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You know how to solder. You've made a bezel-set ring. Now let's go further. This five-day intermediate course is for silversmiths who have completed a beginners course — or have equivalent bench experience — and are ready to tackle the techniques that open up a whole new range of possibilities. The week is project-led and deliberately packed. You'll work through a series of pieces chosen to introduce techniques that take real skill to master — stone setting beyond the basic bezel, complex soldering, metal recycling, experimental casting — and leave with work you'll be genuinely proud to show. It's a significant step up from the beginners week, and that's exactly the point. Who is this course for? This course is for silversmiths who have completed our Beginners Silversmithing Week or have equivalent hands-on experience at the bench. You should be comfortable with the core skills covered in the beginners curriculum — sawing, filing, basic soldering and bezel setting — before joining this course. If you're not sure whether your experience is the right level, do get in touch and we'll help you decide. A good level of dexterity and close-up vision is helpful. Open to participants aged 16 and over; under-18s are welcome with an accompanying adult. What will you learn? The week covers a range of advanced techniques, each one opening up new creative possibilities at the bench: Recycling metal — using fire bricks, crucibles and ingot moulds to reclaim and reuse silver Prong setting — setting cabochons and rose-cut stones in claw settings Complex soldering — managing multiple joins and heat control across more demanding pieces Water casting — an experimental technique that produces wonderfully organic, unpredictable results Thick multi-shaped bezel construction — building bezels that go well beyond the basic band Hammer and punch setting — a traditional, highly satisfying stone-setting method What's included? Everything you need is provided in our fully equipped studio in the heart of beautiful Alcester: All tools and equipment throughout the week Silver and stones for your projects Expert tuition and detailed technical handouts to take home Tea, coffee and biscuits every day We break for lunch between 12.30–1.30pm each day What should I bring? Reading glasses if you use them Magnifying goggles or optivisors if you have them Closed-toe shoes (essential when working with tools and heat) Long hair tied back, and avoid loose or flowing sleeves