And Then It's Done...

After 78 projects and 15 months, I received my certificate of completion from my apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteApril 15, 2021apprentice program, jewelry apprentice

Thirteen Stone Cluster Ring

This is the final project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. This project was beyond challenging, and there were several points when I didn’t think that I would be able to do it. While far from perfect, I’m quite happy with the outcome.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 28, 2021bench skills, cluster pendant

Wire Basket Cluster

This is a project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. This one was a fun, yet fiddly and challenging, project.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 23, 2021bench skills, cluster pendant

Square Cluster Ring

This is a project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. This project was difficult. Really difficult.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 21, 2021bench skills, cluster ring, square ring

Nine Stone Cluster Ring

This is a project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. Previously I mentioned being intimidated by these projects. Well, that hasn’t changed.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 17, 2021bench skills, cluster ring

Tube Cluster Ring

This is the first project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. These projects have all intimidated me from day one, so I’m needing to give myself an extra push for these.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 12, 2021bench skills, cluster ring

Half Eternity Ring

This is the first project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 10, 2021bench skills, eternity ring

Eight Claw Solitaire

This is the final project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to advanced soldering skills and construction, as well as multistone settings. This project was as challenging as you would expect a final project to be!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 6, 2021bench skills, solitaire ring, eight claw ring

Three Stone Ring

This is a project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to advanced soldering skills and construction, as well as multistone settings.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 3, 2021bench skills, multi stone setting, three stone ring

Five Stone Dress Ring

This is a project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to advanced soldering skills and construction, as well as multistone settings. When I finished Stage 8 and was looking ahead, I commented about how Stage 9 seemed like it was a bit easier. I was so wrong!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteMarch 1, 2021bench skills, five stone ring, multi stone setting

Three Stone Cross Basket Ring

This is a project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions. You know a project is going to be tough when the teacher says it’s “fiddly.” This project did not disappoint!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 26, 2021bench skills, three stone ring

Tennis Bracelet Links

This is a project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions. This was not a complete project, but taught us how to make two different styles of connected links for a tennis bracelet.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 23, 2021bench skills, tennis bracelet

Traditional Solitaire Ring

This is the first project from Stage 9 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to multi-stone jewelry and precision construction projects. I expect this level to be challenging!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 19, 2021bench skills, solitaire ring

Cluster Penant

This is the final project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I made it!!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 14, 2021bench skills, handmade pendant, flush setting, gypsy setting

Eternity Ring

This is the sixth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. This is probably the quintessential project that motivated me to make jewelry

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 11, 2021bench skills, bead setting, eternity ring, handmade ring

Stone Set Cross

This is the fifth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions. This was one of the projects that I looked at several years ago, the first time I ran into the JTS website, and said to myself, “I’ll never be able to do that.” Well, never say never!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteFebruary 3, 2021bench skills, cross pendant, bead setting, handmade pendant

Barrel Snap Catch

This is part of the fourth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I was really looking forward to learning how to make these various clasps, but this one just about did me in!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteJanuary 29, 2021bench skills, handmade clasp

Trigger Clasp

This is part of the fourth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I was really looking forward to learning how to make these various clasps, but this one just about did me in!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteJanuary 27, 2021bench skills, handmade clasp

Bullet Catch

This is part of the fourth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I’m always search for different types of clasps. I love this one, and it was a lot of fun to make!

JTS ProgramCarol KorteJanuary 25, 2021bench skills, handmade clasp

Latch Back Earrings

This is part of the fourth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I’m very excited to learn how to make this type of earring, since many people prefer not to wear earwires since they aren’t as secure.

JTS ProgramCarol KorteJanuary 23, 2021bench skills, latch back earrings