Diploma in Jewelry Methods
George Brown College
Key Information
Campus location
Toronto, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 18,629 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
May 2024
* for international students. All fees are subject to change, without notice
Introduction
The Jewelry Methods program provides you with the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this demanding profession as a goldsmith/bench jeweler. The essential skills of measuring, sawing, filing, soldering, and finishing are stressed early in the program. These skills are built upon through the introduction and practice of many traditional and contemporary techniques. Once essential skills are achieved, you study more advanced goldsmithing techniques, jewelry repair, gem-setting, and model making, as well as jewelry elective subjects.
Jewelry history, technical drawing, gemmology, and an overview of the industry are included to provide you with a broad knowledge of the jewelry field.
Program Requirements
- This program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable internet access for synchronous classes.
- Students will be required to purchase a Rhino 7 software license; more information will be provided after registration.
- Students will be provided with a list of textbooks required to purchase after registration.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships for international students at George Brown College are generally in-program awards based on students’ academic performance (and other criteria) at George Brown College after the beginning of the academic program.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
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Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
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**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Electives
*Program Specialization Electives One (1) specialized elective required. A selection of Jewellery program electives will be offered each semester. See course offerings on web registration.
- JEWL 1004 Enamelling I
- JEWL 2027 Enamelling II
- JEWL 2032 Decorative Techniques
- JEWL 1074 Field Education in the Jewellery Industry
- JEWL 1060 Model Making 2
Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create jewelry items in copper, brass, silver, and gold, using fundamental goldsmithing skills for entry-level employment in the jewelry industry.
- Create wax models using hand-carving techniques.
- Set gemstones in simple settings to industry standards.
- Repair jewelry to industry standards and to meet customer satisfaction.
- Produce multiple reproductions of jewelry using the lost wax casting process.
- Incorporate polishing techniques to produce market-ready jewelry items.
- Differentiate gemstones and their properties as required in the jewelry industry.
- Contextualize jewelry according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials, and method of production.
- Use technical drawing techniques to communicate jewelry designs as required.
- Follow ethical, security, and business practices consistent with jewelry industry standards.
- Employ jewelry tools, equipment, and materials in a confident and safe manner.
- Use computer software (CAD) skills to produce 2D drawings and 3D models of complex jewelry forms.
- Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills for employment applications.
- Construct finished jewelry pieces according to given designs.
Career Opportunities
Your Career
This program will prepare the successful graduate for an entry-level position as a bench jeweler. The jewelry industry offers a large variety of opportunities with careers in manufacturing, repair, gem setting, retail or wholesale, precious metals, or fashion jewelry and accessories. Some of our graduates establish their own jewelry businesses.
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree in Jewellery and gemology are available.
Future Study Options
Successful graduates may continue their studies in the Gemmology certificate program (F105) at George Brown College. Graduates with both jewelry and gemmology education have a significant advantage in the workplace.