Jonathan Deer Jewellery reviews

28 Aug 17'

Melinda Hopkirk reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"I highly recommend the three day course. I was a complete beginner and by the end of the course had made four pieces of jewellery that I absolutely love. Jonathon was both extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. He was generous with both his time and resources and left me confident that I would be able to pursue jewellery making as a hobby and more on my own. The course was well structured and Jonathon provided all the equipment and materials needed. I was made to feel very welcome and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to jewellery making."

23 Aug 17'

Sophia reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"The day seemed very well structured with technical explanation interspersed with practical application - so it did not overwhelm. It was good to practise with copper before being let loose on silver in the afternoon. Jonathan is a very knowledgable and very encouraging teacher. My daughter and I had a fantastic time and love the rings/earrings we made. We also very much appreciated the delicious food! Thank you Jonathan and Helen."

19 Aug 17'

Sandrine Bonomo-Fox reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I had a fantastic time on this 2-day course, which exceeded my expectations! From the moment I arrived, I felt very welcome by Jonathan and his partner, who very kindly provided refreshments and homemade cakes and food during the 2 days. Jonathan is very enthusiastic and clearly communicated his passion for jewellery making. He is a very detailed, in-depth and clear teacher, and takes time to spend some one-to-one time with each person. He is very generous with his time and in sharing his knowledge, and also provides some very useful fact sheets as well as recommendations for tools, materials etc. I was delighted with the pieces I made during the course and got to take home, and they have been admired by friends and family! He has given me the bug and I look forward to taking this new knowledge forward and making silver jewellery. I highly recommend this course, and I personally look forward to taking another course with Jonathan."

16 Aug 17'

Debs Stourton reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"Three of us arranged a bespoke date for the 2 day course with Jonathan and what I can say is that it was a fabulous, informative and inspiring two days. Aside from the great introduction to stone setting that it gave us, we also learned a lot about gemstones themselves. I had no idea that there were so many options and cuts available and Jonathan shared his in-depth knowledge with us and gave us great advice on buying stones, as well as different types available. He provided in depth worksheets/information guides as well as ring sizing, carat weight and gemstone charts (nicely laminated for a mucky workshop!) that I think will be invaluable in future, for both revision and general use. I can speak for us all in that we can now go ahead with confidense with basic stone setting, the process has been demysitified, and with this wonderful workshop as a solid grounding feel far more able to stone set as a part of our jewellery making attempts! Thoroughly recommend the course and the teas and coffee and biscuits and great lunches were a definite bonus too. five"

11 Aug 17'

Primrose reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"A really superb course delivered by Jonathan. Lots learnt and information to take away very useful . Jonathan's knowledge and enthusiasm was 1st class . The venue was perfect and lovely fresh coffee with flapjacks and a lunch most welcome . Highly recommended ."

11 Aug 17'

Janette Seeley reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I really enjoyed the day course with Jonathan. He is a very good teacher, patient, fun and so informative. I made a ring and my friend made a pair of earrings which we will both enjoy wearing. He has a great talent and his jewellery is very beautiful and contemporary, so we could not have made a better choice. Great hospitality from Helen as well. Certainly to be recommended !! Janette"

6 Aug 17'

Samantha Hope reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"My friend and I were joined by a third lady for a very personalised introduction to silver jewellery making. The day was filled with lots of information, explanation and practical activities, I made a beautiful ring. Jonathan was very enthusiastic and paced the workshop very well. He was also very generous in sharing lots of extra information, including a wallet full of information to take away. The hospitality was excellent with unlimited refreshments and a delicious lunch. Many Thanks..... I will be back."

6 Aug 17'

Sharon Golding reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Fabulous workshop with Jonathan, learned so much. So well thought out and with clear instruction. Loved that you keep the classes small too. Thank you for giving us all such a great experience. I have come away with so much knowledge as well as my His 'n' Hers rings - hubby very pleased with his. Can't believe I actually made these. Superb lunch, big thanks to your lovely wife. I'm practising like mad now and will soon be booking another workshop with you. Absolutely 5 stars!"

5 Aug 17'

Claire Carter reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I had a wonderful day on the one day introductory course with Johnathan. My friend and I had booked the course in February as we found we were both interested in knowing more about jewellery making, it did not disappoint! An incredibly informative, relaxed, and productive day all round...I came away with a lovely ring and a cheeky little piece of dreadlocks jewellery:o) A constant flow of coffee and a fantastic lunch was more than I was expecting....so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend this."

29 Jun 17'

Claire Willison reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Amazing weekend! Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in learning about jewellery making and the techniques used."

20 May 17'

Eileen Davies reviewed: 3 Day silver jewellery making course

"After arranging with Jonathan for a bespoke three day course for three of us, all I can say is that it was an amazing experience and I gained so much knowledge in such a short time. Jonathan is a very patient and caring tutor and lets you work through some of the challenges he sets with just the right type of input. I've done courses before where a teacher will try and show you how to do things and not let you actually do them yourself to get that vital practice, Jonathan was very different, he clearly knows a lot about teaching/tutoring as well as his craft and we all learned so much. We made some lovely pieces, and I have a lovely ring with a bezel set turquoise. That said, for me the most important thing was having the hands on practical skills and learning in a supportive and caring environment. One of the other participants, Val, has quite severe arthritis and Jonathan was very sensitive to this and provided all the support necessary without being overbearing. Oh, and the biscuits and lunch were lovely each day!!!!"

25 Apr 17'

Janine reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"What a fantastic day! If you want to learn the processes in making a piece of Jewellery this is the course for you. Jonathan is a great teacher and I made a copper pendant and a silver ring in the one day. I have not made any jewllery before this course and I am quite proud of my achievements. He is a very hospitable host too - lunch, drinks and some lovely flapjack made by his wife ! Further information about tools and processes were emailed onto me for future reference too. I am hoping to be able to go onto an further day to learn how to mount stones - all I need now are some gems!"

24 Apr 17'

Julie Garrad reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"The course with Johnathan was excellent, a great balance between theory, materials, tools and practical. Is perfect for beginners, but also a great platform to take the knowledge further. Beautiful take away; MADE BY LITTLE OLD ME :-) The hospitality was yummy too, thank you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Would highly recommend."

2 Apr 17'

Sophie Hall reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Great from the word go. Booking the course online was really easy and the information sent through about the course was just right. The 2 days spent in Johnathan's workshop were brilliant. The learning was well structured and we covered lots of key skills for making silver jewellery. Johnathan is a wonderful teacher with so much knowledge and great ambassador for silversmithing and jewellery making. His passion for his art is infectious, so be prepared to get the bug. I'm keeping my eyes on the next course coming up later in the year."

6 Feb 17'

Dawn reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I did the 1 Day Silver Jewellery course on 17 December. The reason I signed up to this course because I was keen to have a go at making some silver jewelery from scratch and assess whether it was something which was viable to consider not only as a hobby, but also as something which I may be able to explore in the future as an extra income. It's been a long time coming as it's something I've thought about doing for a very long time. Just before Christmas I decided to take the plunge and at least get a taster course... I got so much more than that! Jon is a brilliant teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of what turned out to be a one on one lesson (the other couple who had been coming had to cancel at the last minute). He told me more about how he got into jewellery making (be sure to ask him, I won't spoil the story!) and his passion to share the craft as a result of his own learnings is clear (and contagious... in a good way!) He gave all the basics, including even work station set up and some reference materials and amazing pointers on essential bits of kit to get and what you can cope without at the start. We then went on to actually make a few items, including initially a brass D (involving lots of practise of key techniques) and then a plain silver ring (which I have since given to my sister and she loves! It's holding her wedding ring in place as we speak). I also made a bangle with his help (have delighted a friend with that) and started on a ring, even smelting the silver, which I wanted to set a some sea glass into (I had lots of ideas before I even got there). We didn't quite have time in the day to get to setting it - and that's another course he does - but he was kind enough to finish it off for me amongst all his other seasonal commissions and send in the post. I was so happy to receive that after Christmas and have already received lots of compliments, which makes me even more excited about getting going. I hope to be getting some bits of kit in the near future (Dec/Jan have been expensive!) and start experimenting soon, hopefully making lots of gorgeous pieces of jewellery for friends & family by the end of 2017... and then who knows! I get the feeling that once you get the taste for it, theres no turning back! Thank you Jonathan - I'm sure I will be in touch for further advice and even more courses in the future! Ps. I have photos of the bits I made as well as me smelting - incidentally this was only possible because I happened to be a solo booking in the end, and isn't a usual 'thing' he does on the course - so will email this to Jon and maybe he can add it to this review for you to see.."

16 Jan 17'

Liz Carr-Archer reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I had a great time. Jonathan is very easy to get along with. Nice lunch. I did learn things. I'll be going back. I would recommend him."

7 Jan 17'

Liz Hutcheon reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I received a Jewellery course with Jonathan Deer, from my daughter and son for Christmas this year. Jonathan is very friendly and understanding and was a complete gentleman when I told him that I would like to make myself a specific style of ring as my keepsake from my day. After working in a jewellery shop since leaving school I knew what I wanted my finished item to look like. So we set off to make my ring from scratch. It blew all of our expectations! I am now the proud owner of the most beautiful ring that I will wear forever. My daughter came home with a pretty flower pendant that she made with pride. Both my daughter and myself were so impressed with Jonathans encouragement that he showed us at each stage of production that we felt so confident in what we were doing. To anyone thinking about one of Jonathan's courses, I would highly recommend you book. I am already looking at a couple more courses to hopefully book with him. A superb course!!"

8 Nov 16'

Audrey Buck reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I did Jonathan's two day course and thoroughly enjoyed it, learnt a lot and came away full of ideas and enthusiasm! Jonathan is full of information, very patient, accommodating and inspiring. Plenty of tea and coffee with home baking, lovely lunches, very nice atmosphere, paced to suit each individual (there were three of us), informative, and brilliant to come away with some finished pieces to enjoy. Excellent follow-up too. Highly recommend."

3 Nov 16'

Kerry Donkor reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Well, I am very pleased that I went onto the 2 day silver jewellery making course which took place at Jonathan's studio in Ely. The group consisted of three people including myself and it felt intimate and it allowed me to learn more, ask questions and get alot done. One thing that stuck out more than anything was the help and support of his lovely partner who was supplying us teas and coffees and lunch. They both complimented eachother and that made a lasting impression on me. I am planning to do a few more courses in the new year, and I will definitely recommend this course to anybody who is looking to learn how to make silver jewellery."

31 Oct 16'

Sarah Line reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I can highly recommend spending time with Jonathan. His infectious enthusiasm for his craft, his patience and expertise at introducing and guiding us through skills we had never realised we could achieve and his gracious hospitality are just a few reasons why you should book yourself onto one of his courses. Myself and a friend spent 2 days on Jonathans Silver making course, at his home Studio in Ely, and not only came away with 2 pieces of Silver Jewellery that we are now the proud owners and wearers of but we learnt so much in such a short time about a craft we had absolutely no knowledge of let alone any experience of participating in. We left feeling confident enough to start making our own Silver Jewellery and we both look forward to putting our newfound knowledge to good use."

14 Oct 16'

Mark Ricketts reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I really enjoyed this excellent course. I did the Saturday 1 day Intro to Jewellery Making with no previous experience. The day was well organised, relaxed, friendly and very informative. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and capable, but things didn't get over complicated. We had plenty of time making things and trying the different techniques and stages involved in jewellery making. I made a cuff for my wife, she loves it and wears it proudly, and I came away inspired to do more. I recommend the course and feel sure that I will be booking some more time to work with Jonathan in the future."

5 Oct 16'

Alex reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"What a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, highly recommended! My 10 year old daughter an I attended a one day introductory workshop this week. Everything was pitched at a perfect level for us both. Jonathan is a natural at fostering great enthusiasm for whatever tasks are in hand and with lots of good humour added to the mix. Will definitely book in some more time once we've had a little more practise on our own."

27 Sep 16'

Candice reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"27th Sept - I enjoyed the full day course so much 10 days later I have returned for a ½ day course on my own. As much as I loved the day with my family this ½ day on my own has been a lot more productive. As I had already received the basics I was able to jump right in. I made earrings, earring hoops and toggle and clasp, all of which were soldered pretty good for a ½ day. Jonathon was as patient and professional as before. On the full day course myself and my sister asked about what was needed to start off and he ran through a list for the basic starter kit, telling us what and where we could get them the different shops and websites, as our eyes glazed over! We asked if there was any way he could get a package together to save us hours of searching, as he knew and used all these sites regularly. So when I came for my ½ day he had everything prepared for me. So efficient."

27 Sep 16'

Candice reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"17th Sept - I can not recommend this full day course highly enough! Jonathon couldn't have been more accommodating, made sure we could all eat, (no mean feat!) as I attended with my sister and niece, and we are all way too fussy. We were also very nervous but were immediately put at ease, so much so that we didn't stop waffling the entire time. Jonathon was amazingly patient, and very professional, making sure that you didn't feel pressured or worried especially when you managed to break a saw! (Which of course we did!)"

26 Sep 16'

Anthea reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I so enjoyed my jewellery class with Jonathan. He is an excellent teacher, the day was very well planned and everything was explained thoroughly. We each made a pair of earrings and were given an information pack to take away. It was also such fun too with lots of laughs and the day flew by. I can't wait to return for another day's class .. and maybe another ....! Thank you Jonathan."