North Laine Jewellery School

If you're looking for a creative outlet right in the heart of the city, you might want to check out the North Laine Jewellery School. This isn't just a random workshop; it’s a dedicated craft school focusing on silversmithing and precious metal jewelry making. You can find it tucked away at 37 Gloucester Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AQ, operating out of the Julian Stephens workshop. It’s super central, located right in the North Laines area, and only about a five-minute walk from Brighton train station, making it easy to get to.

The school caters to everyone, whether you are just starting out in this fascinating craft or if you are a more experienced crafter looking to refine your skills. The goal is straightforward: to help people learn and perfect their manual techniques, from making simple rings to more complex pieces involving gem setting. The classes are structured into ten-week terms, aligning with the school year (Autumn, Winter, Summer). To ensure everyone gets proper attention, classes are kept small, with a maximum of six students per session, supported by experienced tutors like Andrea Eserin, Barnaby Simpson, and Pierpaolo Belfiore. This focus on teaching has been integral since Julian Stephens, a professional jeweler, opened the 'Julian Stephens Goldsmith' shop back in 2003.

They offer a variety of ways to get involved. Beyond the general jewelry making sessions, which run on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings (6-9 pm), they also have specialized classes. For example, Wednesday evenings focus on wax carving and sand casting. If weekends suit you better, they run specific courses covering silversmithing, enameling, and cuttlefish bone casting. Regarding logistics, the jewelry craft sessions cost £360 each, and they accept major cards including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. While the school is open year-round, the provisional daytime hours are generally 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a shorter day on Wednesday (10:00 am - 1:00 pm). Sundays are closed.