Silversmithing

Our courses are very well attended and all members have completed their courses.  This is a wonderful achievement as it is well known that courses are notorious for students dropping out as the work gets more complex.  

WELL DONE EVERYBODY.

So whether you want to make jewellery for fun, for profit or to start a new career check out what we offer and join our students who are benefiting from this learning experience.

Due to the popularity and affordability of our silver courses (along with extensive knowledge of our instructors Stella and Paul) we have had to make changes for the silver course enrolment requirements. 

As a club we are seeking members who are interested in all aspects of our club so they can create entire jewellery pieces from scratch (ie: faceted gemstones, cabochons) to then mount in silver or gold. 

Please note we are not a training organisation, TAFE offers courses if that is what you require.
The minimum requirements to enrol in a silver course are as follows:•	You must be a financial member of the cairns gem club in order to put your name down for a silver course.•	You must have undertaken a lapidary (cabochon) course or a gem faceting course at our club prior to enrolling for a silver course.
We also have minimum skill requirements for people to undertake the intermediate and advanced silver courses.  

These skills must be demonstrated to the instructors prior to enrolling for the course or the enrolment will not be accepted. 

We would suggest the beginner course be undertaken and a suitable amount of time has been spent in the silver room practising soldering etc.. as these courses are designed for people looking to develop advanced skills and not learning the basics again.

We have 6 fully equipped jewellery making desks with different heights and adjustable chairs to allow for all sized members. 

Our Club runs courses on a regular basis and conducts workshops for individual projects.   Please note our minimum requirements which are listed above.

We have several experienced jewellery teachers and experienced members are always happy to pass on their skills and knowledge. 

The basic course teaches you:
- measuring and cutting metal
- soldering and heat control
- making links
- finishes to give your work the professional look

By the end of the course you will be able to:
- compete core silversmithing techniques
- accurately measure and cut metal for soldering
- safely use a soldering torch and be able to solder metal
- finish silver with basic polishing techniques

We are aware that good instruction and a safe learning environment when learning new skills or starting a new activity is essential to ensure success.   Our aim is to maintain interest and ensure safe practices of members.  

There is something very significant in designing, planning and making a beautiful item from the beninning that is not afforded in the work of many people but is provided in activities such as this.   The significance of this to peoples’ wellbeing should not be underestimated. 