Wax carving, a time-honoured practice in jewellery craftsmanship dating back 6,000 years, involves shaping a block of jeweller’s wax through sawing and filing, akin to a sculptor carving stone. Once the wax creation is complete, it is sent to a caster for the lost wax casting process, where it’s enveloped in a hard plaster known as investment, or a special type of sand, and the wax is melted away. This then leaves behind a negative imprint of the piece which is filled with the chosen metal, creating a metal duplicate of the original wax carving. This versatile method allows for the production ..read more

Studying orthographic drawing for jewellery equips you with the skills to draw professional 2D jewellery designs that allow you to visualise your jewellery pieces. By drawing with precision, you’re able to develop your jewellery piece’s design features accurately to better envision a real-life product. This will then enable you to create prototypes, and more accurately cost the final piece. The Orthographic Drawing for Jewellery short course is open to learners of all skill levels.  Whether you have jewellery and gemmology experience, or are simply an enthusiast looking to gain valuable p ..read more

The Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma at the British Academy of Jewellery is a comprehensive programme that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the world of jewellery design and manufacturing. One of the fundamental skills taught in this programme is mastering the piercing saw, a skill that holds a pivotal place in the art of jewellery making. Fundamental skills are the key to success and the importance of mastering the piercing saw should not be dismissed.  The copper box assessment project focuses on a core skill emphasised in the Level ..read more

Writing a personal statement as part of a BA course application can be a daunting task. However, it is not meant to be a test, it is an opportunity to show your unique perspective and passion for your chosen subject, beyond your grades. The application process for BAJ’s BA (Hons) in Jewellery Design and Production includes a UCAS personal statement. Here are some tips from our own staff on how to write an impactful introduction to yourself.  Showcase your motivation The main purpose of a personal statement is to show how interested you are in your chosen subject and how motivated you are ..read more

Welcome to the 50th episode of the British Academy of Jewellery Podcast. This milestone marks a journey that began during the challenging times of the April 2020 lockdown, with the aim of supporting and engaging with the jewellery industry. It’s both surprising and exciting to have reached this 50th episode, and it’s been a pleasure for the host to select, interview, and promote prominent figures in the industry, as well as jewellery makers and thinkers.  To celebrate this special episode, the host, Sofie Boons, decided to share more about herself, her work, and her research with the audi ..read more

At the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), we understand the importance of continuous learning and skill development in the ever-evolving world of jewellery design and craftsmanship. For Jewellers, one of the essential areas of expertise is gemmology. Understanding the principles of gemmology not only adds depth to your knowledge but also empowers you to create exquisite jewellery pieces that leave a lasting impression on your clients. In this blog post, we will explore why jewellers should consider studying our 2-Day Gemmology for Beginners course and the benefits it can offer to both seasone ..read more

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, industries around the world are reevaluating their practices to ensure a more sustainable future. The jewellery industry, traditionally associated with luxury and opulence, is no exception. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of their choices, jewellers in the UK are embracing eco-friendly practices to create a brighter and greener future. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sustainable jewellery, explore what makes jewellery environmentally friendly, and even provide insights into crafting ..read more

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the pursuit of professional growth and career advancement is an ever-present goal. As the world of commerce becomes increasingly complex and competitive, individuals are constantly seeking ways to stand out and make their mark. One powerful avenue towards achieving this is through enrollment in well-designed business qualifications. These courses not only offer a comprehensive understanding of fundamental business principles but also play a pivotal role in propelling one’s career forward. In this blog, we’ll delve into the transformative impact o ..read more

Since the UK jewellery industry adopted Computer-Aided Design (CAD) on a large scale back in 2007, CAD and 3D printing continue to change the way jewellery is designed, manufactured, and sold in many ways. As a response to the particular needs of jewellery manufacturing, specialised CAD programmes have been developed. If you are a budding jeweller or an experienced jeweller looking to expand your options for manufacturing, our “3Design CAD for Jewellery: Beginners” course offered by the British Academy of Jewellery would be an excellent way to build your confidence in 3D CAD modelling for jewe ..read more

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to harness the full potential of technology is not only advantageous but essential. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a creative thinker, or a business-minded individual, the world of digital communication offers an array of opportunities waiting to be explored. One path to gaining expertise in this realm is by enrolling in the HND Digital Technologies in Digital Communications Management course offered by the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ). Embracing the digital revolution: We are living in an era defined by technology. From the w ..read more