About

Through a series of hands-on projects, each requiring new skills and building on previous learning, students develop proficiency in:

  • Working with the full range of jeweler’s hand-tools
  • Metals and stones
  • Metal forming techniques
  • Polishing, soldering, and engraving
  • Laser welding
  • Silver, gold, platinum, and palladium fabrication
  • Engraving
  • Wax model making
  • Jewelry repair
  • Advanced jewelry construction
  • Stone setting
  • Casting

Repair work is an essential aspect of the jewelry trade. Students are strongly encouraged to develop skills in repair techniques and learn to re-size rings and repair their own pieces, as well as jewelry belonging to clients. Having solid experience in repair work increases the artisan’s marketability in the industry and provides a deeper understanding of the industry. After a few months of training, students have the confidence and skills needed to pursue professional part-time repair work in the hours after class.

Calendar

Weeks 1, 2 and 3

  • Demonstration: Introduction to the course.
  • Working with the full range of jeweler’s hand-tools
  • Practice

Weeks 4, 5 and 6

  • Metals and stones
  • Metal forming techniques
  • Practice

Weeks 7, 8 and 9

  • Polishing, soldering, and engraving
  • Laser welding
  • Practice

Weeks 10, 11 and 12

  • Silver, gold, platinum, and palladium fabrication
  • Engraving
  • Practice

Weeks 13, 14 and 15

  • Wax model making
  • Jewelry repair
  • Practice

Weeks 16, 17 and 18

  • Advanced jewelry construction
  • Stone setting
  • Practice

Weeks 19, 20 and 21

  • Casting
  • Practice
  • Gallery presentation