Learning silver smithing in Pushkar: how a course runs.

Govinda Atelier is the workshop in Pushkar where Govind Kumar teaches jewellery making. He started Robin Jewels here in 1999. This article describes how the silver smithing courses run: the skills in order, how a class works, and what you take home.

I.Pouring your own silver bar

Melting silver and pouring it into a small bar is part of the silver smithing course. The pieces you make start from this bar.

II.The five skills, in order

You learn the steps in this order.

1. Melting and pouring. Melt silver in a crucible and pour it into a small bar.
2. Rolling and wire drawing. Roll the bar into sheet, and pull wire through a draw plate to the thickness you need.
3. Soldering. Join silver with the torch. This is how rings, pendants and earrings are built.
4. Stone setting. Make a bezel by hand and set a natural stone in it. You choose the stone from the Robin Jewels stock.
5. Finishing and oxidation. File, sand and polish the piece. Or darken the silver with oxidation, so the detail shows.

In the one-day course, you make one silver ring from start to finish, or a bead bracelet if you prefer beads. In the three-day course, you make a ring, a pendant and a piece with a set stone, and you learn soldering and stone setting. The seven-day course covers all five steps. It also has time for bead work, if you want it, and for pieces of your own design.

III.How a class works

Govind or one of his craftsmen shows each step, then you repeat it at your place. Each student has a place at the bench and a set of tools for the whole course. You use each new step on the piece you are making.

Each group has 4 students or fewer. With a small group, Govind and his craftsmen can watch your hands and correct you while you work. Mistakes are part of learning. Silver can be melted and poured again, so a piece that goes wrong is not wasted.

IV.After class

After class, the evening is yours. Pushkar is a small town, and it is easy to walk. Anyone can watch the evening aarti at the ghats on the lake. Our traveller's guide to Pushkar has more about the town.

V.What you take home

You keep everything you make. At the end of the course, each student gets a signed certificate.

There are photos from the classes on our home page.

VI.Do you need experience?

No. The courses start from the beginning, and most students have never made jewellery before they come. Makers with experience move on faster. When you enquire, tell us your dates in Pushkar and your level. There is no fixed calendar. We plan the course around your dates, and we reply by email or on WhatsApp.