Join us for a special workshop with renowned jeweller Jinks McGrath, where she will share her expertise in advanced soldering techniques. Soldering is a core skill in jewellery making, and this session is designed to build on existing knowledge, moving beyond the basics into more refined approaches using silver, gold and platinum. It is best suited to those who already feel confident with fundamental soldering. Jinks McGrath has written several well‑known jewellery books, including The Encyclopedia of Jewellery Making Techniques, Basic Jewellery Making Techniques, The Rings Book, Jewellery Making: A Complete Course for Beginners and The Jeweller’s Directory of Decorative Finishes. Materials are not included in the workshop. You will be provided with a suggested materials list in advance, though you are welcome to bring your own pieces if you would like to tailor the session to your personal practice. What will I make? You will leave with a series of sample pieces that demonstrate different soldering techniques, along with the understanding needed to continue developing these skills in your own work. What will I learn? During the workshop, you will explore a range of advanced soldering methods, including:• Sweat soldering• Pick soldering• Stick soldering• Soldering with gold• Soldering with platinumYou will also be introduced to working with gold and platinum, gaining insight into how these materials behave and how they differ from silver. What will happen during the workshop? This is a small, focused session with a maximum of five participants, allowing for plenty of individual guidance from Jinks throughout the day. Each exercise is demonstrated and then practiced with close support, giving you the chance to refine your technique and ask questions as you go. The workshop covers the three main approaches to advanced soldering, along with additional tips and techniques drawn from Jinks’ extensive experience. You will also spend time looking at soldering with gold and platinum, learning how to approach these materials with confidence and precision. As a reminder, materials are not included. A recommended list will be shared beforehand, and you are encouraged to bring along your own work if you would like to focus on specific ideas. What skills do I need? Intermediate & Advanced: For those who have foundation knowledge and experience of jewellery making. Ideal for makers looking to up skill and advance their practice. If you are unsure if you have the correct level of experience, feel free to email us for advice. What should I bring? – Reading glasses (if you need them!) – Notebook and pen (to take notes) – Apron to protect clothes – We will provide a list of proposed materials. What should I wear? Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working. Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a tool or something hot on them! Hair: Tie long hair back. Who is my teacher? Jinks McGrath began her jewellery career in the 1970s after discovering a passion for hand-crafted design on a short course, which led her to study at Berkshire College of Art and Design under Brian Newble. Recognised early for her talent, she was selected for a prestigious Jewellery Masters course, setting her firmly on her path as a maker. Her career has been shaped by a willingness to embrace new opportunities, including teaching at a private school in the 1980s, where she developed a lasting love of sharing skills. In the mid 1990s she established her own workshop, complete with a dedicated teaching space, and went on to run jewellery courses for over 30 years, welcoming students of all levels until 2024. Alongside teaching, she has authored seven practical jewellery books, supporting makers around the world. Her experience has also taken her internationally, delivering masterclasses, consulting for jewellery businesses, and contributing to training initiatives in countries including Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico and Nepal, as well as working with Turquoise Mountain to support artisan enterprises. Today, she works from her home in a restored medieval barn in the Sussex Downs, where her workshop, teaching space and gallery reflect a lifetime dedicated to jewellery and craftsmanship. How do I get there? Please Note this workshop is in new premises two minutes from FORGE: 2nd Floor, 31 Hatton, EC1N 7TJ. When you arrive, press the buzzer and we will let you into the building, then make your way up the stairs to the 2nd floor. (There is sadly no lift). See contact page for details on public transport and parking. How do I book? To book your workshop, simply add the number of spaces you'd like and click Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout. Discount codes can be applied at checkout. PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH EMAIL & PHONE NUMBER Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us. Materials Disclaimer Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card Accessibility Please note that this workshop takes place at our second site, which is not fully accessible. The building does not have lift access, and the workshop can only be reached via stairs. We understand this means the venue will not be suitable for everyone, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise on suitability and discuss any possible adjustments.
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