The Summer Foundation Week at Château de Puyguiller
7 Day Experience - 5 Workshop Days - Max. 6 Students - All Materials Included - French Château Stay - All-Inclusive - Personal Concierge
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 all-inclusive course at a 19th-century French château.
No experience needed, just bring your creativity.
Student Testimonials
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The Projects
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.
Project 1: Skinny Stacking Rings - Master ring sizing, forming, and soldering.
Project 2: Classic Silver Bangle - Create a seamless bangle using traditional silversmithing methods.
Project 3: Silver Clay Leaf Earrings or Necklace Discover the magic of using silver clay paste with real leaves
Project 4: Botanical Silver Clay Jewellery - Use real plants and flowers to create your own nature-inspired designs
Project 5: Textured Flower Necklaces - Learn piercing, texturing, forming, and granulation to create a flower necklace or ring
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
A year of membership to the Online Jewellery Studio to continue learning and developing your skills
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
The Studio
The Cognac Jewellery School is housed at Château de Puyguiller, a beautiful 19th-century château in the heart of the Cognac region.
The workshop is fully equipped with professional silversmithing tools and limited to just six benches, giving you the space, individual attention, and everything you need to create.
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
Around the Studio
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
The Itinerary
Your Tutor
Jessica Hickman Woolcott
Jessica is a professional jeweller, silversmith and founder of Cognac Jewellery School. With over a decade of teaching experience, she is known for her supportive, step-by-step approach that helps students quickly gain confidence and create beautiful, wearable work in a relaxed studio environment.
The Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay
Spend seven nights at the beautiful Domaine de la Menarderie in Archiac, Charente-Maritime.
Built in 1791, this former wine-producing estate is home to seven en-suite guest rooms, walled gardens, and beautiful spaces to relax and unwind. During your stay, the domaine becomes your home away from home, with plenty of space to enjoy a quiet morning coffee, wander through the gardens, or gather together at the end of the day.
What’s Included
Private en-suite bedroom
Single occupancy throughout your stay
Breakfast on the terrace
Enjoy breakfast together each morning
Dinner by a private chef
Seasonally inspired dinners prepared for you each evening
Full access to the pool & gardens
Relax and enjoy the beautiful grounds throughout your stay
Private Transfers
Arrival transfer
From Angoulême Train Station to La Menarderie
Daily transport
between La Menarderie and Cognac Jewellery School
Departure transfer
From La Menarderie to Angoulême Station at the end of the week
Meet your Concierge & Host
Wendy Harrop
Wendy Harrop of Wendy Harrop Events will handle every detail of your stay, from airport coordination to dietary preferences. She will ensure your experience is seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
Gallery
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 or join us for one of our intermediate level collections courses instead
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.
What's included in the Experience?
Included in the Summer Foundation Course:
All teaching.
7 nights luxury stay at La Menarderie (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
Breakfast and Dinner on all days at La Menarderie
Transfers to and from Angoulême Train 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