Fall and Winter COURSES

English language courses with bi/tri-weekly frequency.

Students can take one or more subjects, according to their wishes, goals, and time availability, and thus build a personalized course of study.

The list of study subjects is long and articulated, and each subject can be considered a course in itself. All classes are taught by proven and experienced lecturers and instructors, and classes are in English.

The option of taking several subjects at the same time allows everyone to build their own course of study according to their needs and goals.

For each subject/course, interested parties can access information about the syllabus and objectives.

ALL COURSES IN ENGLISH​

Course codeJMLAB. 1
Hours150
Starting datesOctober
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Fee€ 3000
Course codeJMLAB. 2
Hours150
Starting datesJanuary
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 3000
Course codeWAX.EN
Hours25
Starting datesOctober, January 
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 500
Course codeENA.EN
Hours25
Starting datesOctober, January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 500
Course codeEN.EN
Hours25
Starting datesOctober , January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 500
Course codeENJ.EN
Hours25
Starting datesOctober , January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 500
Course codeINC.EN
Hours100
Starting datesOctober , January 
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

Fee€ 2000
Course codeREND.EN
Hours40
Starting datesOctober , January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

 

Fee€ 1000
Course codeCAD.EN
Hours25
Starting datesOctober , January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

 

Fee€ 500
Course codeDIS.EN
Hours60
Starting datesOctober , January
Deadline for
booking

Session starting in October:
31 August

Session starting in January:
30 November

 

Fee€ 1500
Course codeSTO-GIO
Hours 
Starting dates 
Deadline for
booking

 

It is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hours

 

Fee 
Course codeMODA.EN
Hours 
Starting dates 
Deadline for
booking

It is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hours

 

Fee 
Course codeMARK.EN
Hours 
Starting dates 
Deadline for
booking

It is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hours

 

Fee 
Course name/subjectCourse codeHoursStarting datesDeadline
for booking
Fee (VAT included)More info
Jewellery Making 1 (basic)JMLAB. 1150OctoberSession starting in October:
31 of August

Session starting in January:
30 of November
€ 3000See more infoBOOK NOW
Jewellery Making 2 (intermediate)JMLAB. 2150January€ 3000See more infoBOOK NOW
Wax modellingWAX.EN25October and January€ 500See more infoBOOK NOW
EnamelingENA.EN25October and January€ 500See more infoBOOK NOW
Engraving on plateEN.EN25October and January€ 500See more infoBOOK NOW
Engraving on jewelsENJ.EN25October and January€ 500See more infoBOOK NOW
Stone settingINC.EN100October and January€ 2000See more infoBOOK NOW
RenderingREND.EN40October and January€ 1000See more infoBOOK NOW
CADCAD.EN25October and January€ 500See more infoBOOK NOW
Technical DesignDIS.EN60October and January€ 1500See more infoBOOK NOW
History of contemporary jewelsCONST.ENIt is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hoursSee more infoBOOK+NOW
Fashion and trendsMODA.ENIt is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hoursSee more infoBOOK NOW
Fashion and Luxury MarketingMARK.ENIt is possible to request individual lessons for up to a maximum of 10 hoursSee more infoBOOK NOW

Subsequent modules (intermediate, advanced) can be scheduled for each course, based on participants’ requests.

Jewellery Making courses – JMLAB. 1/2

3 classes of 4 hours per week
Duration: of 150 hours for the full session (12 hours for 12 weeks). However, shorter durations may be available subject to the availability of places.

JEWELLERY MAKING 1 (BASIC) – JMLAB. 1

The lecture cycles aim to provide participants with basic knowledge of various metalworking techniques. The program aims to familiarize participants with operations such as soldering, alloy casting, piercing, metal bending and deforming, wire drawing and rolling, surfaces decoration, gem setting, finishing.

These objectives are pursued through laboratory practice and the making of some work in silver and other metals and stones, as follows:

  1. Making a silver ring with cabochon stone.
  2. Fabrication of a pair of earrings in silver plate/wire and other metals, with one or more stones.
  3. Making a chain in wire and/or plate.

 
For all works in the program, the school provides predefined designs but participants may also make their own designs on the sole condition that they meet the requirements. Materials needed for making all works (silver, stones, other non-precious metals) are included in the participation fee.

JEWELLERY MAKING 2 (INTERMEDIATE) – JMLAB. 2

The intermediate course focuses on deepening the techniques already glimpsed in the basic course. In addition to gradually more complex constructions and procedures, special attention is given to the following topics:

  • Decoration techniques;
  • Making a silver brooch with stones and/or other decorations;
  • Making a slave-style bracelet;
  • Making a ring using the “Florentine fretwork” technique.

Courses on more advanced techniques may be scheduled upon request.

Wax modelling workshop - WAX.EN

1 class of 4 hours per week
Duration: of 25 hours for the full session. However, shorter durations may be available subject to the availability of places

The  the course includes lectures and practical exercises devoted to modeling in hard and moldable (soft) wax.

Wax objects will be made from predetermined patterns and designs, which each individual can customize.

A few works will then be selected from each participant to be cast in silver or bronze.

Fire enameling – ENA.EN

 1 class of 4 hours per week,
Duration:  25 hours for the full session. However, shorter durations may be available subject to the availability of places.

The course includes hands-on workshop classes with instructor demonstrations and group and individual exercises.

LAO provides silver pendants and rings, which students will learn to enamel using a variety of techniques:

  • Dry and wet enamel;
  • Application of gold or silver leaf;
  • Sgraffito;
  • Champlevé:
  • Cloisonné;
  • Liquid enamel

Engraving – EN.EN/ENJ.EN

1 class of 4 hours per week.
Duration: of each cycle is 25 hours  but can also be accessed for shorter durations subject to availability of places.

Hand-engraving on plate – EN.EN

The course concerns the engraving on flat plate, for the realization of decorative drawings, matrices for prints, objects of use (frames, boxes, etc.). The exercises will be done on brass and silver plates.

Hand-engraving on jewels – ENJ.EN

This course includes exercises on semi-finished casted pieces (rings, pendants, bracelets), in silver, which will allow you to learn a difficult and refined art, able to transform a simple object into a small work of art.

To access to the jewellery engraving course it is necessary to have attended at least one course on plate engraving, or in any case have basic skills in engraving.

Stone setting – INC.EN

2 classes of 4 hours per week.
Duration: each cycle is 100 hours (8 hours for 10 weeks), but can also be accessed for shorter durations subject to availability of places.

The course includes demonstrations and exercises that will cover all phases of the setting of gems on metal, with the use of semi-finished casted pieces in silver, with synthetic stones, predominantly high quality cubic zirconia.

Starting from relatively simple techniques, such as the one on griffe and on bezels, students will soon arrive at more complex works, as follow:

  • Prong settings of varied shapes and dimensions;
  • Wire, square, shared prongs;
  • Bezel mount settings of various shapes.
  • Channel settings with “suspended” round stones;
  • Setting on single stones;
  • “Eternity” ring;
  • Trilogy ring.

Rendering – REND.EN

2 classes of 3 hours per week.
Duration: each cycle is 40 hours  but shorter durations can be accessed subject to availability of places.

To access this course it is not necessary to have drawing skills: the whole program will be carried out starting from basic notions, within everyone’s reach.

The use of watercolors for the realization of jewellery rendering is a refined technique which requires time and patience, but ensures exciting results and offers future designers the opportunity to show their customers a realistic preview of how the object will be made .

LAO provides some schematics of technical designs (rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, etc.) that participants will have to learn to color (render) using the techniques learned.

Different topics such as metal surfaces (silver and gold in different colors), and with different treatments (matte, polished, satin) and shape (flat/bombed/curved) will be addressed. One also learns how to represent gems realistically.

CAD – CAD.EN

1 classes of 3 hours per week.
Duration: each cycle is 25 hours, but shorter durations can be accessed subject to availability of places.

CAD (Computer Aided Design) offers possibilities that until very recently were unthinkable for jewellery design and is extremely useful not only for designers but also for jewellers and model-makers.

Technical design – DIS.EN

2 classes of 3 hours per week.
Duration: each cycle is 60 hours, but shorter durations can be accessed subject to availability of places.

This course introduces students to the practical aspects of technical design, freehand design and the praxis of designing a piece of jewellery.

The course opens with students using a type of technical projection called Orthogonal Projection, which allows the designer to explore their vision from every side, every angle. We then move on to the techniques of Axonometric projection, which is the three-dimensional representation of the piece of jewellery, as if it were being seen in a photograph.

These techniques will allow us to make accurate freehand designs of our drafts. We will look at various themes in jewellery design with the aim of understanding various working methods, different ways of constructing jewellery and different ways of studying its components. The various design techniques will be taught from the absolute basics, on the assumption that the student has never designed before. With time their designs will become more and more sophisticated.

History of the contemporary jewels – CONST.EN

This course treats the history of contemporary jewellery as the history of a valid, independent means of artistic expression.

It begins at the end of the nineteenth century and finishes with today’s jewellery, looking at the central figures in the jewellery world during this period. It explores jewellery from open, experimental, ever-changing perspectives: besides bringing materials from other art forms into a jewellery context, we will see how thought on the meaning and function of jewellery has become increasingly critical, especially from the mid-twentieth century onwards.

The course will also focus on the connections between artists working and experimenting at the same time and will linger on the most important trends of each period to contextualize them as much as possible.

Fashion and luxury marketing – MARK.EN

This course offers a contemporary view of luxury marketing to the student who is studying an ancient, storied craft. The course will deal with jewellery marketing strategies and the evolution of the market.

Through analyzing the 4 P’s of traditional marketing and the 4 C’s of integrated marketing, students will learn to promote and commercialize their own products, orchestrating every stage from design to profit.

The market strategies of various high jewellery brands will be analyzed, from product development to promotion and sales, with particular attention to the emotional aspect that the great luxury brands use in their (personalized) marketing. Students will also look at the importance of the target market and unpick the various business techniques that are specific to the luxury goods sector.

Flash Courses

These are ultra-short courses, ranging from 1 to 5 days in duration. The content is technical and practical, involving a demonstration phase by the instructor followed by hands-on exercises for students. 

All flash courses are taught by LAO’s faculty and instructors.

CAD Flash courses. Teacher Jasmina Carbone
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesRequirements of admissionEnrolment
Introduction to Rhino3D for Goldsmithing - Online coursesCAD.WE112 hours - 2 days18 - 19 SeptemberSeptember, 10th€ 300Enroll
JEWELLERY DESIGN Flash courses. Teachers Jasmina Carbone* – Giulio Vinci
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesRequirements of admissionEnrolment
Ink pen sketches and renderingsRE.215 hours 4 days6 - 9 July20 June€ 450Enroll
Rendering with markers and watercolor pencilsRE.315 hours 4 days13 - 16 July30 June€ 450Enroll
Digital renderingRE.415 hours 4 days20 - 23 July30 June€ 450Enroll
Rendering surfaces*RE.112 hours 2 days24 - 25 September10 September€ 300Enroll
STONE SETTING Flash courses. Instructor Francesco Pinzauti
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesRequirements of admissionEnrolment
Stone Setting Flash
(INPR1.F, INSB.F, INSG.F, INBI.F, INSGR.F)
INC.FLASH48 Hours 7 Days14 - 22 September31 August€ 1.000Enroll
Stone setting with griffe (Solitaire or trilogy)INPR1.F12 Hours 2 Days14 and 15
September
31 August€ 300Enroll
Stone setting on bezelINBS.F12 Hours 2 Days16 and 17 September31 August€ 300Enroll
Flush settingINSG.F8 Hours 1 Day18 September31 August€ 200Basic competences of stone setting techniquesEnroll
Channel settingINBI.F8 Hours 1 Day21 September31 August€ 200Basic competences of stone setting techniquesEnroll
Fishtail settingINSGR.F8 Hours 1 Day22 September31 August€ 200Basic competences of stone setting techniquesEnroll
Stone setting with griffe and stone setting on bezel
(INPR1.F, INSB.F)
INC1.F24 Hours 4 Days14 and 17
September
31 August€ 550Enroll
Stone setting with griffe, stone setting on bezel and Flush setting
(INPR1.F, INSB.F, INSG.F)
INC2.F32 Hours 5 Days14 and 18
September
31 August€ 750Enroll
Channel setting and Fishtail setting
(INBI.F, INSGR.F)
INC3.F16 Hours 2 DayS21-22 September31 August€ 350Basic competences of stone setting techniquesEnroll
HAND ENGRAVING ON JEWELLERY Flash courses.
Instructors Victoria Efremova* - Filippo Vinattieri
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesRequirements of admissionEnrolment
Hand-engraving full courses
(EN.1, EN.2, ENJF.1, ENJF.2, ENJF.3)
EN.FLASH72 Hours 16 Days2 - 24 September31 August€ 1.600Enroll
Segnatura*EN.112 Hours 3 Days2 - 4 September31 August€ 300Enroll
Engraved texture*EN.216 Hours 4 Days7 - 10 September31 August€ 400Enroll
Introduction to engraving on jew- elleryENJF.112 Hours 2 Days14 e 15 September10 September€ 300Enroll
Background, granite, and silk on jewelleryENJF.28 Hours 1 Days16 September10 September€ 200ENJF.1 or equivalentEnroll
Cursive writing on metal plate *ENJF.324 Hours 6 Days17 - 24 September10 September€ 600ENJF.1 or equivalentEnroll
Hand-engraving on plate flash
(EN.1, EN.2)
ENP.F28 Hours 7 Days
2 - 10 September31 August€ 650Enroll
Hand-engraving on jewels flash
(ENJF.1, ENJF.2)
ENG.F20 Hours 3 Days14 - 16 September10 September€ 450Enroll
ENAMELING Flash courses. Instructors Jennifer Wells** - Sachiko Chino
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesEnrolment
Fire enamels, wet enamel, dry enamel, champlevéSMA.WE8 Hours 2 Days6 and 7 July30 June€ 250Enroll
Liquid enamels**SMAF.215 Hours 3 Days8 - 7 July30 June€ 450Enroll
STRINGING PEARLS Flash course. Teacher Maria Laura La Mantia
Title/ContentsCourse codeDurationScheduleDeadlineTuition FeesRequirements of admissionEnrolment
Stringing pearlsPEARL16 Hours 2 Days23 and 24 September10 September€ 400Enroll
Notes FLASH Courses***

CAD.WE1 Introduction to Rhino3D for Goldsmithing. Online Course 

This course focuses on creating rings and pendants from non-complex shapes using a range of commands, including creating and  modifying curves, moving, rotating, scaling, copying, and subdividing shapes, using the 1-track sweep technique and utilizing  control points. 


RE.1 Diamond colouring 

Watercolour rendering of brilliant diamond cut. 

RE.2 Ink pen sketches and renderings 

In this workshop fast representation techniques are applied with the use of ink pens. Starting from different representation techniques  for flat surfaces, curved, cylindrical and conical surfaces, we move on to representation of cabochons and faceted gemstones, pave,  pearls and other materials. The aim of the workshop is to give the student the tools and methods to realize monochromatic jewellery  drawings through fast chiaroscuro” ink pen techniques that will give an immediate visual impact. 

RE.3 Rendering with markers and watercolor pencils. 

In this workshop representation techniques using alcohol and water-based markers and watercolor pencils are covered and  employed. Starting from different representation techniques of flat, curved, cylindrical and conical surfaces, both polished and satin finished, of precious metals. Then we move on to drawing of precious stones: cabochons and faceted stones,  

semi-precious stones, pearls, corals and other materials. The aim of the workshop is to provide the student with the tools and  methods to realize jewellery renderings through the use of fast but visually striking representation  

RE.4 Digital rendering with photoshop, illustrator and procreate.  

In this workshop, digital representation techniques using Photoshop and Illustrator software, and the Procreate application are illus trated and employed. As usual, we start with representation techniques of flat, curved, cylindrical and conical surfaces, both polished  and satin-finished, of precious metals. Then we move on to digital representation of precious stones: cabochons and faceted stones,  semiprecious stones, pearls, corals, pavés of diamonds. The advantages of digital rendering and the possibility of modifying the design  and adapting it to different requirements in a very short time are high lighted. The aim of the workshop is to train the student with the  tools to realize renderings through the use of digital jewels illustrations and painting, which is highly fast, dynamic and expressive.  

EN.1 Segnatura  

Exercises on metal sheet and introduction to the art of segnatura. Drawing, writing with marks, and delineating geomet ric shapes on a metal sheet. 

EN.2 Engraved texture 

The course aims to teach drawing and engraving with a burin to create different textures and patterns. Starting with basic graphic ele ments like simple lines, participants will learn how to create more complex motifs, up to ornaments and abstract compositions. They will  also learn how to imitate natural surfaces, studying the structures to create effects such as bark or wood, animal skin patterns, or stone  surfaces. 

ENJF.1 Introduction to engraving on jewellery 

After learning the burin preparation technique and becoming familiar with the tools, participants will start engraving on  copper sheets and silver rings. 

ENJF.2 Background, granite, and silk on jewellery 

Engravings on a silver leaf, using backgrounds, granite, silk, and engraving veins to enhance the natural effect. Granite is used to create a  homogeneous background that contrasts with subsequent shiny engravings, enhancing them. 

ENJF.3 Cursive writing on metal plate  

The objective of the course is to teach the engraving of names in English cursive on flat plates. This course is beneficial for both goldsmiths  and engravers. It can be used to sign one’s own work by using a metal plate, ‘write’ names, initials, and dates with a graver, etc.  

INPR1.F Setting with prongs (solitaire or trilogy)  

The prong setting is the most commonly used for solitaire and trilogy rings, and it enhances the beauty of the stone. Participants will learn  how to set brilliant-cut round stones on silver rings and other semi-finished products. 

INBS.F Setting with different-shaped settings 

The stone is set in the previously prepared seat (setting). The metal collar is fixed on the stone with a chisel or a hammer. For the exercis es, semi-finished products with settings of various shapes will be used, and participants will learn how to set faceted stones of different  cuts (round, square or princess) and round cabochon-cut stones. 

INSG.F Flush setting 

The technique of flush setting, in which the stones are not covered by the metal at all, makes the stones appear larger than they actually  are. This type of setting is particularly suitable for small round stones, and is often used for “light points” and in tennis bracelets. During  the course, exercises will be carried out on silver or bronze plates and semi-finished products. 

INBI.F Channel setting 

Channel setting is one of the most common types of setting: this type of mounting gives beauty to stones arranged in a row next to each  other. It is a type of setting suitable for not large stones, usually all of the same size. The most used cuts for this type of setting are square  and baguette, but excellent results are also obtained with round stones. 

INSGR.F Bead setting 

This technique partly recalls the prong setting, but the use of special mills and gravers makes it very different in realization and suitable  for objects to be produced in series or simple on unique objects. The setter obtains small prongs by cutting the base metal and shaping the  metal blocks according to their own taste. 

SMAF.2 Liquid enamel  

Students will be guided through exercises that teach them how to understand the material and how it will respond to certain situations.  The students will then be asked to begin layering techniques and application methods associated with liquid enamels, pushing the bound aries of what they are learning. Alternative materials will be incorporated into the enamel and firing process. The enamels will be kiln and  also torch fired ( this depends if we may bring one torch into the studio), offering more variation to the surface of the enamel. Exploring the  possibilities students will be expected to present a collection of their research as demonstration through several pieces with appropriate  documentation of their processes. Advanced students will also be asked to develop one process into a completed piece that may be wear 

able or sculptural. 

SMA.WE Fire enamels, wet enamel, dry enamel, champlevé. 

The course aims to provide the student with the knowledge of the main techniques of fire enamel applied to metal and in particular on jew ellery objects. Practical lessons and exercises. Dry enamel, wet enamel and champlevè.

PEARL Stringing pearls 

The course involves the creation of a pearl necklace from start to finish. Participants will learn the fundamental basics of threading and  how to use the necessary materials for this art. The course is aimed at those who, for creative, commercial, and hobbyist purposes, want  to learn this technique