Business Details
14 Years
experience
Jewellery Making Workshops and Handcrafted Silver Jewellery in Riccall
Established in 2012, Silver & Stone Jewellery Design is a rural North Yorkshire-based business specialising in handcrafted silver and gemstone jewellery creation and silversmithing tuition. Our founder, Helen Drye, transitioned from a corporate advisory career to pursue her passion for jewellery design, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Skipwith Common. We offer workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced artisans, focusing on silver clay techniques and traditional silversmithing methods. Our studio provides a welcoming environment for creative exploration, with a strong emphasis on safety and accessibility. We pride ourselves on delivering accredited training programmes and fostering a deep appreciation for nature-inspired jewellery design.Our commitment to quality extends to using ethically sourced materials and providing personalised guidance throughout the creative process. We maintain rigorous health and safety standards while ensuring our workshops remain accessible to diverse participants, including those with mobility requirements. Our unique approach combines technical expertise with storytelling, creating pieces that capture timeless natural beauty. With over a decade of experience, we continue to innovate while maintaining traditional craftsmanship values. Our business serves both individual creators and group bookings, offering flexible learning opportunities tailored to specific needs.
Services
Jewellery Workshops
Silver Clay Courses
Wedding Ring Making
Group Bookings
PMC Certification
Nature-Inspired Design
Beginner Tuition
Advanced Silversmithing
Gift Vouchers
Dementia-Friendly Sessions
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Accredited Senior PMC Tutor with 12 years' experience in silversmithing tuition
- Unique nature-inspired designs using ethically sourced materials
- Flexible payment options including instalment plans
- Small group workshops ensuring personalised instruction
- Accessible studio environment with safety-focused teaching methods
Associations and certifications
- Mitsubishi Materials PMC Certification Programme
Services
Jewellery Workshops
Our hands-on jewellery workshops cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced makers. Participants learn traditional silversmithing techniques and modern silver clay methods in a supportive studio environment. Each session includes expert tuition, all necessary materials, and safety equipment for creating unique, wearable art pieces.
Silver Clay Courses
Specialist silver clay courses teach participants to work with this innovative material that transforms into solid silver during firing. The curriculum covers texture application, shaping, and finishing techniques. Accredited programmes lead to internationally recognised PMC certification, ideal for those pursuing professional development in jewellery design.
Wedding Ring Creation
Personalised wedding ring workshops guide couples through designing and crafting their own bespoke bands. The full-day session includes metal selection, shaping, sizing, and finishing. Participants leave with professionally polished rings, with optional engraving available. The experience combines technical instruction with romantic significance.
Group Bookings
Tailored group sessions accommodate 6-15 participants for team-building events or special occasions. The workshops include collaborative projects and individual creative time, with flexible scheduling options. Hen parties and corporate groups receive customised experiences while maintaining technical standards and safety protocols.
Nature-Inspired Design
Workshops focusing on creating nature-themed jewellery inspired by Skipwith Common's ecosystems. Participants learn to incorporate organic textures, gemstones, and patination techniques. The courses teach how to translate natural elements like moonlight reflections and woodland scenes into wearable art pieces using both traditional and contemporary methods.
People
Helen Drye
Founder & Senior Tutor
Helen Drye is an accredited Senior PMC Tutor with over a decade of experience in silversmithing education. Her nature-inspired designs reflect her deep connection to Yorkshire's landscapes. Formerly a business advisor, she now specialises in making jewellery creation accessible to all skill levels while maintaining technical excellence.
Questions
What accessibility features does the studio offer?
The studio has ground-floor access with a ramp available for wheelchair users. While our toilet isn't wheelchair-accessible, we provide alternative arrangements. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Are workshops suitable for children?
Children aged 5+ can attend beginner workshops with adult supervision. High school students may participate in silver-specific courses. All under-16s require a responsible adult's accompaniment throughout the session.
Can I repair existing jewellery during workshops?
Workshops focus on creating new pieces rather than repairs. Due to time constraints, we cannot accommodate jewellery repair requests during scheduled sessions. We recommend booking a dedicated repair consultation separately.
What refreshments are provided?
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available throughout your session. Please bring special dietary requirements. Full-day workshops require participants to bring packed lunches, with fridge and microwave facilities available.
How do I reach the studio by public transport?
The nearest railway stations are York and Selby. The 415 bus serves Riccall village, with pick-up arrangements available. Local taxi services operate from both stations, and we can assist with transport coordination.
What happens to completed jewellery pieces?
Most creations can be taken home immediately. Dichroic glass pieces require additional cooling and polishing, which takes approximately one week. Postage options are available for these items at £3.70.
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