Fife College offers exceptional opportunities for students, working closely with them to cultivate their full potential through the use of valuable skills, knowledge, experience, and resilience. These attributes are crucial for paving the way toward future success. I chose to enroll at this college because it felt like the ideal environment to refine my skill set and explore new jewellery-making techniques. The supportive atmosphere and focus on personal and professional growth made it the right choice for my educational journey.

Jewellery Class 2023 - 2024

Manufacturing Techniques

Mastering various jewellery manufacturing techniques was an essential component of the course, allowing each student to explore their creativity and craft their own unique pieces of jewellery.

Taught Differently

The tutors used various teaching approaches to accommodate different learning styles. While some students excelled with visual aids, others benefited more from written explanations.

Raising Money

Students designed and handcrafted a unique sterling silver charm to raise funds for the London jewellery trip. Each charm was created individually by the students.

Edinburgh Assay Office

Students visited the Edinburgh Assay Office to observe the intricate process of hallmarking various jewellery articles.

The Inspiration

My theme was based around the retro 90's gaming console, using the colours shapes and design I could create my jewellery pieces.

Enamelling

One of my projects was to use enemel, having never used this technique before, I began to understand the process that was taught and I could implement this into my design.

Kilin Firing

I carefully placed each of the coloured enemels into the burred out holes i created, this enamelling technique is called Champlevé.

Enamelled Charm

After firing the piece into the Kiln at 860°C for a minute, then letting it naturally cool, I cleanned it up with a polish and added a texture, it was a finished charm.

Prototyping with CAD

While at Fife College, we had the chance to learn CAD and utilize Rhino for our designs. By 3D printing our models, we could visualize how they would integrate with the body. This approach was both cost-effective and allowed for easy modifications until we achieved the final design.

Experimenting

I decided to experiment with alternative materials, using copper to form a box ring. I started soldering wire for the setting and using coloured plastic pieces I secured them by riveting them in place.

Wax Carving & Casting

Creating a ring design through wax carving and then having it cast is a rewarding process. This technique can be expanded upon with 3D printing in resin to produce more intricate pieces of jewellery.

Alternative materials

For my main material, I used brass and incorporated parts from the Super Nintendo Game Controller. I also crafted oval beads from coloured resin to create a retro gaming necklace.

Sterling Silver & Enamel

Feeling more confident with enamel, I decided to make a pair of earrings from sterling silver. I sweat soldered two round-cut pieces together, then fired them in the kiln. Afterward, I cleaned them up to complete the jewellery pieces.

2024 GemSet Jewellery Design Competition

Clark Rennie was highly commended for the 1st Year Student catagory for his "Levels Ring". The judges commented on the quality of the setting and the high level of finish.

"Taking inspiration from the iconic Super Nintendo" Entertainment System games console and its controller, the design was crafted to invoke nostalgia and my personal growth.

The Scottish Gemmological Association

Anna Pieczonka & Clark Rennie Fife College Students

Receiving the Design Award 2024

Clark Rennie & Fei Liu Jewellery Designer

The London Trip 2024

The Fife College jewellery students had the opportunity to travel to London for a couple of days. During their visit, they explored Hatton Garden, the renowned jewellery quarter, where they observed a variety of jewellers and exquisite jewellery pieces.

They had the privilege of meeting the owner of The Forge, who encouraged the students to create their own pieces, with the possibility of showcasing their jewellery. The Goldsmiths' Centre, the students learned about its role in supporting the jewellery, silversmithing, and allied industries. The centre emphasizes lifelong learning and attracts new talent to the industry, offering invaluable resources and opportunities for growth. The students also delved into the rich history of the jewellery industry during a tour of Goldsmiths' Hall. The tour featured an overview of the very first records of hallmarking, as well as a vast array of jewellery articles and books. Additionally, the group visited the Victoria and Albert Museum, which boasts a vast collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity across various mediums. The museum, housed in a remarkable complex of Victorian and modern buildings, offered the students an inspirational glimpse into the history and art of design. Overall it was a trip to remember!

Opportunities for Fife Students - The Russel Trust Scholarship 24 May 2024

An amazing 143 deserving individuals have been awarded scholarships to help them progress in their studies and future careers. Ranging from £50 to £300, the awards provide financial assistance for students to purchase essential equipment and resources for their educational journey. Around one-third of the students awarded were able to make the celebration event in person and to receive certificates presented by Iona Russell and Alice Croal from the Russell Trust during the ceremony, which was held in the College’s Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline.

The Russell Trust scholarship is one of the most significant scholarships offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, contributing £15,000 annually to student support. Since its inception in 1999, it has been the longest-standing scholarship at the College, awarding in total £212,000 to 1,235 students.

Winning the scholarship

Fife College students attended a special presentation to mark their scholarship success, thanks to funds awarded from The Russell Trust.

“Winning the Russell Trust Scholarship means the world to me as it will provide the financial support needed to invest in CAD design tools and courses, allowing me to pursue my passion for jewellery design and elevate my skills in the field.”

Awarded a HNC in Jewellery

The first year has been and gone. Passing the course has been a sigh of relief after successfully passing my course. I will now look forward to the next following year at Glenrothes College to do my Second year 2024/25.