Ceramic Jewelry for Beginners
A course by Julieta Álvarez, Ceramic artist

Learn basic techniques to create, model, and enamel three jewelry pieces
Julieta Álvarez—a designer specializing in jewelry—takes the world of ceramics a step further by incorporating it into jewelry design, bringing together more than seven years of experience designing ceramic jewelry in her workshop and exporting it all over the world.
In this course, Julieta introduces you to her world of ceramics, teaching you basic techniques to design, model, glaze, and create a small collection of three pieces of jewelry from scratch.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 16 downloads
What's included in this course?
Start by learning more about Julieta. She briefly explains her professional career and how she created her ceramic jewelry business. In addition, take a look at her artistic influences inside and outside of ceramics.
Get to work by creating a mood board with images, words, materials, and anything that inspires or influences you in the conceptualization process.
Julieta then gives an overview of the materials to create ceramic jewelry, going over the main features of each one.
Once you have your ideas, start sketching with the clay. The goal is to create three pieces of jewelry as part of a single collection. To do so, outline various sizes, formats, and views of the pieces. Create freely and explore the limits of the material and your creativity.
Once you have all the pieces outlined, choose and retouch your favorites to structure your collection.
Then, learn basic modeling techniques and finally, start modeling. At the end, sponge and clean up the finish touches of the pieces.
Afterwards, learn how to use a kiln. Julieta explains that there are two kiln processes. The first process involves bisqueing the pieces. Once the bisque is finished, the pieces are glazed. In addition, learn about different kinds of enamel and different techniques to apply them. Afterwards comes the second kiln process, and then finish up by adding the last trimmings to your creations.
The last step is learning how to protect your jewelry so that it lasts. The course ends by going over some advice on packaging to prepare an order and ship your creations safely with unbeatable presentation.
- 98% positive reviews (519)
- 16,364 students
- 14 lessons (1h 23m)
- 16 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
- Updated on 06/25/2020
What is this course's project?
Make three inspired pieces of ceramic jewelry, from conceptualization to creation. Create a bracelet, a necklace, and earrings using the plate technique.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to get started in the world of ceramics. Ceramics only requires patience and a desire to work with your hands.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge or artisan skill is required—this is a basic course to get you started in this trade.
Keep in mind that you will need to rent a ceramic kiln at some point in the process. They are very affordable and can be found in any city.
Regarding the materials, you need low-temperature white clay, old rags, a kit of ceramic tools (or spoons), toothpicks, a sharp object, a rolling pin, plastic bags, and low-temperature ceramic glazes.

Reviews

Julieta Álvarez
A course by Julieta Álvarez
Julieta Álvarez is a multidisciplinary artist who uses ceramics as the main material in areas such as jewelry and sculpture.
She has had her own brand for 15 years, from where she creates and sells handcrafted pieces, exporting them worldwide: Paris, Tokyo, New York, Sydney, London, or Helsinki.
Her work has been exhibited in international galleries and museums such as the Pompidou in Paris or the Contemporary Art Museum in Luxembourg, among others.
Content
-
U1
Introduction
-
Presentation
-
Influences
-
What will we do in the course
-
-
U2
Design your own jewelry collection
-
Mood board Inspiration.
-
materials
-
Clay modeled sketches. Creativity.
-
Structure ideas and shape the collection
-
-
U3
Let's do it
-
Modeling. Basic techniques
-
Sponged and dried
-
Cooking in the ceramic kiln
-
Enamel. Techniques and ideas.
-
Application of fittings
-
-
U4
Packaging, uses and care
-
How to take care of the pieces
-
Packaging and shipping security advice
-
-
FP
Final project
-
Introduction to ceramic jewelry
-
What to expect from a Domestika course
-
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
-
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
-
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
-
Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
-
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
-
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
-
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
-
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
You’ll learn how to design and craft ceramic jewelry pieces from initial inspiration and modeling to glazing, assembly, and professional packaging. The course covers artistic techniques, material choices, and creative processes to help you develop your own collections.
This course is aimed at those with intermediate skills; having basic experience in ceramics or jewelry is recommended to get the most out of the techniques and content offered.
You’ll need ceramic clay, modeling tools, glazes, brushes, pliers, findings, two-part glue, and packaging materials. Access to a ceramic kiln for firing is also recommended.
The process includes creating mood boards, selecting colors and shapes, modeling pieces, glazing, firing, assembling findings, and presentation. You’ll learn how to conceptualize, organize, and put together cohesive, original collections.
You’ll be able to create unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other accessories using hand-building techniques, freeform modeling, slab work, glazing, and artisan finishing touches.
The course teaches manual and intuitive modeling, slab work, cutting, drilling, burnishing, brush glazing, sponge finishing, and assembling ceramic pieces with metal components.
Basic prior knowledge of ceramics or handmade jewelry is recommended, as the course works at an intermediate level and delves into advanced techniques and concepts.


Me gustó muchi el curso. Muy lindo trabajo.
Me hubiera gustado que el curso hubiera mostrado los procesos de Modelado con mayor detalle.
Me pareció buena información pero atomizada.
learnt a lot from this course
Este curso me inspirou profundamente. Excelentes referências e ótima didática.
I really enjoyed this course, and I love that Julieta gives options on the type of clay one can use. Evrything is clear and well explained. Thank you!