Workshops offer alternative techniques for creating bespoke sterling silver jewellery

A goldsmith and bladesmith, who moved to Forres from South Africa to be closer to the Scottish Highlands, is now sharing her skills in a series of workshops.

River Wyoming Yaffe has recently opened her business Zorya Zhavia at 86 High Street, Forres, and includes a retail and manufacturing section. She designs, builds prototypes and manufactures jewellery and precious metal articles.

She has an extensive background in the space and astronomy industry as an industrial, process engineer. She says her move to Forres also brings her closer to the space industry, where rockets are designed and made locally.

From 29 April, she will offer a three-stage workshop in the ´Cire Perdue´ technique or ´lost wax casting´, a process used to duplicate a sculpture in precious metal from an original sculpture in wax.

Students will create a wax casting and prototype, which will then be cast in silver.

Ancient history

River said: “I have family from Scotland and always heard about the beautiful landscapes, the environment, and its ancient history. 

“I moved to here to join the space Industry as I understood there was a shortage of skills, directly linked to the sector.

“I fell in love with Forres the moment I entered the town, witnessing the beautiful flower array, the surrounding forest, and the park. I loved the tolbooth, and the way the community members volunteered to maintain the gardens and parks.”

The lost wax method differs from other jewellery design types in that it allows more freedom of expression and creativity.  With this method one can create intricate designs, especially for complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional metalworking techniques. It allows for experimentation before committing to precious metals, offering an easily modifiable medium.

She added: “These initial workshops would suit individuals or couples who want to create their own pieces of jewellery. The initial items will be created in wax and the end-product will be in produced in Sterling Silver. The items will be Hallmarked in Edinburgh, with the ZZ Hallmark.”

The workshops are split into three two-hour sessions, and you can join one or all of them to make a pendant, a ring, and a ring with a gem. 

You can visit River at 86 High Street, Forres, Monday to Sunday, 8:30am to 6:30pm.