Curriculum



The Jewellery and Metals Program



At the end of the first year (second semester) of studies, the successful students’ skills at this basic level will include:



◆ A working knowledge of basic hand processes, such as: sawing, filing, sanding, polishing, soldering using hard solders and flex-shaft use and operation.

 

◆ An understanding of the lost wax casting process: wax carving, investing, burning out, and casting.

 

◆ An understanding of various methods of casting, including gravity, centrifugal and vacuum assist.

 

◆ The ability to make a ring of a specific size (e.g. band ring or casting).

 

◆ Simple repairs, such as: ring sizing and chains.

 

◆ Original design work for jewellery to be made by processes with which the students are familiar, e.g. lost wax casting, fabrication.

 

◆ “Counter sketching” and presentation work.

 

◆ The design and fabrication of items that would use wire, including bangle bracelets, chains, pendants, earrings, and brooches.

 

◆ A familiarity with equipment for cleaning, such as the ultrasonic and steam.




Jewellery and Metals Year 2



In addition to the capabilities of the Level 1 Goldsmith, the 

successful second year (fourth semester) students can perform:



◆ Basic stone setting such as bezel, prong and bead.


◆ Basic Gemmology, including: gem identification, and the use of precision instruments such as the refractometer, microscope and polariscope.


◆ Repairs, such as chains, shank replacements, stone replacements and prong repairs.

 

◆ Hollowware and metalsmithing techniques such as; raising bowls, fabricating cones and cylindrical forms, forging, chasing and tool making.

 

◆ Precision fabrication from their own designs and or drawings.

 

◆ Model making, rubber mold making, vulcanizing and mold cutting.

 

◆ Production casting methods; wax injecting, spruing , centrifugal and vacuum casting processes.

 

◆ Basic business procedures, including, accounting and trademark registration.





Goldsmithing and Silversmithing

a post-diploma program



The successful graduate at this level will be able to work with more confidence, using more skills, with less direct supervision. The graduate will be able to custom design and/or produce jewellery, whether one-of-a-kind or production. Through the content of the program the graduate will have acquired a variety of specialty techniques and skills, including:



◆ Lapidary processes, such as custom cutting and polishing stones including cabochons, bullets and free form shapes.

 

◆ Enamelling, hydraulic die forming, surface embellishments, lamination, etching, inlay (stone and metal) and  reactive metals (titanium, niobium, aluminum).

 

◆ Advanced stone setting, such as pavé, channel and fancies.

 

◆ Advanced model making.

 

◆ Business practises including sales, marketing and promotion.

 

◆ Product photography, portfolio and catalogue development.

 

◆ Tool making.


         Site supported by the staff, students, and alumni of the Jewellery & Metals and Goldsmithing  Programs     20014/15