Sand Casting with Stones in Place - 3 day workshop

Tutor: Emma White

Learn to sand cast silver jewellery with stones in place on this three-day workshop in Farsley, West Leeds, in the historic setting of Sunny Bank Mills. You will be taught by Emma White, who successfully cast stones in place on the BBC2 show All That Glitters in 2022.

This course is suitable for beginners and those with jewellery-making experience. You’ll carve a wax ring or pendant, practise casting in Delft Clay sand, and finish at least one piece of jewellery to take home.

Casting stones in place creates an interesting, molten appearance around the stones, offering a different look from traditional stone setting. It can be tricky, but it’s also a lot of fun. We’ll guide you through choosing suitable stones, preparing your setup and refining your casting technique, with practical tips to help you achieve consistently successful results.

What you’ll learn

Over three days, you’ll explore the process from carving your design to finishing your silver jewellery. The structure may vary a little to suit the class.

• Day 1: Carve a simple ring or pendant design in wax, ready for casting.
• Day 2: Learn the principles of sand casting. Practise with simple found objects before casting your own piece.
• Day 3: Cast your final piece with stones in place, then sand and polish it.

You’ll leave with at least one finished piece, with the possibility of making more if you wish.

Workshop dates and times

Tuesday 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February 2027.

Each day runs from 10am to 3pm. Tea, coffee and plenty of biscuits are included. Please bring lunch with you, or visit one of the places to buy lunch in the village of Farsley.

Where is the course?

The Emma White Jewellery Studio is the home of The Jewellery Makers. This professional Goldsmiths studio and custom-built teaching space is where your course will take place. The studio is housed in the historic setting of Sunny Bank Mills, a hub of creative business and a place full of character. The mill has a gallery, a multitude of bars and restaurants and many lovely independent shops. Farsley is a lovely village and perfect for a mini break with the cities of Leeds and Bradford on the doorstep and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to explore.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

You don’t need any previous jewellery-making experience. With a small class and support every step of the way, this technique is accessible to beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge.

If you already make jewellery, this is also an opportunity to explore sand casting and casting stones in place as an alternative to more traditional stone-setting techniques. We’ll support you wherever you are in your learning journey.

What’s included?

We provide carving wax for your ring or pendant, all the tools and casting sand you’ll need, and a selection of stones. Extra stones are available to purchase.

We also have ring blanks available if you decide not to carve your own piece to cast.

Silver costs extra

Silver is not included in the course fee because the amount you’ll need depends on the size and design of your piece.

As a guide, the silver used to make the ring pictured cost approximately £25. Your own piece may need more or less silver, so please allow for this additional cost.

Recycled silver casting grain will be available to purchase during the workshop.

Can I bring my own silver?

Yes, but it must be clean silver scrap from silver you have purchased in the UK.

Please do not bring unhallmarked silver jewellery to melt. We cannot guarantee its alloy, which can affect both the safety and success of your casting. The amount of silver you’ll need will depend on the size of your carving.

Questions before booking?

We’re happy to help. Give us a call or email info@thejewellerymakers.co.uk if you’d like to ask about the workshop, materials or whether the course is right for you.