The Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma at the British Academy of Jewellery is a comprehensive programme that equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the world of jewellery design and manufacturing. One of the fundamental skills taught in this programme is mastering the piercing saw, a skill that holds a pivotal place in the art of jewellery making. Fundamental skills are the key to success and the importance of mastering the piercing saw should not be dismissed. 

The copper box assessment project focuses on a core skill emphasised in the Level 3 diploma. The box serves as a canvas to showcase diverse soldering techniques and precise fabrication, while the lid provides a platform for learners to express their individual styles. It’s a blend of technical proficiency and creative freedom, highlighting the essential skills needed at this diploma level.

We are delighted to showcase the beautiful copper box designed and crafted by Lydia Munn who joined BAJ Birmingham in 2023. Lydia’s subtle lightening-esque design has been executed perfectly.

The design brief

While the focus of the assignment is on construction and soldering, the design element is where each learner’s individuality can really shine. The project provides an opportunity for students to infuse their personal style and creativity into the box. This combination of technical skill, hands-on experience and creative expression is at the heart of what makes the British Academy of Jewellery’s programme so unique.

While the focus of the assignment is on construction and soldering, the design element is where each learner’s individuality can really shine. The project provides an opportunity for students to infuse their personal style and creativity into the box. This combination of technical skill, hands-on experience and creative expression is at the heart of what makes the British Academy of Jewellery’s programme so unique.

Skills and tools in creating the box

The process of creating a cooper box involves several skills and tools in addition to mastering the piercing saw:

Marking out and measuring: Precision is paramount in jewellery design, and tools like rulers, dividers, and engineer (or set) squares are essential for accurate measurements and layouts.

Careful mitring of corners: Achieving seamless, sharp corners in the box requires delicate work with a needle file to ensure a perfect fit.

Multiple solder joins: Soldering is a critical skill in jewellery making. Multiple solder joins are needed to assemble the various parts of the box securely.

The significance of mastering the piercing saw

The copper box assessment project focuses on a core skill emphasised in the Level 3 diploma. The box serves as a canvas to showcase diverse soldering techniques and precise fabrication, while the lid provides a platform for learners to express their individual styles. It’s a blend of technical proficiency and creative freedom, highlighting the essential skills needed at this diploma level.

The piercing saw allows jewellery designers and manufacturers to cut intricate shapes, patterns, and designs from metal sheets with exceptional precision. Unlike other cutting tools, the piercing saw produces clean, sharp edges, reducing the need for extensive filing and buffing. This not only saves time but also minimises material wastage, making it an efficient and cost-effective tool

Real-world applications

The skills learned in creating a cooper box using the piercing saw and other tools have direct real-world applications in the workplace:

Stone settings: Precision cutting and soldering skills are crucial when mount-making for various stone settings. A well-cut setting ensures that the gemstone fits securely and showcases its brilliance.

Construction of complex jewellery items: Many jewellery pieces consist of multiple parts that need to be skilfully assembled. The ability to make precise cuts and solder joins is invaluable in creating these intricate designs.

Customisation: The mastery of these skills allows jewellery designers to bring their unique ideas to life. Customisation and personalisation are essential in the jewellery industry, and the skills learned in this programme enable designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Mastering the piercing saw is not just a technical skill; it’s an art form in itself. As students at the British Academy of Jewellery embark on the journey of learning to create a jewellery box, they not only hone their craftsmanship but also open doors to countless possibilities in the world of jewellery design and manufacturing. The skills learned here are not confined to the classroom; they are the keys to unlocking a future in an industry that values precision, creativity, and innovation.

Want to start your journey to becoming a jeweller? BAJ’s Level 3 Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing is the perfect place to start!