The Cognac Jewellery School

Beginners

Foundation Course

Do you dream of creating your own jewellery or even launching your own brand but don’t know where to start? Begin your jewellery making journey with the Cognac Jewellery School Beginners Foundation Course.

Spend a week in the French Countryside with Jessica and learn all the basics of jewellery making and silversmithing, through a carefully curated curriculum of project-based learning in the serene and inspiring setting at the Château de Puyguiller.

During your week you will create at least seven finished pieces while you learn, gaining invaluable insights into the world of jewellery making and craftsmanship through hands-on experience. Jessica will personally guide you through a series of set projects designed to teach you all the essential skills you need to start creating your own designs.

If you have experience as a jewellery maker and would like to develop your skills and work on new collections, check out our Jewellers Bench Summer Residencies, available to book now!

Course Details

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Testimonials

  • "Hi Jessica - just wanted to say a huge thank-you for the workshop last week. You are a great teacher and your patience, guidance, and friendliness made the day very enjoyable and rewarding for two novices! We enjoyed the process so much and couldn't have asked for a better experience".

    R. D.

  • "I absolutely loved my experience at the Cognac Jewellery School. The owner, Jess, is lovely, and the area is beautiful. I would highly recommend going, and if you can't they even have online classes so you can learn from your own home".

    T. R.

  • "The Cognac Jewellery School has many options to offer! I have had the opportunity to make several pieces with Jessica and am so happy to wear them because they are beautiful and the memories of making them with some of the most beloved women in my life come back to me each time I put them on. There is a workshop that can fit with everyone's skill levels and Jessica is an exceptional teacher. I can highly recommend any workshop proposed!"

    A. P.

  • "Had a truly wonderful experience, Jessica is very calming and professional. She explained everything in great detail and I will look forward to doing another workshop again"

    A. P.

  • "You definitely have a rare talent of explaining things in a concise, straghtforward and encouraging way! Thanks!

    A. S.

The Beginners Foundation Course at the Château de Puyguiller offers aspiring jewellers and silversmiths the opportunity to learn new skills in a dedicated jewellery studio during an immersive five-day programme  

The Château and Grounds

  • The Chateau Courtyard

  • The Drive at Sunset

  • Outside Dining in the Jardin

  • View from the Workshop

  • By the Swimming Pool

  • The Back Gardens

  • The Central Courtyard

  • The Pool at Night

  • The South Tower

  • The Jardin de Curé in the morning

  • The Front Gardens

  • The Archway

  • The Grounds and Vines

  • Rainbow over the Pond

  • Nestled in the Cognac Vines

  • Place de Puyguiller

During this project-led Foundation Course you will be guided through a series of silver jewellery projects designed to teach you all the skills you need to be able to continue your jewellery making journey with confidence.

The Workshop and Facilities

  • The Workshop

  • Hammers and Pliers

  • Double Rolling Mill

  • Electric Kiln for Silver Clay and Enamelling

  • Jewellery Punches

  • Silversmithing Stakes, Steel Plate and Draw Plates

  • Gemstone Setting Hand Tools

  • Steel Mandrels for Rings, Bangles, and Silverware

  • Individual Soldering Stations

  • Hydraulic Press

  • Wooden Stump and Sandbag

  • Tools for Silver Clay

  • Wax Carving Tools

  • Anvil

Click here to download the full tools list (PDF)

The Beginners Foundation Course 

Example Itinerary

Monday - Friday 10h - 16h

Monday

Morning: Welcome, Introduction to the Studio and Tools. Basic skills

Afternoon: Project 1: Hammered Coin Necklaces/Earrings

Evening: Welcome Apéro drinks

Tuesday

Rings and Bangles Day

Morning: Project 2: Trio of Stacking Rings

Afternoon: Project 3: Classic Bangles

Wednesday

Silver Clay Day

Morning and Afternoon: Project 4: Silver Clay Leaf Earrings and Project 5: Silver Clay Botanical Coin Necklaces

Thursday

Morning and Afternoon: Project 6: Cabochon Gemstone Earrings Project 7: Cabochon Gemstone Ring

Friday

Morning: Rubover Gemstone Setting Masterclass

Afternoon: Time for finishing and skills development

Evening: Farewell Dinner to celebrate the weeks achievements

*This itinerary is subject to minor changes

FAQs

  • Included in the Beginners Foundation Course is:

    • All teaching and accompanying written material.

    • All the materials you will use during your course.

    • One Years free access to the Cognac Jewellery School Online Courses and material.

    • A designated bench for the duration of your course

    • A light lunch each day (please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements)

    • Complimentary teas, coffees and refreshments

    • Welcome drinks at the Château on Monday evening

    • Farewell Supper at the Château on Friday

    • Accommodation

    • Travel or transfers

    • Insurance

    • Other Meals

  • The Beginners Foundation Courses are open to anyone with an interest in making precious metal jewellery. You do not need to have any previous experience.

  • All the materials you need to create the taught projects are included.

  • Absolutely! There are six jewellers benches in total so you can come with a group of friends.

    Please let us know on application if there are other people in your group so that we can ensure spaces for everyone

  • Please click here to see our location and transport options

  • There are lots of rural places to stay within walking/cycling distance from the Cognac Jewellery School, as well as more urban options within Cognac Town itself. We have put together a list of local accommodation Please click here to browse.

  • While there is some accommodation within walking/cycling distance, The Cognac Jewellery School is located in a rural French setting so it is advisable to hire a car.

    There is plenty of easy parking at the Château itself

  • We advise taking out your own travel insurance

  • Yes there are. You can opt for one, two or three payments. Please Click here to see the prices and payment options

  • Please Click here for the upcoming Beginners Foundation Course dates

  • The Beginners Foundation Course can be taught in English or French.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the Beginners Foundation Course please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the form or via email at hello@cognacjewelleryschool.com