Contact Page - Short-term Jewellery Making Classes in Florence

Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School, Florence:
Alchimia is a private contemporary jewellery school located in Florence, Italy - a city famed since medieval times for its tradition and excellence in art and crafts. We offer jewellery design courses at BA and specialization levels and intensive programs from 2 weeks to 3 months in length. The school's mission is to provide students with both technical and conceptual knowledge in contemporary jewellery, while providing a supportive and practical working environment.

Intensive Courses (Short Courses):
The intensive course is a good solution for those who have limited time to study and experiment in the area of contemporary jewellery. They range in length from 2 weeks to 3 months. The courses are taught on a one-to-one basis. Each student is guided individually to ensure that lessons meet their specific need.

These courses are aimed at beginners, jewellers who want to learn specific techniques, teachers, professionals and students who need a period of full immersion in another entourage and who want to have new stimulating experiences.

The maximum number of participants is 5. Materials used during the course excluding gold and precious stones are included in the course fee. In the intensive course, tools are provided by the school. Students are recommended to bring a sketch book for taking notes and drawing. 
 
Two different types of programmes are offered: technical and conceptual. 

Technical programs:

-Basic Techniques for Beginners
In this course, the student will learn the basic techniques such as: sawing, filing, soldering, hammering and polishing, through exercises creating the first collection of jewellery. In addition to traditional techniques, exercises include the development of creativity and the possibility to experiment with alternative materials.

-Textile techniques in metal
In this course, it is possible to create jewellery experimenting with various textile techniques using metal wire. The first part of the course consists of a study of basic techniques such as weaving, crochet, french braid. The second part consists of choosing one or two of the techniques learned to realize final pieces of jewellery.

-Experimentation with materials
This course aims to experiment with and invent different materials. One exercise consists of creating a series of objects that have a the same form but using different materials (for example, silver, resin, perspex, wood, paper, etc.). Another exercise is to experiment with various treatments on the surface such as: patina, combination of metals, imprinting designs, gold leaf, pigment, etc. Students can also bring materials that they want to use.

Conceptual programs:
These programs are for students with prior experience in jewellery, and who desire to work on conceptual assignments. This provides them a more liberal understanding and aides in the development of their work. In each of these programs, the first part concentrates on collecting materials, developing ideas and experimenting, and the second part on transforming ideas into a collection of jewellery.

Programs include:
-Impressions of the city
-Five senses
-Found objects
-Renaissance

For further information on the courses listed above, including dates and prices, please contact us by completing the form below.