The Summer Foundation Course at Château de Puyguiller
Do you dream of creating your own precious metal and gemstone jewellery or even launching your own brand but don’t know where to start?
Begin your jewellery making journey with the Summer Foundation Course in France. Master essential silversmithing and silver clay techniques during a week-long intensive course at a 19th-century French château.
No experience needed, just bring your creativity.
Choose from two options: An independent stay where you arrange your own accommodation, or an all-inclusive experience with luxury lodging, meals, and transfers included.
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What You’ll Learn
Learn traditional silversmithing and modern silver clay techniques through seven hands-on projects. Each project will build your skills progressively, from essential metalworking techniques to silver clay, soldering to cabochon stone setting. You'll work in a fully equipped studio with a maximum of six students, ensuring personalised attention and support throughout your journey.
The Projects
Project 1: Textured Charm Necklace or Earrings - Learn hammering, texturing, and basic finishing techniques.
Project 2: Skinny Stacking Rings - Master ring sizing, forming, and soldering.
Project 3: Classic Silver Bangle - Create a seamless bangle using traditional silversmithing methods.
Project 4: Silver Clay Leaf Earrings or Necklace Discover the magic of using silver clay paste with real leaves
Project 5: Botanical Silver Clay Jewellery - Use real plants and flowers to create your own nature-inspired designs
Project 6: Cabochon Gemstone Earrings - Learn how to make bespoke bezel settings for cabochon gemstones.
Project 7: Gemstone Rings - Master rubover stone setting in rings
Skills You'll Master
Sawing precious metal
Filing and finishing techniques
Soldering with precision
Texturing and hammering
Ring and bangle forming
Mould making and working with silver clay
Bezel setting cabochon gemstones
Finishing and polishing
What You'll Take Home
7+ finished pieces of jewellery
Lifetime membership to Cognac Jewellery School (access to all online courses)
An understanding of the tools and materials you need to continue your jewellery making
The confidence to continue your jewellery making journey
The skills to set up your own home studio
Ongoing help and support from Jessica
Choose Your Foundation Course Experience
Both options include the same teaching, materials, and curriculum. The difference is in accommodation and logistics.
Not sure which to choose?
Choose Independent Stay if:
You want to choose your own accommodation
You're happy with arranging your own transfers.
You prefer exploring local restaurants and villages
You want the most affordable option
Need accommodation recommendations? Click here to view our recommended local accommodation
please note we are in a rural location so you will need to hire a car or driver for the duration of your visit.
Choose All-Inclusive if:
You want a completely seamless, worry-free experience
You prefer luxury accommodation with a private chef
You’d like a concierge-level service and private transfers
You want to focus entirely on creating and relaxing without logistics
Meet your concierge: Wendy Harrop
Discover your accommodation: Le Logis in St Meme les Carrières
About the Independent Stay Option
How It Works:
You book your own accommodation in the Cognac region. We can provide a curated list of recommended hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs to suit a range of budgets.
Daily lunch, welcome drinks on Monday, and farewell dinner on Friday at the château are included.
You are responsible for your own breakfast, dinners (except Friday), and daily transport to and from the school.
Most students choose to rent a car for maximum flexibility, but local drivers and taxis are available to pre-book. There is no Uber service in this region of France.
This option is ideal if you want to explore the region, travel with family or friends, or prefer arranging your own meals and lodging.
The Independent Stay Itinerary
What’s Included:
Five days of teaching with Jessica working through set projects designed to teach you all the basic skills of silver jewellery making.
All the silver, gemstones, solder, and learning materials you will need.
Homemade lunch each day at the school.
Welcome drinks and farewell dinner at the château to celebrate everything you have achieved.
Ongoing mentoring from Jessica to help you with your ongoing jewellery making journey
What’s Not Included:
Accommodation
Breakfast and most dinners
Travel and transfers
Travel insurance
The independent stay allows you to tailor your experience to your preferences while still benefiting from the full depth of the Foundation Course. If you love the idea of exploring the Cognac region under your own steam, this is the perfect choice.
About the All-inclusive package
The all-inclusive Foundation Course is a curated luxury experience designed for those who want to immerse themselves completely in jewellery making and the French countryside without worrying about a single detail.
Your Accommodation: Le Grand Logis
Stay at Le Grand Logis in St Meme les Carrières, a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion overlooking the Cognac vineyards. Each guest has a private ensuite bedroom, and you'll share elegant common spaces including a pool, terrace, and formal gardens.
Included at Le Grand Logis
Private ensuite bedroom (single occupancy)
Breakfast on the terrace each morning
Dinner prepared by a private chef each evening
Pool and gardens access
Views of the Cognac vineyards
Private Transfers
Between Angoulême Station and Le Grand Logis on arrival
Daily transport between Le Grand Logis and Cognac Jewellery School
Return to Angoulême Station at the end of the week
Your Concierge
Wendy Harrop
Wendy Harrop of The Phineas Wright House will handle every detail of your stay, from airport coordination to dietary preferences. She will ensure your experience is seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
The All-Inclusive Itinerary
The Château de Puyguiller and The Cognac Jewellery School
The Cognac Jewellery School is housed at Château de Puyguiller, a 19th-century château in the heart of the Cognac region. The workshop is fully equipped with professional silversmithing tools and a maximum of six benches, ensuring you have space, attention, and everything you need to create.
Workshop Facilities
The silversmithing atelier
Durston double rolling mill
Hammers and pliers
Bangle forming tools and dapping block
Tools for Silver Clay
Hand tools for gemstone setting
Individual soldering stations
An electric kiln for silver clay
Steel bangle mandrels
Jewellery stamps and punches
An hydraulic press
Silversmithing stakes
Wax carving tools
A wooden stump and sandbags
The original château anvil
The Château Grounds
Between projects, step outside to explore the château's gardens, courtyard, and swimming pool. The peaceful setting and rolling vines provide inspiration and a restorative break from focused studio work
The driveway at sunset
Arriving at the Château de Puyguiller
The front courtyard
The entrance hall
The central courtyard
The archway
The view from the Jewellery School
The Château towers from the central courtyard
The jardin de curé
Al fresco dining by the pool
The swimming pool
Swimming pool and jardin de curé
The pool in the evening
The Château from the grounds
Rainbow over the pond
The grounds bordered by vineyards
What the Students Say
Photo Albums 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What skill level do I need to attend?
The Foundation Course welcomes anyone with an interest in making precious metal jewellery. You do not need to have any pervious experience
I already have some experience with silversmithing/silver clay. Will I be too advanced for this course?
All the projects can be adapted to make them more or less complex, so if you have some experience already simply let me know and I will make sure you’re not repeating yourself.
Can I come with a friend or group?
Absolutely. There are six jewellers benches in total, so you can book with friends. Let us know when you apply so we can ensure there are spaces for everyone in your group.
What language is the course taught in?
The primary teaching language is English.
Where are you located and how do I get there?
The Cognac Jewellery School is located at the Château de Puyguiller near Segonzac, in the Cognac region of France. For the exact location and travel options please click here
Do I need insurance?
We strongly recommend travel insurance for all international courses.
Are materials included?
Yes. All silver, gemstones, silver clay, solder, and learning materials are included in all Foundation Courses.
Independent Stay Questions
What’s included?
Included in the Independent Stay Summer Foundation Course:
All teaching.
All the materials you will use during your course.
Access to the Cognac Jewellery School Online Courses and material.
A designated bench for the duration of your course
A light lunch each day (please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements)
Complimentary teas, coffees and refreshments
Welcome drinks at the Château on Monday evening
Farewell Supper at the Château on Friday
What’s not included?
Not included in the Independent Stay Summer Foundation Course:
Accommodation (please click here to view the local accommodation)
Travel or transfers (please click here for location and travel options)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Other Meals
Where can I stay nearby?
There are lots of rural places to stay a short distance from the Cognac Jewellery School, as well as more urban options within Cognac Town itself. We have put together a list of local accommodation Please click here to browse.
Do I need a car and is there parking?
While there is some accommodation within walking/cycling distance, The Cognac Jewellery School is located in a rural French setting so it is advisable to hire a car or a driver. Uber is not currently available in this area.
There is plenty of easy parking at the Château de Puyguiller itself.
What meals are included?
A homemade lunch is provided each day at the school, plus welcome drinks Monday evening and farewell dinner on Friday evening at the Château de Puyguiller.
Are there payment plans available?
The Balance for the the independent stay Summer Foundation Course is made in one, two, or three payments
Please Click here to see the prices and payment breakdown
All-Inclusive Questions
What's included in the all-inclusive package?
Included in the all-inclusive Summer Foundation Course:
All teaching.
7 nights luxury stay at Le Logis (single occupancy)
All the materials you will use during your course.
Access to the Cognac Jewellery School Online Courses and material.
A designated bench for the duration of your course
A light lunch each day (please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements)
Complimentary teas, coffees and refreshments
Welcome drinks at the Château on Monday evening
Farewell Supper at the Château on Friday
Breakfast and Dinner on all other days at Le Logis
Transfers to and from Angoulême Station on arrival and departure
Private transfers between chateaux on course days
What's NOT included?
Not included in the all-inclusive Summer Foundation Course:
Air travel from your home to France
Accommodation prior to or after the week
Airport transfers
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Travel insurance (recommended)
Are payment plans available?
The Balance for the All-inclusive Summer Foundation Course is made in three payments
Please Click here to see the prices and payment breakdown
Do you have Questions?
If you have a question about the Summer Foundation Course please don’t hesitate to get in touch via the submission form, via email at hello@cognacjewelleryschool.com or by using the chat button on the bottom right-hand side of the screen