As part of our international Erasmus Project, ‘The Future is our Jewel’, the British Academy of Jewellery recently received a group of Greek Erasmus students from School of Arts Mokume, Thessaloniki. Visiting from Monday 29th November to Friday 3rd December, the students learned and experimented with new jewellery techniques and were invited to discover the UK jewellery industry through the week-long visit to BAJ’s campus.

Of particular note, the students were treated to a talk from renowned London-based jeweller Emily Kidson. Known for her use of wood and laminate in her pieces, as well as her colourful-yet-minimal, contemporary aesthetic, Kidson spoke to both the visiting students and members of BAJ’s student body about her jewellery-making career and the materials she uses.

In addition, the students attended technical demonstrations from British Academy of Jewellery tutors, before participating in a creative design and making project. The students also visited the Museum of London and the V&A’s jewellery gallery to find inspiration.

During their time with us, the students were able to exchange and share their creative experience with members of the BAJ community. Their visit follows on from a trip which saw BAJ students visit School of Arts Mokume, alongside other budding jewellers studying at schools across Europe, earlier this year.

“It was very interesting, very different from what we do in school,” said one of our visiting students from Greece. “I’ve been getting so many ideas for my personal work. It’s lovely. I’ve learned new things and  will use things that I’ve learned here in my work back at home.”

BAJ Birmingham student Ella said: “I’ve been learning lots, which is good. We’ve been looking around the museum: every time we go somewhere, the tutors point out different bits and bobs. And just getting inspiration from everywhere.”

Our international Erasmus Project, ‘The Future is our Jewel’, is just one of the initiatives reflecting our commitment to providing our students with varied and relevant industry experience, while also broadening their creative horizons and fostering dialogue in the jewellery sector. You can find out more about our jewellery making courses here.