Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Jewellery and Silversmithing Classes in York
Established in 2003, York School Of Jewelery has been dedicated to providing exceptional tuition in jewellery making, silversmithing, and design for over two decades. Our mission focuses on delivering high-quality education using state-of-the-art facilities while minimising bureaucratic processes to maximise hands-on learning time. With three fully equipped workshops and 12 workbenches, we offer an accessible environment for students of all abilities, including wheelchair users. Our team of experienced instructors, including Principal Nik Stanbury and Vice Principal Julie Moss, brings over 60 years of combined expertise in metalsmithing and jewellery design. We prioritise ethical practices through material reuse initiatives and community engagement, supporting local charities and international tool donation projects.Our small class sizes ensure personalised instruction, with a maximum of 8 jewellery students and 5 silversmithing students per session. Students benefit from access to hallmarking services, a specialist library, and a supportive creative community. Our graduates consistently produce work of exceptional quality, reflecting our commitment to technical excellence and artistic development. We maintain strong industry connections while preserving traditional craftsmanship techniques. The school's self-funded model allows flexible learning pathways without mandatory qualification requirements, catering to both hobbyists and aspiring professionals.
Services
Jewellery Making Classes
Silversmithing Classes
Design Courses
Taster Sessions
Workshop Access
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 21 years' experience teaching jewellery and silversmithing with proven student success
- Small class sizes (max 8 jewellery/5 silversmithing students) for personalised instruction
- Fully accessible workshops with 12 professional workbenches and 5 silversmithing stations
- Ethical material reuse programme reducing environmental impact and costs
- Expert tutors with combined 60+ years of industry experience including PhD-level silversmithing
What people say
Extremely knowledgeable teachers
Very welcoming and accommodating
Exceptional student work quality
Supportive learning environment
Accessible facilities
Services
Jewellery Making Classes
Our jewellery making classes cater to all skill levels with expert tuition in essential techniques. Students learn measuring, marking, piercing, filing, hammering and soldering in small group settings. Advanced learners develop personal design projects with one-to-one guidance, using professional-grade equipment in our fully accessible workshops.
Silversmithing Classes
Specialist silversmithing instruction covers traditional and contemporary metalworking techniques. Classes accommodate up to five students, focusing on creating functional silverware like goblets and bowls. Students progress from basic skills to complex projects, with access to dedicated silversmithing stations and expert tutors with decades of industry experience.
Taster Sessions
Short taster sessions provide hands-on experience in our fully equipped workshops. Ideal for beginners, these sessions introduce fundamental jewellery making and silversmithing techniques. Participants gain insight into our teaching methods and facilities while creating sample pieces under expert supervision.
Workshop Access
Registered students receive supervised access to our three specialist workshops containing 12 workbenches and 5 silversmithing stations. Each station includes comprehensive tool kits and safety equipment. The facilities support ongoing projects with flexible scheduling options across seven days each week.
Ethical Material Programme
Our material reuse programme reduces environmental impact by recycling old precious metal items into ingots. Students learn metalworking techniques using reclaimed materials, significantly lowering costs. This initiative combines traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability practices, supporting both educational and environmental objectives.
People
Nik Stanbury
Principal
Principal Nik Stanbury holds a BA Hons in 3D Design (Silversmithing) and a PhD in Japanese metal alloys. With over 45 years' industry experience, he combines academic expertise with practical bench skills, previously studying at the Victoria and Albert Museum and Middlesex Polytechnic.
Julie Moss
Vice Principal
Vice Principal Julie Moss trained in art and design at Leeds before completing a jewellery apprenticeship in York. She brings extensive teaching experience and creative expertise to the school, supporting students' artistic development through practical instruction and mentorship.
Questions
How do I book classes at York School of Jewellery?
Contact us directly by phone or email to book classes. We prefer personal communication to ensure proper course guidance.
Do you offer formal qualifications?
No, we focus on practical skills development rather than qualifications, as industry professionals judge work quality over paper credentials.
Can I take both jewellery and silversmithing classes?
Yes, students may study both disciplines though they require different skill sets and working methods.
What materials costs should I expect?
First projects have minimal material costs; subsequent projects use trade suppliers with tutor guidance on material selection.
Are your workshops accessible for disabled students?
All workshops are wheelchair accessible with adjustable workstations and specialist equipment available as needed.
Do you provide hallmarking services?
Yes, students can use our registered mark for hallmarking silver, gold and platinum pieces at no additional cost.
