Introduction to Hand Engraving for Jewellers with John Cook

July 10th & 11th 2026

9:30-5pm

This is a 2 full day course to hand engraving with a specific focus on Jewellery designs for those with some or no experience*. John will specifically focus on bright cutting, Florantine, aqrabesque scrolls, floral designs and borders. All of these can underpin many further techniques and applications including bead and star setting, basse taille enamels and metal inlay as you become more confident. These technique can also be used by anyone who is interested in printing plate designs.

How you will learn

The course starts with the setting up, sharpening and polishing of the various gravers used in Jewellery hand engraving. John will cover magnification, transfer techniques, work holding, turntables and associated tools and equipment. This course is intended for students who need an introductory course to learn more about graver geometry, how to sharpen and maintain gravers, and the basics on set up and layout and techniques for cutting.

Our first copper practice plate is used to build confidence in cutting straight and curved lines to which we progress to cutting various Celtic patterns that are commonly found in jewellery work.

Our second practice plate moves on to using the flat, round and liner gravers, where we design and cut a simple flower incorporating bright cut and cap techniques. We will also introduce the wriggle cut, bright cut boarders and the use of liners to produce Florentine designs.

Having practiced these specific techniques on a square plate we now look to incorporate these into actual pieces of jewellery. Your final task will be to design and cut your own pendant utilising the various cuts and techniques learned over the previous days.

At the end of the course you will have built up confidence to undertake designing and engraving of your own jewellery pieces. To have established a foundation of techniques that will assist you in incorporating hand engraving into your existing unique jewellery work .

*Those with experience who are ready to move on to more complex layout and designs may want to consider the Hand Engraved Lettering Course Oct 10-11th 2026.

What you need to bring

As part of the course you will be given an engraving pack including practice blanks to use for your training. John provides all the gravers and holding tools you need but you are welcome to bring your own.

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School is a fully equipt jewellery studio meaning you will need to bring a minimal amount of tools with you. We will be providing refreshments and goodies through out the day.

Bring a lunch, the vision aids you use (glasses, optivisor, loupe) , pen and paper.

How to get here

Please arrive 15 min before the start of class.

The Studio

3rd Floor

7-9 Glassworks

Lancaster LA1 1NZ

By booking you agree to our Terms and Conditons