INDEPENDENT SILVERSMITHING & JEWELLERY CLASSES IN ESSEX

From first-time experiences to master-level techniques, discover the art of working with precious metals in a supportive, creative sanctuary.

Whether you want to try a one-off experience, embark on a journey to learn a new hobby, or develop professional-level skills using traditional goldsmithing techniques, we have something for everyone. 

WHAT'S ON

Dive right in! Here are our current courses and taster sessions open for instant booking.

Find the class you want, even if dates aren't available yet. Join the waitlist to signal your interest, once enough people sign up, you’ll get first dibs on a BenchSPACE! 

YOUR JEWELLERY MAKING JOURNEY

It all starts here...  

Whether you're looking for a one-off taster session or a structured path from beginner to advanced maker, every journey starts at the bench. Master the fundamentals on our courses, and you'll earn independent access to our studio workspace!

9
01.

TASTER SESSIONS

Open to All

Single-session workshops to try your hand at working with precious metals and take home a finished silver piece in a day. Bookable Online.

9
02.

BEGINNERS Level 1

The Essential Start

The foundational course teaching studio safety, tool mastery, and core goldsmithing techniques using silver or copper. Bookable Online.

9
03.

Progressive Levels 2–4

Graduate Pathway

Build on your knowledge, refine your technical soldering and fabrication, and work on higher-complexity designs. (Unlocked after Level 1).

9
04.

Monthly Masterclasses

Upskilling Sessions

Single topic workshops taught by Karen and expert guests (covering specialist skills like hand engraving, gold polishing, flush setting, enamelling and more). Open to Existing Students & Experienced Makers.

05.

Independent bench hire

£60/month membership

Access professional studio tools and machinery in a safe, supervised environment to work on your personal projects. For BENCHspace Students L3+.

 

Learn From Experienced Makers

Whether you're holding a jeweller's saw for the first time or fine-tuning your technique, our tutors are here to guide you through every step in a relaxed, supportive studio.

“Ready to start your next creative journey? I’m a professional silversmith / jeweller and qualified teacher with over three decades of expertise to share! Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned maker, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get making – I can’t wait to see what you create!” - Karen Cooke, BENCHspace founder

More Than a Studio: The BENCHspace Community

Clients busy making jewellery at BENCHspace workshop

Creative Connection

A welcoming, pressure-free environment where making jewellery becomes your weekly reset.

The Benchspace Collective

Ready to take the next step? We support our makers with group pop-up exhibitions and collective selling opportunities.

Shared Space and Growth

Whether you are working through a tricky design or looking for technical feedback, you’re never making alone.

All reviews
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ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 55.0214 reviews
5.0Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent214 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.0142 reviews
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent142 reviews
ExcellentFacebook star 1Facebook star 2Facebook star 3Facebook star 4Facebook star 55.071 reviews
5.0Facebook star 1Facebook star 2Facebook star 3Facebook star 4Facebook star 5
Excellent71 reviews
ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 55.01 reviews
5.0Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent1 reviews
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Ehlana Foley profile picture
Ehlana Foley
33 days ago
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+1
Just got back from a hammered & stamped ring making workshop with Karen & I had so much fun! I dragged my fiance to who is a stay at home type of person & he absolutely loved it too & I’ve got two brand new rings! Karen is a great teacher, funny, laid back & really puts you at ease. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a day out on their own or with friends, or looking to get into jewellery making / silver / goldsmithing! I can’t wait to do another 😍
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Lisa Timberlake profile picture
Lisa Timberlake
77 days ago
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The course shared plenty of techniques to keep you busy and teach you new skills. Karen is extremely knowledgeable and a really lovely human to be around. I could have easily spent all day in that workshop. Will definitely be joining for level two and beyond. Highly recommend!
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Jane Bazzali profile picture
Jane Bazzali
91 days ago
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+0
Absolutely fantastic class. We made silver rings from scratch, I felt really proud. It was a lovely group of people and Karen has an amazing way- she's so calm but yet you remember every bit. She is lovely, a true professional who is so knowledgable and skilled. Thank you Karen, I can't wait to do another xx
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Helen profile picture
Helen
96 days ago
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+0
Ring making course Really enjoyed our ring making session at Benchspace. Karen was super helpful and explained everything so well. So pleased with the results. Would definitely recommend!
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Leo Hinton profile picture
Leo Hinton
96 days ago
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Fun. Helpful. And made a very cool ring!
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Jo Young profile picture
Jo Young
100 days ago
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Really enjoyed the Beginners Course, there were plenty of tools available for "hands on" practice, thorough instructions on how to use the equipment safely and correctly, and Karen was always to hand to help with any questions. Look forward to doing more courses in the very near future. Thank you.
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Julia Van Ek profile picture
Julia Van Ek
101 days ago
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It was really step by step so we built up our skills as we went. This made it possible to end up with an item we were pleased with. Real joy.
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Kim Vaughan profile picture
Kim Vaughan
117 days ago
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+0
What a great day making a gorgeous spinner ring, a wonderful birthday treat with my daughter! Thank you Karen for guiding us to such a happy outcome!
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Sonia Whipps profile picture
Sonia Whipps
124 days ago
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Had a lovely time making a silver ring karen was so helpful and took plenty of time with us all going through the steps to get the end result ive never done this before and would highly recommend this class. Thankyou x
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Lydiane Fevre profile picture
Lydiane Fevre
143 days ago
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+0
I had a lovely day making a spinner ring. I learnt so much under the care of Karen and Emma, both welcoming patient and very knowledgeable. As soon as I finished I wanted another go! Can't wait to come back.
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Lyndsay Murty profile picture
Lyndsay Murty
145 days ago
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+0
I attended a jewellery making class at BENCHspace where I made a spinner ring, and I absolutely loved it! The tutors were so lovely, supportive and knowledgeable throughout the session, making the whole experience really enjoyable and relaxing. I’m so pleased with the finished piece — such a beautiful end product that I’ll treasure. I would highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to try something creative and learn a new skill!
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Nicola Stephens profile picture
Nicola Stephens
506 days ago
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I made a thing (11th May)...a spinner ring! It involved dangerous tools (hammers & saws) and fire...so just a touch out of my comfort zone, but I LOVED IT! I've wanted my own fidget ring for a while now...but never dreamed I'd make it myself. Thank you to Karen and Kitty for your guidance and patience. I absolutely 100% recommend this 1-day course and hope to do another one sometime soon. 💍💚🩵
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Lynne Seabridge-Long profile picture
Lynne Seabridge-Long
550 days ago
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Another great taster session. One with my daughter, today with my son. Karen's tutoring has enabled me to make 2 individually crafted rings over the sessions. Thank you
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Kelly Maynard Mitton profile picture
Kelly Maynard Mitton
572 days ago
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I have absolutely loved my level 1 and level 2 courses, I’ve learnt so many new skills and made so much lovely new jewellery, I can’t wait to start the level 3, and learn even more so I can make myself some even more jewellery. Thanks Karen for being a great teacher and being patient!
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Debbie Abraham profile picture
Debbie Abraham
572 days ago
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I've just completed Karen's level 3 course and now have a beautiful bracelet with a laboradite cabochon and two stacking rings. Highly recommend jewellery classes at Bench Space.
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Maria Yardley profile picture
Maria Yardley
585 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Had a taster session. Was a great morning. Thank you. Will be back.
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Karen Hills profile picture
Karen Hills
698 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
lovely relaxed day and you end up with some wearable rings. Karen is helpful and knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble. thank you
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Rhona Whitley profile picture
Rhona Whitley
718 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Excellent day , very happy with my bangles, fabulous tutorial, a wonderful bunch of ladies, I’ll definitely book again
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Mark Wallington profile picture
Mark Wallington
732 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Absolutely loved the ring making workshop yesterday. Karen took us step by step through the process for making a silver ring. She was so patient and imparted her knowledge in an understated way but got everyone to make a ring they were really happy with! Thank you for a fabulous day!
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Amanda Price profile picture
Amanda Price
886 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
We had an amazing time celebrating my sisters birthday, so much fun having all the girls together not only making a beautiful one of a kind ring but also making memories to last a lifetime. Will definitely be returning to check out one of the other jewellery workshops.
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Be Louise profile picture
Be Louise
970 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
What a fantastic day spent at Bench Space making a spinner ring. Really impressed with the tuition and finished rings. I'm now feeling inspired to create more beautiful silver jewellery. I would highly recommend if you want to get creative and make something beautiful.
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