The Intermediate Collections Week at Château de Puyguiller
7 Day Experience - 5 Workshop Days - Max. 6 Students - All Materials Included - French Château Stay - All-inclusive - Personal Concierge
Take your jewellery making to the next level with an all-inclusive, seven-day jewellery experience at the Cognac Jewellery School.
Spend five days in my purpose-built studio at the Château de Puyguiller nestled in the French countryside, mastering intermediate silversmithing techniques including Keum Boo, pearl setting, round box making and faceted gemstone setting.
With accommodation, meals, materials and transfers all included, every detail has been taken care of, leaving you free to relax, immerse yourself in your craft and create beautiful jewellery you’ll be proud to wear.
This course is designed for jewellers with some prior silversmithing experience. If you’re unsure whether you have enough experience, send me an email and I’ll be happy to help you decide.
Student Testimonials
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Over five days at the bench you will make four signature pieces while developing advanced skills including rubover and tube settings for faceted stones, planishing and larger-scale soldering for a silver trinket box, silver clay construction, and Keum Boo for rich gold accents on silver. This week is ideal if you want a calm, inspiring place to learn, with focused bench time and new techniques that will elevate your jewellery
The Projects
Project 1: Keum Boo Silver Clay Jewellery - Master the Korean technique of attaching 24ct gold to your fine silver jewellery
Project 2: Pearl Blossom Rings - Learn how to combine silver clay with traditional silversmithing techniques to create an elegant pearl-set statement ring
Project 3: Silver Trinket Boxes - Step into the world of silverware and learn forming, planishing, doming, and advanced soldering techniques.
Project 4: Faceted Gemstone Stacking Rings - Learn how to create stepped bezel settings and tube settings from fabrication to setting
Skills You'll Master
Faceted gemstone setting (stepped rubover and tube settings)
Advanced soldering for large and small-scale work
Planishing and forming for crisp shape and finish
Round box making and lid fitting
Silver clay construction for a ring
Pearl setting
Keum Boo for rich gold accents on silver
What You'll Take Home
4 finished pieces of jewellery/silverware
An understanding of the tools and materials you need to use your new skills in your own studio
Ongoing help and support from Jessica
The Studio
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.
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
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.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What skill level do I need to attend?
The Intermediate Course welcomes anyone that would like to advance their metalworking skills and combine traditional silversmithing with silver clay. You’ll need to be comfortable with basic soldering and and have some previous metalworking skills. If you’re completely new to silversmithing I recommend you join us for a Summer Foundation Course week first.
I have silversmithing skills but I have never worked with silver clay. Can I still apply for intermediate week?
Yes, you don’t need to have experience with silver clay to join intermediate week.
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, keum boo foil, and learning materials are included in all in-person Courses.
What’s included?
Included in this All-Inclusive Experience:
All teaching.
7 nights luxury stay at Le Logis (single occupancy)
All the materials you will use during your course.
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 every day 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 Intermediate 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 all courses 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 Intermediate 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