VIP Beginners Jewellery Making Experience
Jewellery making experience and wearing your creation home or putting it into a jute bag with some local scones and tray bakes and noseco; hosted time afterwards in our heated igloo.Location
Holywood, UKCost:
£185.00 – £435.00 per groupDuration:
4h 30minAbout this experience
The NI Silver VIP beginners Jewellery Making Experience and relaxation combines beginners jewellery making with the warmest of Northern Irish welcomes.
Guided by our goldsmith Ruth, each person will make their own piece of sterling silver jewellery, (choose when booking), and afterwards get a 'behind the scenes' experience relaxing in our tranquil setting overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim Hills beyond.Â
During the workshop you will learn basic metal-smithing techniques.  Your personal handmade jewellery creation can reflect the textures of Ards and North Down, from our rolling drumlins to our rippling loughs, encompassing our beautiful scenery. Â
Participants will utilise numerous techniques including piercing, filing, soldering, hammering/texturing and polishing to create a lovely silver or copper ring, pendant, earrings or bangle.
The aim of these enhanced workshops is to showcase one of Ards and North Down’s hidden gems, tying in with the heritage of artisan craft and the natural landscapes.
Each guest on this "Craicing" experience will also receive their own recyclable gift bag containing a mini bottle of Prosecco or Nosecco, cheese and crackers which can be enjoyed afterwards in our outdoor igloo wrapped up in an Irish wool blanket in front of the fire pit. Â Please note, availability of the 'igloo' is dependant on the possibility of high winds or bad weather expected in the days before your workshop. Â Our bad weather option is equally as pleasant, sitting in the warmth of our open plan home, whilst enjoying a unique view of Belfast Lough,
In addition, we are heavily involved in the local filming industry, having been 'extras' in many productions over the years, plus we have travelled and lived overseas, so lots to talk about, ie plenty of craic (chat). Â
This experience is suitable for all types of visitors/participants including children accompanied by their parents.Â
NI Silver’s is situated in a great location in the Holywood Hills, easily accessible by train, plane, bus, car or taxi, located 10mins from Belfast.  Our experiences are perfect for a special occasion, tying in with Holywood's award-winning local eateries to create a wonderful day out.  We also have a cabinet at the fabulous 5* Culloden Hotel & Spa (2 min drive), and are close to The Ulster Folk Museum, Helen’s Bay, Bangor Museum and Bangor Walled Garden, which makes us a perfect unique experience for your short breaks, romantic escape or just for a day out.
Come and enjoy an an experience you won't forget with family or friends.  Or surprise someone you love with a jewellery making gift voucher.  We can either send electronic gift codes or hard copy gift vouchers, so we've got you covered.Â
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What do I need to do next to book My Experience?
Use any of the three options above to select your preferred package, your preferred date, what you want to make, Â with who and any special requirements. Â We will then get in touch with you via email to confirm the booking.Â
Then you can simply look forward to your day out. We normally cater for between 1 and 3 people, but we can accommodate larger groups up to 5 people making jewellery if you have a special occasion to celebrate. Just contact ruth@nisilver with the details.
Studio tours for larger groups are also available where Ruth can talk you through the process of jewellery making. Giving guests an insight into how a professional goldsmith manages the stages of work that go into making a piece of jewellery.Â
However, the larger groups will not currently leave with a personally made piece of jewellery, but we are working on that. Â
We do, however, have a gift shop so private purchases can be made and all payment methods are acceptable.
What do I need to bring?
Only a camera or phone to help capture your memories and laughter of your quality time with Ruth, your family and friends. All materials, machinery, tools and refreshments are included.
How long will it take?
This Jewellery Making Experience lasts around 4.5 hours. The time will fly by and we are relaxed about the timings, so let us know if you have other plans we need to workaround.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is required as Ruth will explain everything and should you want her to will even do some of the bits if you would rather not do. Ruth has a natural talent of putting people at ease and any thoughts of 'I'm not very creative' will quickly disappear as you relax and enjoy the 'Craic' as the laughter levels increase in our workshop.
Where is NI Silver?
We are located in the beautiful Holywood Hills, County Down. We will send you our address once your booking has been confirmed. We are less than 10 minutes from Belfast, if the traffic is behaving itself.
What can I make?
You can make texured rings, bangles, pendants or earrings. These experiences have been designed for complete beginners. Ruth will take the time to explain the different making processes before you safely get involved. These experiences have been designed to fit in the 3-4 hours, so unfortunately we do not have time to cover more advanced skills such as stone setting. If you want to use gold or other precious metals please discuss this with Ruth before your experience. (ruth@nisilver.com)
Can I bring my own design?
Of course you can, all we would ask is that you discuss your ideas with Ruth before your experience. This will allow Ruth and you to refine any design ideas, to confirm what is possible within the timescales and also ensure that Ruth has the right materials for you to work with.
Optional Extras
Chains are not included with pendants and can be bought separately - sizes 16-20 inch sterling silver snake chains in stock. We also have our own gift shop, just in case you need some other gifts :))
What our Customers Say
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The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. Ruth was so friendly and accommodating making us feel as if we were her lifelong friends. We loved making our rings (with lots of Ruth’s help of course) and we felt so proud of ourselves. Ruth and Steve welcomed us into their beautiful home and garden and provided us with a delicious array of food and drinks in their outdoor igloo. Overall it was a relaxing, creative and bonding experience which we would highly recommend.
Kerry and her Mum
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If you're looking for that unique treat or experience,then a jewellery making workshop with Ruth at NI Silver is a must! I had such a fun time not only watching Ruth demonstrate her skill, but then making my own bespoke silver ring and of course enjoying Steve's great hospitality. What a perfect day! Â Thank you.
Anne F,
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My husband and I were gifted a workshop experience and we weren't too sure what to expect, but Ruth at NI Silver made the morning an absolute pleasure. She was knowledgeable and funny, chatting away whilst showing us the steps we needed to do, and then stepping back to let us have a good go! We all had a great time and I would 100% recommend the workshop experience to anyone - I'll definitely be back some time for another go!
Megan C
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