Exclusive Jewellery reviews

Carol H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Another visit to Lucy that was full of fun! Drawdown of large lengths of silver wire. So long, I had to leave the studio to continue pulling them through the drawplate. In the afternoon we set up a production line. Lucy prepared the jump rings for me, and then I soldered them, which quickened up the task, and by the end of the day we had finished quite a few. Thank you Lucy."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Today I had two projects in mind. The continuation of my earrings that from a simple design, to begin with, have presented challenges which with Lucy’s guidance have developed and been overcome. My new challenge is making something out of titanium discs. As usual, Lucy guided my imagination into what is realistic and possible."

Lydia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"This course was money well spent. Having a little previous experience working with copper and silver, I was amazed at the speed of learning when working with 1 to 1 tuition compared to previous courses elsewhere that were as part of a group. I have learned so many skills and improved my knowledge and technique over the course of 2 sessions with Lucy, that I feel confident in tackling similar projects at home. Lucy is very encouraging and gives clear easy to follow instruction. She is a fantastic tutor and is very patient! If I hadn't moved abroad I would have booked more sessions. I was also very impressed with Lucy's thorough safety measures, including those in place to eliminate risks of Covid. I felt very safe, and the workshop was spotless!"

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Lydia. Your project was very successful and well chosen to encompass new techniques, and produced a very attractive and wearable piece of jewellery. Stay safe. Lucy"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Beautiful October day back at Lucy’s to finish a project I started 20+ years ago - before life got in the way! We started gently with a cup of tea and a chat about my design. I want to change it from earrings to a pendant by joining two hollow semi-spheres into a single globe-shaped bead. Lucy taught me to start with a sample: a scrap of the gold I had used with gold solder - to test the colour match. It worked well. As a fountain of knowledge she is always keen to get your piece to a high standard. The weather was nice enough to enjoy lunch in Lucy’s pretty garden. Afterwards, having noticed the two halves weren’t an exact match, we used a doming punch to make them marry better. I want to make a hand made chain for my pendant and - with Lucy’s guidance – after researching online and in her brilliant reference books, I decided to follow a technique dating back 500 years called “Loop in Loop “. The time flies by and, after a wonderful day, it’s time to stop until my next visit. Thank you, Lucy."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for this fabulous review Carole and so glad we had that wonderful autumn sunshine. Engaging with the chain making process, though monotonous, also provides the best exercise for soldering. Look forward to when you can continue your project here."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After a long hiatus due to Covid restrictions I finally managed to book another session with Lucy. Like a familiar glove we soon had reviewed progress on my earrings project and moved on to the next stage. I recently attended another jewellery class and realised the skills that I have gained from Lucy put me in good stead to approach the lesson with complete confidence. On our one to one session I have gained so many tips and advice that I wouldn’t have received in a class with other students so for me it is of excellent value to come to Lucy on a regular basis."

Tricia Boateng reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have previously had some lovely days with Lucy and completed a brooch and two bangles. One for my daughter who is so pleased with it she has never taken it off since I gave it to her! With my wedding coming up and after a chat with Lucy I decided to go for an ambitious wedding present for my husband to be. Lucy supported and encouraged me in the design and making of a very complicated piece - a round silver box with an etched top. At every stage I was treated to a kind, patient and informative style of teaching. Plus an excellent coffee to start me off! I have so enjoyed the days spent in Lucy’s company and in her workshop. Not only is it a haven in which to leave the stresses of daily life behind but it is somewhere to explore one’s creative potential - Lucy is always a step ahead with ideas and support. My husband loves his special, unique, box (thankfully finished before lockdown!) and it is a family treasure now to pass on."

Emma reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Lucy's workshop is idyllic; my friend and I booked in for a ring making session in February and the day was brilliant. Lucy's advice and expertise were invaluable and I am very pleased with my finished ring stacking project. I had an ambitious design which we compromised on to learn the basics and I'm glad we did. Thoroughly enjoyed myself and would love to return one day!"

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Hi Emma, Thanks for your lovely review. I do hope we will have an opportunity to meet again in the future. All best wishes and stay safe. Lucy"

Paula Evans reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I arrived at Lucys workshop with no previous jewellery experience. At the end of the day I had practiced so many different techniques. Lucy explains everything so precisely and lets you work at your own pace and puts you so much at ease, so that you feel you can ask any question. My boat pendant was ambitious and I am absolutely delighted with it. I am looking forward to returning soon. Thank you."

Carol H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have finished my bangle – a quite involved project where I have learned so much with Lucy's expert guidance and help. For the photos, Lucy had the great idea of using long black gloves to show off the bangle to its best advantage and searched out a pair of her own. There was a chance to start on my next project – a chain inspired by my mother's far-eastern bracelet. Lucy came up with how the bracelet's chain link was assembled and started to have a go at making a jig while I got on with final polishing. Thanks, Lucy for all your help"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"At Lucy’s again furthering my skills. This time was setting some bullet shaped cabochons and trying replicate two identical corkscrews in silver. To be added to my earrings. It worked fine on the test copper but as soon as I went on to the silver it suddenly got harder. With Lucy’s reassurance and guidance we got through it together."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Having not much experience of stone setting, the challenge was to set a tiny CZ stone as a practice run for my bangle design. With my not-what-it-was eyesight, I didn't think I could do it. But with Lucy's very patient and clear step by step instruction, I did. Lucy, you are a marvel!"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My latest session involved refining the design of my earrings and experimenting with different embellishments. Photographing them I realised how even small adjustments make a massive difference to a pieces appearance. Following on from the session I visited Ruthin gallery to see an artists work recommended by Lucy. It was well worth the visit as I was able to observe various jewellery artists styles and techniques which goes to show you never stop learning"

Lydia Taylor reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I chose to go to Lucy for a 1 to 1 teaching session because of her experience. I was not disappointed. Before attending we were in regular discussion by email about what I wanted to make and achieve on the day. I felt like the day was completely tailored to my level and learning needs. Lucy recognised I had some knowledge and encouraged me to try more advanced techniques. I was amazed with what I was able to achieve with Lucy's patient instruction. I came away buzzing with all I had learned and confident enough to use the techniques at home. Lucy taught me theory of how to design from the stone and modelled the design process as we made a setting for my pendant. I had such a wonderful day and learned so much, that I will be back for another session. Thank you Lucy"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Just before Christmas for my last visit of the year to Lucy. The focus was a lot of soldering to join the three main parts of my bangle in readiness for stone setting in the new year The day was full-on but we took time out to chat about Christmas. I admired the wreaths Lucy had made, and some beautiful baubles found on a recent visit to Chester Cathedral that seemed designed by a jeweller! Lucy also showed me pictures of the amazing Knife Angel statue she had seen there. If you are interested in jewellery making at any level don't hesitate to book a day with Lucy."

Lois Fleming reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"What an amazing day! My daughter and I visited Lucy as complete beginners but still came away with a beautiful set of stacking rings each. We were made to feel comfortable and well equipped in our learning and felt inspired by Lucy's and our own creativity. Our second visit will be booked shortly and we look forward to making some bangles!"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Back to Lucy's for a birthday treat. Having done a bit of work on my bangle at home, the next stage was the involved and tricky task of attaching flower buds while making the inside look as good as the outside. Lucy is always keen for everyone to achieve a professional finish. After much discussion, we we worked out the way forward. Before arriving I noticed I had lost a headlight on the car and was a bit stressed about driving back back in the dark. Lucy gave me brilliant advice and kindly offered her home phone to call the AA and meanwhile we could continue with the jewellery making. All went to plan. Just a small interruption for the AA but had peace of mind for the journey home. Yet another fantastic day. Thank you Lucy."

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I have been working on Silver earrings and felt a bit flat and lacking in inspiration on how to elevate them from being ordinary and functional. I was worrying needlessly though. Lucy encouraged me to work on prototypes for the stamens and before long I was buzzing with enthusiasm and inspiration. This could only come from someone who is a master of their craft."

Charlotte reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Attended Lucy’s course with my daughter for our joint birthdays. I was both excited and apprehensive about what I could achieve, as this was our first experience at silversmithing. Lucy put us at ease very quickly and explained a variety of different techniques we could try for ourselves. Lucy is very experienced teacher, and very good at showing and explaining things clearly. I was pleasantly surprised by what we both achieved. We had a really enjoyable day. I would definitely like to book more days with Lucy. Makes great coffee too."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thanks so much Charlotte for the great review. Would be lovely to see you here again and just get in contact if you need any advice. Lucy"

Sandra reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I really enjoyed my day with Lucy, I was both excited and apprehensive when I arrived but soon felt at ease. Having one to one tuition really gives you a feel for what you can do, it’s very much a day of watch a little then try it for yourself. I felt more confident as the day went on. I came away with what I feel is a lovely piece of jewellery and an urge to continue to do more. Thank you Lucy, I had a really enjoyable day."

Jenny Norris reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Yes, for my birthday I had a special day with Lucy Copleston in North Wales. It was outstanding - we ended up making 5 lovely silver bangles. Everything was available in Lucy's lovely workshop. More importantly it was happily a real stress free day, thank you Lucy. Stay well."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I was lucky to have two dry days in October for a bit of a break from work visiting Lucy to continue on my bangle project. It has two mounts for stones positioned between silver wire so there is a need for intricate filing, grinding and sanding. Lucy Introduced me to the benefit of riffler files and I decided that I needed these in my life! Her help was invaluable in choosing the correct ones from her suppliers catalogue and letting me order straight away for quick delivery to my home. The sanding was proving tricky until Lucy inventively devised a tool with plastic from an empty yoghurt carton and double sided sticky tape to stiffen the emery paper. This proved to be the answeer to getting into the nooks and crannies. Thank you Lucy for another two brilliant days."

Olivia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I returned to see Lucy again for a two-day session where we continued to work together on a large necklace. Without Lucy's experience and expert knowledge, I would have been unable to progress and develop the ideas by myself. Her knowledge and advice is unbounded and I always leave feeling so inspired! She also ensures that you really make a lot of progress on your work and really absorb the techniques. She always goes the extra mile and has given me continued support throughout the years to explore my ideas to the absolute fullest. Another very successful few days of tuition!"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Last time I came to Lucy I made a pair of silver earrings. This time I came to add embellishments to them. We spent the day experimenting with different wire and bead combinations. This was a task in itself as we tried to get an organic look whilst respecting the reflective quality in the silver. By the time we had cracked it, it was time to come home. Now where did that time go? As the saying goes time flies when you’re having fun. In this case when you’re fully engaged with a master crafts person"

Sarah preston reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Had a brilliant day, comfortable and relaxed with a great teacher. Great taster day , I think I have the bug. Hope to attend soon again as Lucy managed the impossible and kept my attention all day!!!!!"

Dawn Evison reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I've just returned to Durham after spending 2 fascinating and informative days with Lucy at her workshop. Having explored the internet for silversmith/jewellery courses I decided on Lucy because she offers one to one tuition - and has a wealth of experience. I am so glad I made that choice - Lucy is an excellent tutor and and I have had an amazing an exciting introduction to the craft. I felt so comfortable and inspired in her workshop that I didn't want to leave. It was a long way to go but was well worth the journey and I am already planning a return visit."