Holts Academy is a not for profit social enterprise which, since its inception in 1999, has grown and developed into London's premier training provider dedicated solely to the Jewellery Industry. With over 50 learning and support options available for those in, and wishing to enter, the trade and a flexible programme of study, the courses can be individually tailored.

Whether you want to learn how to grade and identify diamonds or to create your own jewellery from scratch using precious metals and stones, the Academy has a programme to help you add some sparkle to your life.

Begin at the Bench two-day weekend course:

The Begin at the Bench course is ideal for those who have never set foot into a jeweller’s workshop before. Over the two days, you will be introduced to a range of jeweller’s tools and materials. You will cover all the basics skills needed (such as creating items from precious silver metal, how to form the metal, how to use silver solder to solder joins and clean up the silver metal). By the end of the two days you will have made either a fabulous pendant or ring in sterling silver that is yours to keep.

Total number of days: 2

Normal Rate price: £500

Special Coutts Woman Price: £400 Saving £100

Gemmology and Stringing nine day course:

This Gemmology and Stringing package is a fascinating insight into precious and semi-precious stones in the rough and cut forms with instruction as how to professionally string these stones.

Firstly, the two day Diamond Grading course will involve handling a wide range of loose polished diamonds. The focus will primarily be on the classic 4 C’s which are the cut, the carat weight, the colour and the clarity of diamonds. By the end of the two days, you will have a good understanding of how to identify good quality diamonds. You will be given a magnifier, tweezers and a stone holder which are yours to keep.

The following three days cover Exploring Gemstones, involving rough and precious stones such as rubies, opals, sapphires and emeralds. By the third day, you will be able to identify from the rough samples what shape the finished polished stone will be, as well as identify quality semi-precious and precious stones from one another. As with the Diamond Grading course, you will be able to take a set of tools away with you.

Next, the Stringing course will cover the traditional methods of stringing cultured pearls and semi-precious beads into a single row, single knot necklace or bracelet. You will learn how to complete your item with clasps and other fixings. There’s also a chance to try some wire techniques using round silver wire and beads. By the end of the three days you will have created your own beautiful pearl necklace and onyx or rose quartz bracelet that is yours to keep.

Lastly, you will discover the history of the wonders of the sea with the Pearl Master Class. In three hours, you be able to look at and touch a range of lustrous pearls such as freshwater cultured, Mabe and Tahitian. Explore the method of pearl production; identify what makes a quality pearl and how to care for your pearls when wearing them.

Total number of days: 9

Normal Rate price: £1239

Special Coutts Woman Price: £1039 Saving £200

The Introduction into Jewellery Design course allows your creative jewellery ideas to be transferred onto paper. With the tutor guidance, you will be shown how to create designs in a professional manner and use gauche paint to highlight the colour of the stones and metals used. You will produce two designs that will be put onto mount card by the end of the six sessions.

This is followed by the Begin at the Bench course, which is ideal for those who have never set foot into a jewellers workshop before. Over the two days, you will be introduced to a range of jeweller’s tools and materials. You will cover all the basics skills needed (such as creating items from precious silver metal, how to form the metal, how to use silver solder to solder joins and clean up the silver metal). By the end of the six sessions you will have made a ring, pendant and cluster ring in sterling silver that is yours to keep.

The Enamelling course is aimed at people that have never used enamelling in their jewellery making and will cover basic techniques such as sifting, wet-packing, counter and cloisonné enamelling. By the end of the three days each student would have made an enamelled pendant or brooch onto silver metal which is yours to keep.

Total number of days: 15

Normal Rate price: £1730

Special Coutts Woman Price: £1530 Saving £200

These offers are valid for 2008 courses. To redeem these special offers and for further information, visit www.holtsacademy.co.uk – and quote Coutts Woman at the time of booking