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measuring tool for improvers course at BENCHspace silversmithing jewellery school

textbook research for improvers course at BENCHspace silversmithing jewellery school

Prong & Bezel: Stone Setting Workshop

■ ■ □ Intermediate

6 HRS PER DAY / 2 DAYS

Tutor: Karen Cooke

Master the art of securing gemstones with confidence in this intensive two-day stone setting workshop. Designed for intermediate makers looking to bridge the gap between “good” and “gallery-ready,” this masterclass focuses on precision fabrication, bezel settings for cabochons and sea glass, prong setting fundamentals, and advanced soldering techniques at your own dedicated jeweller’s bench.

£195.00

Metals & Gems Not Included: Please bring your own sterling sheet and stones. Bezel wire, silver wire, and gemstones are available to purchase in class (costs start from £15+). Practice metals and tool use are fully included. Guidance on advance purchases available upon request.

FULLY BOOKED. Join the waitlist!

What you'll make

Custom stone-set silver jewellery featuring cabochon, sea glass, or prong-set stones (projects depend on individual pace and chosen designs).

Skills & Techniques

The Perfect Bezel (Rub over setting): Wrapping, soldering, and burnishing bezels around cabochons and sea glass of various shapes.
Prong & Claw Setting: Creating prong settings for faceted stones, sea glass, or cabochons to let light through the gem.
Basic Gemmology: Understanding the physical and working properties of different gemstones.
Advanced Soldering & Fabrication: Refining silver soldering methods and structural fabrication techniques.
Troubleshooting: Handling uneven or fragile gems, loose stones, and fixing common setting issues.

What's Included

Two full days of tuition in a professional, fully equipped jewellery studio.
Access to a dedicated jeweller’s bench with a full set of tools for the duration of the course.
Step-by-step demonstrations and personalised instruction.
Unlimited refreshments available throughout the workshop.

Good to know

Prerequisites: Must have prior silver soldering experience (this workshop skips foundation skills).
Lunch: Please bring your own lunch for the day.
Clothing & Safety: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes/boots and non-synthetic covered clothing suitable for gas torches and heavy machinery. Tie back long hair.
Booking Info: Online bookings only via the website. Please review our full Terms of Booking and Refund Policy before reserving your spot.

Studio, Location & Access

Address: First Floor Offices, Unit 47, The Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea CO7 0AR
Access: 1st floor (stair access only – sorry, no wheelchair access)
Free Visitor Parking: Available directly opposite the workshop, right next to the snack bar (halfway down the main road on the right side).
GPS Note: We are located before Morgan Marine. Look for the parking area in front of the snack bar.
Alternative Parking: Pay & Display car park nearby on Tower Street.

All reviews

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Posted on Google

Ehlana Foley
34 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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 😍

Posted on Google

Lisa Timberlake
78 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!

Posted on Google

Jane Bazzali
92 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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
97 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex. +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!

Posted on Google

Leo Hinton
97 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fun. Helpful. And made a very cool ring!

Posted on Google

Jo Young
101 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.

Posted on Google

Julia Van Ek
102 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.

Posted on Google

Kim Vaughan
118 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!

Posted on Google

Sonia Whipps
125 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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
144 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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.

Posted on Google

Lyndsay Murty
146 days ago

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!

Posted on Facebook

Nicola Stephens
507 days ago

recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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
551 days ago

recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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

Posted on Facebook

Kelly Maynard Mitton
573 days ago

recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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!

Posted on Facebook

Debbie Abraham
573 days ago

recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. 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.

Posted on Facebook

Maria Yardley
586 days ago

recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Had a taster session. Was a great morning. Thank you. Will be back.

Posted on Facebook

Karen Hills
699 days ago

recommendsTrustindex 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

Posted on Facebook

Rhona Whitley
719 days ago

recommendsTrustindex 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

Posted on Facebook

Mark Wallington
733 days ago

recommendsTrustindex 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!

Posted on Facebook

Amanda Price
887 days ago

recommendsTrustindex 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.

Posted on Facebook

Be Louise
971 days ago

recommendsTrustindex 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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