with semi-precious gemstones are usually between £30-£55. Costs of materials for a full term using silver are usually around £50-£80. To minimise costs silver can sometimes be substituted for copper. Copper is currently around 1/10 the cost of silver.

Course FAQs

Do I need experience to join this course

COPY TBC

Where is the course held?

Kingham Jewellery School is based in Kingham in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire. We’re easily accessible from Chipping Norton, Moreton-in-Marsh, Burford, Witney and the wider Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire area. Find us here

Keeping Safe in the Workshop

As a student you are responsible for your own safety in the workshop. The most important things to remember are;

  • Please listen to directions from your tutor to ensure you know how to use all the equipment safely and correctly.
  • Do not operate equipment you do not know how to use.
  • Covered footwear is required and absolutely no high heels.
  • Tie back long hair when using motorised equipment.
  • Please respect others and don’t interrupt students who are soldering, using the drill or any other equipment that could create a safety concern if the operator is distracted.
  • Remember to take all your belongings with you when you leave.
  • Please leave all unnecessary personal items at home.

You will need to bring

  • Your own apron, to protect your clothes.
  • Packed lunches are recommended if your class runs for a full day.

Please do not attend the workshop if

  • You feel unwell.

A more comprehensive guide to workshop safety can be found in our Workshop Guidelines pdf.

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Enquiry: Advanced Surface Decoration Course

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