Exclusive Jewellery reviews

Paula Evans reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"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."

Jackie Knight reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"On Wednesday 18th September 2019, I attended a one day jewellery making course with Lucy at her studio. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with her and was put at ease from the start. I was able to make a silver bangle from start to finish myself, with lots of advice and support from Lucy. She is able to strike the right balance of help and encouragement which gave me a great sense of achievement and increased my self-confidence immensely. The day was very informative and enjoyable and I would recommend other people to try it."

Carole H reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"I was lucky enough to get great weather again while visiting Lucy to continue work on my bangle. It was great to see the baby birds - visibly older - still going to the feeders in Lucy's courtyard. The focus of the day was using silver tube for the setting of a small CZ stone. Lucy is very patient: a distinct advantage with something so fiddly. This is where having the one-to-one tuition comes into its own. Moving on then to some tricky soldering to attach the mount, before I know it it is time to leave having had a wonderful day and happy I've learned so much. Thank you Lucy."

Vivienne Owen reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"Me and my sister Eira had a great day yesterday with Lucy Copleston, we did wire wrap jewellery for crystals. What a great person, very helpful. She sat down and showed you step by step and nothing was too much for her. Amazing person at her craft and we would love to come back and do more. 5 Stars Thank you so much."

Edna reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"Today I made earrings in silver similar to the ones I had made in copper. It was great to experiment with a project using different metals. With Lucy’s tuition we were able to work in tandem with her showing me what to do on one earring whilst I worked on the other. I’m feeling like a proper crafts person now all down to Lucy’s expert guidance. I feel one of her strengths is assisting me through the design process as what I may think would work isn’t always the case. Another great day. Going to Lucy is always a highlight in my calendar."

Sarah reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"As a complete beginner I didn’t know what to expect but on arrival Lucy gave me a very warm welcome. The workshop is nestled in her beautiful bird filled garden and I was immediately offered a delicious fresh coffee. I had chosen to make earrings to match a necklace I had -ambitious for a beginner but Lucy was happy to take on the challenge. The whole day was spent expertly guiding me through the different processes in a relaxed and friendly manner with very much a ‘you can do it’ attitude. I loved every minute and ended the day with a pair of beautiful silver earrings. I can highly recommend Lucy Copleston’s workshop and will definitely be rebooking! Sarah Anstey"

Carole H reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"A lovely summer's day in early August. As I arrive the front garden has beautiful agapanthas in bloom. I walk through the side passage and across the courtyard to where Lucy has prepared the workshop with the fan going for perfect working conditions. I am continuing with my bangle project: polishing, soldering and preparing mounts. Time passes and suddenly it is time for lunch! I finish with a relaxing cup of tea in the back garden listening to the gurgle of water flowing into Lucy's goldfish pond. Back to work for more informative tuition and experience in soldering using charcoal nuggets inside the mount to help solder to flow and also prevent marking of the mounts from the binding wire. Another wonderful day ends - as always, too quickly - and time to make my way home."

Edna reviewed: Jewellery making for beginners in the Vale of Clwyd

"I’m so excited. I got to Lucy with a vague idea of what I wanted to do and once again her magic happened and I made the most amazing pair of earrings. She even set me homework which I don’t mind as my confidence is just soaring after taking regular skills lessons from Lucy."