Jewellery and Objects - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
Experiment with materials, techniques and processes on a highly respected jewellery design degree course. You are encouraged to pursue innovation, challenge conventions and push the boundaries of the discipline. You will develop practical skills alongside intellectual engagement and inventive thinking....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location School of Jewellery
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Jewellery
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Overview
Experiment with materials, techniques and processes on a highly respected jewellery design degree course. You are encouraged to pursue innovation, challenge conventions and push the boundaries of the discipline.
You will develop practical skills alongside intellectual engagement and inventive thinking. Creative problem solving is a continuous thread, where a questioning attitude and experimental approach to materials, perceptions, concepts and outcomes is encouraged.
Individuality is fundamental to your creative development, personal philosophy and direction. The School is uniquely positioned in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter enabling you to be fully immersed in the industry from the first day of your studies.
What's covered in this course?
This practical degree is an internationally-respected jewellery design course. It gives you the freedom to develop your own creativity by encouraging you to experiment with a variety of ideas, materials, processes and techniques.
You’ll be supported and encouraged to create innovative designs to a high standard of professionalism, and have the chance to enter competitions and awards.
In your first year of study, the focus is on developing traditional processes followed by experimental materials investigation, allowing you to enter the second year with a range of skills and the confidence to explore various optional topics, live and collaborative projects.
Past student Ruth Hallows was chosen to produce an exclusive jewellery collection, to be sold in Argos nationwide and online. She gained the opportunity to work alongside Argos' jewellery buying team and manufacturer Optima, spending time learning the process of how her collection would be developed from design through to production.
Past students have also undertaken work experience with the likes of Topshop, Tatty Devine and Kath Libert.
You can be guided by your own inspiration. While studying, you will have the opportunity to host a number of jewellery exhibitions, which gives you the opportunity to exhibit and sell your pieces to the public.
You and your peers final collections span the breadth of the discipline of contemporary jewellery and objects, often relating to broader art and design disciplines such as fashion, accessories, theatre, product design and fine art.
The School of Jewellery is internationally renowned, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. The historical facade of our Vittoria Street building conceals a contemporary environment including workshops, a specialist library, the Vittoria Gallery and exhibition space.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
The BA Hons Jewellery and Objects programme empowers its students to create innovative jewellery and objects which challenge the boundaries of the discipline, enabling our graduates to be uniquely positioned to lead and contribute to the wider professional field.
Beaulagh Brooks - Course Director
Why Choose Us?
- The jewellery and objects course encourages you to develop your own personal style and enables you to design, develop and launch your own highly innovative, contemporary and thought-provoking products.
- Founded in 1890, our internationally renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, located in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. An estimated 40 per cent of British jewellery is still made there today and you’ll gain contacts, inspiration and experience.
- The course benefits from specialist technicians, academic and support staff. We also have a rolling programme of Artist in Residences (AIRs) who have diverse skills and knowledge to share with you and contribute to your learning experience.
- Sponsorship, prizes, live projects and strong collaborative links with industry will help you to develop an entrepreneurial outlook and an insight into the professional world.
- We have an excellent reputation for highly employable, creative graduates with an in-depth understanding of the latest technology and the manufacturing industry. With many graduates progressing to postgraduate study.
- Our onsite Technology Hub offers expertise in a range of industry-related techniques, including CAD and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, surface finishing, reverse engineering and project management.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| Level 2 qualifications | ||
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| GCSE | GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE | Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 112 pts | |
| Access to HE Diploma |
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DMM | |
| Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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| IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. | |
| OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma | DMM | |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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| T-Levels |
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| UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts | Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | ||
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2023/24) £9,250
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £16,870 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
- Study Year (2023/24) £13,980
Professional Placement Fees
Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
During your first year, you’ll be introduced to techniques and ways of working as well as materials exploration and experimentation.
Contextual study modules will encourage a wider discussion and awareness of the field and allow you to develop a further understanding of the discipline.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
The purpose of this first contextual studies module is to provide you with an introduction to the ideas that are important to the discipline. It will also enable you to begin to develop your research, writing and critical thinking skills and to communicate your ideas and learning effectively. The learning you engage with here will inform your studio practice and enable you to participate in academic research, reading and writing throughout your course.
This module introduces you to a range of techniques, processes and materials core to the discipline of Jewellery and Object making through exploration and practice. You will observe demonstrations and participate in a series of inductions to equipment, processes and techniques, which you will then be expected to explore and experiment with further in order to develop independent learning, alongside problem solving skills and attain an appropriate level of craftsmanship.
This module will continue to develop your knowledge of materials, techniques and processes, and challenge your understanding of the breadth and depth of possibilities within the field of jewellery and objects. You will be introduced to explorative methods that focus on developing ideas and design. You will explore research topics and be introduced into identifying personal lines of inquiry and appropriate individual methods of development. You will explore a range of methods to enable you to reflect, solve problems and evaluate your creative practice.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:
This modules is designed to introduce you to a range of ornamental surface techniques, processes and materials within the discipline of Jewellery and Objects through demonstration and practice. It will encourage exploration and experimentation with techniques and processes to develop an innovative approach to surface and ornament, whilst demonstrating high levels of craftsmanship.
In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental techniques and processes used in metalwork for creating non-wearable objects through demonstrations and practice.
You will participate in a range of set exercises to expand your developing knowledge of materials, technical ability and skills through the production of technical samples and final outcomes.
In this module you will be introduced to fundamental hand-making skills through the production of samples, test pieces and a finished piece of jewellery. You will develop an understanding of traditional jewellery techniques and finishes that represent the term fine jewellery.
The science of gemmology is inextricably linked with jewellery, and an understanding of gemstones is essential for anyone involved in the manufacturing, repairing, buying or selling of fine jewellery. Today’s professional gemmologists face constant challenges as advances in synthetic gemstones and gemstone treatments become ever more sophisticated.
Diamonds are the most commercially important gem material with a huge global market. The history and market value of this precious gem material influences consumer attitude towards jewellery, and provides a subject for ethical debates around the world.
This module allows you to gain an insight in to the luxury end of the jewellery retail market through developing detailed knowledge and understanding of the grading systems used to determine the value, categorisation and certification of diamonds.
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Year two
The second year explores further awareness of the breadth of the discipline, experimentation and risk taking, with introduction into more specialist pathways and optional modules, as well as exploring employability and collaborative practice.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):
In this module you will be required to engage with a range of practice methodologies and carry out sustained, in-depth exploration of different materials, processes and techniques through the development of your own ideas.
You will be encouraged to demonstrate an increasingly critical and analytical approach to your practice as well as to establish inquisitive and experimental attitudes to self-generated ideas that illustrate your developing personal artistic language.
This module further develops students understanding of research methodologies and the ways in which research approaches and methods inform and support studio practice across a range of outputs.
You will be supported in developing independent research and studio practice with the view to identifying and applying your learning to an individual project in preparation for ongoing Study.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module aims to widen your studio practice and deepen your engagement with the chosen discipline. You will explore larger scale and broader ranging work beyond the context of wearability, to produce outcomes which convey a sense of themselves to the viewer and you will also communicate a developing personal aesthetic.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to explore a range of ideas and concepts that relate to our identities, and the degree to which these can be said to reside in our physical bodies.
You will be introduced to key ideas in seminars, where you will have the opportunity to discuss the concepts themselves and explore how they find expression in a broad range of artefacts from the expanded field of jewellery and objects. You will be encouraged to extend your knowledge of this research context through independent research, and to build up your own bank of examples, artefacts and performances that exemplify the material covered in the seminars.
This module will introduce you to a range of materials encouraging you to undertake your own exploration of how a chosen material can be manipulated to achieve a variety of aesthetics. Alongside developing your knowledge of materials you will also develop critical thinking skills about how materials are/can be used to convey meaning in the field of Jewellery and Objects and within the broader context of art and design.
This module allows you to start to think about the idea of luxury and how it can be defined. You will expand your thinking to encompass the luxury sector of the market and explore the global significance of luxury jewellery brands, particularly how celebrity endorsement impacts on the perceptions of what luxury is.
You will consider the significance of brand heritage and examine whether reliance on loyalty to a brand can be maximised. You may also investigate how luxury brand extensions can be utilised. You need to understand how an emerging brand can find their identity through innovative and luxury marketing strategies.
This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by an external client/ agency, in consultation with your supervisor, and it could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation.
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines, or with academic staff. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities and with the support of academic staff.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and ADM Careers+.
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Year three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.
This module enables you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed practical Studio project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. This will take place within a studio group context relevant to your chosen specialism and under the tutorage of a BA Tutor. You will work alongside like-minded peers to further enrich your enquiry. The outcome will take the form of a practice-based portfolio of Artefacts, Research and Design Development.
The overall aim of this module is to enable you to develop communication skills with which you may articulate your work to a high standard of professionalism, it will enable you to identify potential career opportunities which span the breadth of the discipline. This module you will explore key transferable skills which will enhance your employability and entrepreneurial skill sets. This module prepares you to launch a career within the creative industries as an industry graduate.
Download course specification
Download nowThis is a three-year full-time design-based course exploring contemporary practice in the field of Jewellery and Object making. It gives you the opportunity to be creative and experimental within the design process, enabling you to design and make highly innovative, contemporary and thought-provoking work.
Primarily, you will learn through a practical hands-on learning experience called experiential learning. This means you will be learning by doing, and designing your work and collections via making. A great emphasis is placed on experimenting with a variety of materials, processes and techniques, which enables you to actively engage with and solve three-dimensional problems.
A questioning attitude to the discipline concepts and outcomes is encouraged. Being open-minded will help you to embrace the philosophy and aims of this course, as studies are intended to stretch and challenge your perception of the subject area, enabling you to develop practical skills alongside intellectual engagement.
We deliver rich, world-leading learning through making and doing. You’ll work on industry briefs set by external companies and have the opportunity to understand jewellery on an international scale through a study trip.
You also develop two-dimensional design skills to enable you to clearly think through your ideas and to communicate these to a wider audience. This practical approach to studying 3D design is strongly underpinned by theory and research into the field and its related disciplines.
A variety of learning and teaching methods are employed on this course, such as workshop activities, demonstration and practice, lectures, seminars, critiques, team work, presentations, module briefings, tutorials with staff and artist in residence, online learning, self-directed study, study visits, and one-day projects.
The course is assessed on 100 per cent coursework. We feel this best mirrors the way you’d work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in the design industry.
Emphasis is placed on self-discovery. For that reason, self-directed study plays a significant role and a motivating attitude and enquiring mind is necessary to be successful.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Upon completing this programme, you will have gained an understanding of a range of materials, their properties and the processes used to create jewellery and objects. Your appreciation of the breadth of the discipline will permit innovative creative practice beyond the boundaries of jewellery and objects.
Graduates demonstrate critical thinking skills, and are confident and able to challenge concepts and make judgements in order to enable personal directions to be followed, as well as bring new opportunities to companies and industry practice.
Using a range of techniques to communicate and realise design ideas, you will develop a professional level of promotion and articulation suitable for a range of situations.
Self-directed study and applied project management skills throughout your studies allows you to utilise time efficiently in your graduate activities and professional roles.
Placements
You will be encouraged to take up any relevant opportunities which are available to you, and we have numerous opportunities for live projects which may lead to part-time employment and more. It is not uncommon for our students to be working in the industry part-time while studying with us.
Links to Industry
The School is uniquely positioned in the heart of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, and has over 125 years of history training jewellers and silversmiths for the industry and later for the arts.
It proudly maintains its links with the surrounding industry and receives generous sponsorship through prizes and competitions. This includes The Birmingham Assay Office, Cookson Gold, Weston Beamor, The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, Royal Birmingham Society of Arts and numerous others.
Within the School are a number of other specialist courses which further enhance the industry connections from which collaborative practice and related activities can emerge, allowing for a wider range of associated links for our graduates.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Our international students
Due to the prestigious history, reputation and positioning of the School of Jewellery, it is undoubtedly a popular destination for International applicants. The Jewellery and Objects Programme is therefore host to a number of international students.
Chinese students are attracted to the course as it offers a very distinct blend of European education married with traditional British design and craft skills.
There are also a number of European communities within the student profile, including Lithuania, Denmark and France, among others.
The cultural richness offered by this diverse student body offers unparalleled opportunities to our students and alumni in the form of global connections, awareness and opportunities for collaborations both while studying and also upon graduation.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
The School of Jewellery's Vittoria Street building is inspirational and functional. A blend of traditional historic and cutting-edge contemporary, it is light, spacious and extremely well-resourced.
An extensive refurbishment programme integrated the Victorian Gothic building of 1863 with the adjacent 1912 extension and a site further down the road. The architects’ success in doing so resulted in awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Civic Trust.
You’ll have access to industry standard equipment, studio workshops with specialist tools and a shared machine workshop with a wide range of powered equipment, a casting facility and an electroplating laboratory. The School’s main computer suite includes CAD design software and Adobe Creative Suite, and you’ll have access to a specialist library.
Our staff
Beaulagh Brooks
Course Director/Senior Lecturer & School Lead Academic
A highly experienced Educator, Academic, Manager and Designer-Maker, with a passion for Teaching & Learning focusing on the Creative Industries and Applied Arts. Beaulagh is especially interested in Studio Practice and developing students employability and Graduate enterprise skills, alongside creative research and practice. Her current...
More about BeaulaghRebecca Skeels
Senior Lecturer, BA Hons Jewellery & Objects
Rebecca Skeels started her business in 1994 after graduating from the University of Wales. Since 1994, Rebecca’s thirst for knowledge and her passion for sharing has led her to graduate from Central Saint Martin’s (MA Project by Design) and achieving a PGC in Higher Education from the University for the Creative Arts. Rebecca is a Senior Fellow of...
More about RebeccaAnna Lorenz
Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Jewellery & Objects Course
Anna works cross disciplines in a practice-based way and teaches part time on the BA (Hons) Jewellery & Object course at the School of Jewellery. Originally from the South of Germany, Anna apprentice trained with a Master Goldsmiths, gained a BA (Hons) First Class Degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing from the School of Jewellery and completed...
More about Anna