650,000g of Silver, 260k Beads and 37,283 Students: Happy 10 Years!

 

Wow, it's hard to believe it, but London Jewellery School is officially 10 years old. 

Firstly, a massive thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here are some fun facts about the last 10 years to look back on - and a big personal thank you from me for believing in my dream and making it part of your story too…Thanks for making this happen!
Jessica Rose, Founder, London Jewellery School  

We love a fun statistic, so let’s take a look at some!

Since starting back in 2008/9 we have had approximately:

37,283 students attend classes at LJS (which I still can't wrap my head around!) 

650,000 grams of sterling silver used (hallmarking definitely required) 
This is the equivalent of approx. 650 solid silver iPhones, just so you know (!)

54,600 grams of metal clay!

And over 260,000 beads!

We have had a wonderful team of talented jewellery tutors with over 70 of us making up the team over the past 10 years. A truly amazing talented bunch. 

We have lived in 5 different jewellery studios throughout London, starting in Dulwich, Clapham, Hatton Garden, Whitechapel and back to Hatton Garden! (Can’t keep us away!) 

Through the Diploma programme, we've trained nearly 500 students in year long or intensive programmes, into the industry. These talented students have gone on to achieve incredible things and we couldn't be prouder for the work they've put in. 

Wedding rings are pretty special things and we are delighted to have hosted approx. 200 wedding ring workshops and private tuitions. 

Our students have ranged from 16-90 years old!  

Students have travelled from all over the world as far as Texas, Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, Bahamas, Nigeria, Singapore, Japan, all over Europe…the list goes on. Thank you for braving the jet lag and unpredictable weather to come and learn with us...you have no idea how much we love hearing from those of you who have travelled so far to study here!

I know I keep saying it but I mean it – you did this! So thank you! 

I would personally like to say a MASSIVE thank you to each and every one of you students, tutors, staff, suppliers, and press. When I first started the jewellery school I hoped to be able to run classes for a month or two and pay my bills! What I found was so much more: a purpose, a passion, and such joy at seeing the students and tutors at LJS grow and develop their own careers as a result of all the creative activity, learning and networking that goes on here. This is what has inspired me and the team to keep on going even through the tough times. 

I know it sounds cheesy (don't we all love a bit of cheese, though?) but it really is a lesson in following your dreams. Putting a little bit of work in each day towards a common goal can make incredible things happen. Whatever it is that you want to do, my advice is to just do it. Learn along the way and don’t ever let anyone stop you, think of all the great things you could offer others in the world if you let go of any fear or things holding you back from doing so (preach!) 

Through LJS I have had the chance to meet the prime minister (and tell him about metal clay!), to write a jewellery making book, and to win the Natwest Women in Business Awards - something that I never dreamed would happen to me. I have had the opportunity to be on TV talking about jewellery and entrepreneurship, women in business and how to do this ‘life’ thing without a degree. I launched a tool range and started the Jewellers Academy, a thriving membership site supporting 1,000s of jewellers in business, and I couldn’t be happier in my working life; I hope that some of you feel the same.

But more than all the personal achievements is the relationships formed the businesses created and seeing students go from that first class of learning to make something, to creating their own livelihood from this craft.  

So what’s next?  

Well onto our next decade, LJS has grown and changed in line with the jewellery industry. This year we have re-branded, launched a brand new website, and launched a brand new and improved Diploma programme. 

 

This includes learning the commercial skills jewellers need to thrive in the industry today including how to make wedding and engagement rings (a great jewellers staple in business) how to build and grow a business successfully looking at options for CAD and understanding manufacturing and design as well as what we do best - the good old classic making at the bench - always with the goal of building an incredible passion business in mind. 

We strive to keep our classes affordable but to the very best standards, and most valuable of all is the community of friends, tutors, staff and students at LJS which continues to grow.  

We are now focused on developing more professional programmes for jewellers in making and business, both on- and off- line, as well as developing working relationships with others in the industry to support continued growth.  

Look out for our ten year anniversary video coming out very soon, and tag us in your social media posts @londonjewelleryschool to share what you have done at LJS and what you hope to do with us in the future. 

See you on a class, online or around Hatton Garden very soon, 

With love
Jess 

Jessica Rose, Founder, London Jewellery School

 

P.S. To find your next class and continue your personal making journey check out classes coming up on the timetable here >