FAQ

How do I book a class? I want to pay by Credit Card - what If I don't have Paypal? What are your bank details? What is your address? Do you have a lift? Is car parking available, or, are you accessible by public transport? Are there shops close by to buy my lunch? How many people are in a class or workshop? How long do classes go for? I am a beginner, I have no experience, which class should I take first? Are materials included in the class cost? Do I need  to have my own tools to do the classes? I missed a class, can I make it up in another class? What should I bring with me? OH&S at the studio, what's involved? What's the difference between a class, workshop, master class and a taster class? Do you offer private classes? Do you offer scholarships? I am an overseas student, can I attend your school? I "just" want to make this type of jewellery, can I do this? I want to make Gold Jewellery, can I do this? Do you offer a refund? Where can I buy Jewellery-making Supplies? Where can I buy metal from?
 

How do I book a class?

It's simple: there are 3 easy ways to book our classes:
1. Through our online booking system, choose your class, add this to your "shopping cart" and follow the check out procedures.
2. Give us a call and we can take your booking and card payment over the phone on 0406 164 918  – office hours 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
3. If you are having difficulties with the online system, you can also email us at – info@sydneyjewelleryschool.com.au and let us know the class(es) you would like to do. We will organize for a manual enrolment and send you an invoice.

N.B. Please note that manual enrolments will not show up in your "class history" under "my account" within the online booking system.

I want to pay by Credit Card - what If I don't have Paypal?

You don't need to have a Paypal account. When you check out and choose "pay by credit card", you will automatically be redirected to the Paypal portal attached to our account for payment. Simply enter your credit card details and payment will be made to our Paypal account for you. You can also give us a call and we can take your credit card payment over the phone on 0406 164 918  – office hours 10:30am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

What are your bank details?

St. George Bank
Account : Wendy L Hearn
BSB : 112 879
Account : 440 485 806

Always quote your booking reference #, or invoice # as well as your surname  as the reference to ensure that your payment is credited correctly.

What is your address?

Shop 19 - Civic Arcade 
48-50 George Street
Parramatta NSW 2150

Do you have a lift?

The school is located in the ground floor.

Is car parking available or are you accessible by public transport?

There are a number of parking options in Parramatta with easy access to Sydney Jewellery School. There is metered parking with cheap rates after 6pm weekdays and weekends. The school is a block away from Westfield Parramatta with first 3 hours free.

Are there shops close by to buy my lunch?

There is a kitchenette available with a refrigerator, small oven, microwave, sandwich toaster at the school.
Surrounded by an array of cafes and restaurants for all budgets.

How many people are in a class or workshop?

SJS prides itself in low class numbers. The average is 6 for general classes.   All classes have a minimum number to proceed, so please do not wait to the last minute to book because it may be too late.

How long do classes go for?

Please check the class you have chosen, these details are on the website and will vary depending on the class you are doing. As a general guideline though : Weekend Classes : 09:30am or 10:00am start to 3:30-4:30pm finish.
Evening Classes : 6:00pm OR 6.15pm OR 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Day Classes : varied times

I am a beginner, I have no experience, so which class should I take first?

At SJS we are not "just" a metal work studio.  Rather, we are one of the only contemporary jewellery schools in Australia offering such a wide and diversified number of jewellery making classes. When you are booking a class, look for the following:

Level : Open to All – this means the class is open to people with all skill levels, including no prior experience.
If you are required to know a specific technique or have experience in a certain skill-set, this will be listed in the "pre-requisite" section on the class information page.

Your first task will be to choose the medium you want to learn, i.e. Metalwork, Resin, Wire, Ceramic etc. Read the information pertaining to that medium, look at the classes on offer and make your choice.

If you are looking to do metalwork for the first time, we recommend Metalwork 101 – this is the perfect introduction to jewellery making. Once you have completed this, you will be able to do other specialist metal work classes that may be of special interest, such as stone setting.

General skills classes that are highly recommended and cross all mediums are:
 

  • Jewellery Assembly
  • Good Design & Colour Theory
  • Wirework Essentials

Are materials included in the class cost?

The vast majority of classes conducted at SJS include the materials you need to complete the class successfully. Some classes may need you to bring some tools or specific materials. For instance, you might need your own brushes in enameling, or a specific sized stone for stone setting. Check the class information page, it will clearly state if materials are included.

If there is a material's fee this is generally paid in cash to the teacher of the class on the day of the class. This will also be clearly stated on the class information page.

Do I have to have my own tools to do the classes?

At SJS we believe that as a "beginner" learning a new skill you should not need to spend hundreds of dollars on tools and equipment to participate in a class. We provide student tool sets in the vast majority of classes we teach. Once you know if this is a medium you would like to continue learning we recommend that you consider purchasing your own tools. We are happy to assist you with this process and have a number of tool kits available for purchase to make it easy for you.

Your teacher will be able to help and recommend the correct tools you may wish to purchase further down the track of your learning journey.

I missed a class, can I make it up in another class?

Unfortunately, if you cannot attend your booked class for any reason we cannot transfer you to another class. Please see our full terms and conditions for all information.

Please note if you are doing the 101 Metalwork 6 week class, whilst we are unable to offer you a make up class if you miss a specific class, our teachers will endeavor to assist you with the skills that you missed.

What should I bring with me?

  • Please ensure you read all the class information on the website prior to the class including the section regarding "please bring".
  • Your lunch.
  • If you wear glasses, don't forget to bring them.

OH&S at the studio, what's involved?

We take your health and safety seriously. The following are general guidelines when you participate in a class.

Always follow the instructions of the teacher at all times.

  • Do not touch or operate any equipment you have not been shows how to operate.
  • If in doubt – ASK.
  • We recommend glasses over contact lenses.
  • Long hair must be tied back at all times
  • Gloves / Masks that are required for a class will be provided and you must wear them at all times if instructed to do so.
  • Closed in shoes must be worn to all classes.
  • Please advise if you are pregnant prior to a class. There are some classes that we do not recommend, i.e. Resin when you are pregnant.

What's the difference between a class, workshop, master class and a taster class?

  • Classes and workshops are a general interchangeable phrase which we often use as we find that everyone uses a different name to describe their learning experience.
  • A Master Class, is regarded as a specialist one off class often provided by a Guest teacher who may be visiting from overseas. These classes normally require prior knowledge and a specific skill set to held in order to gain a place in the workshop.
  • A taster class is the term we use to refer to short classes, normally 3 hours or less. You are given a "taste" of what the media is all about, but we do not go into full depth. If you like the media, you can move on into full day workshops.

Do you offer private classes?

Private Lessons in the basics of jewellery making are available through SJS. We have many outstanding teachers and jewelers who can help you. Rates vary, from $70 per hour, plus materials and by appointment. If you have a question regarding private lessons please email us on info@sydneyjewelleryschool.com.au

Do you offer scholarships?

SJS is not a University or Tertiary education provider (TAFE), it is a private school and does not provide a scholarship system.

I am an overseas student, can I attend your school?

Absolutely, you are welcome to join in any of our classes and workshops. If you are visiting Australia as a tourist and wish to participate in a class, you are certainly allowed. If you are seeking to obtain a student study visa, we are unable to assist as we are not a RTO.

I "just" want to make this type of jewellery, can I do this?

We are often sent images that people have seen on the internet and they wish to learn how to make it. Whilst we can point you in the right direction of learning how to achieve your aims, it is important that students understand there are often a number of skills required to successfully complete a specific piece of jewellery. Undertaking a general jewellery class, may seem a "waste", but the knowledge you gain, will assist you in both your design and execution moving forward. We are happy to discuss your specific requirements and recommend a course of action.

I want to make Gold Jewellery, can I do this?

For the most part, we do not work in gold at SJS. Graduating to gold production is achieved after you have had a solid grounding in all the basics. In general, students "learn", using Copper and Brass, before moving onto Silver and then ultimately Gold.
Wanting to "only" work in gold is a bit like wanting to swim the English Chanel, but you can't swim yet! Again, we are happy to help you once you have reached the skill level required to work with Gold.

Do you offer a refund?

SJS has a strict terms and conditions policy which includes how we treat refunds. Please ensure you read our T&C page prior to making any booking.

Where can I buy jewellery making supplies?

You can buy jewellery-making essentials for most classes from us either to "collect from studio" at or after a class or have them posted to you.  Supplies such as toolkits (also hammers, pliers, tweezers, wax carving sets), polymer clay and associated supplies such as extruders, metal clay, resin, silicone moulds are all available from us.

Where can I buy metal from?

SJS recommends – A&E Metals in Marrickville, Sydney. http://aemetals.com.au . They are also the only stockists and manufacturers of Argentium Silver in Australia.