Advanced Diploma in Jewelry Arts
Toronto, Canada
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
CAD 19,856 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Leadership Claims
This fine jewelry program is unique in the Greater Toronto Area. George Brown College has the most comprehensive facilities and is one of the largest jewelry education providers in North America.
The jewelry Arts program focuses on goldsmithing techniques and design skills that are necessary to succeed as a jewelry designer and goldsmith. You learn all aspects of jewelry making – sawing, filing, soldering, casting and polishing, and the particulars of working with silver, gold, and gemstones. You are required to utilize various design strategies and study the wide variety of jewelry forms open to you as a designer. Skills in the application of the creative process are important. The use of technology and fundamental jewelry business skills are integral to the program.
You are encouraged to work to the highest goldsmithing standards as you create jewelry with precious metals and gemstones. Projects are designed to advance technical and design skills, while at the same time permitting individual expression. An annual jewelry exhibition showcases graduating students' projects. Students have the opportunity to participate in numerous competitions, and to volunteer for and to attend industry events.
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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Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
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*Program electives (four program electives required)
**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. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
*Program Specialization Electives: Four (4) specialization electives required Jewelry electives vary each semester. See courses offered at the time of registration.
- JEWL1059 Model Making I
- JEWL1060 Model Making II
- JEWL 2007 Jewelry Repair I
- JEWL 2008 Jewelry Repair II
- JEWL 1004 Enamelling I
- JEWL 2027 Enamelling II
- JEWL 2032 Decorative Techniques
- JEWL 1074 Field Education in the Jewelry Industry
Program Outcome
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create jewelry items in copper, brass, silver, and gold, using adept goldsmithing skills for employment in the jewelry industry.
- Apply specialized jewelry skills to industry standards to inform technique and design.
- Devise jewelry design solutions to meet client needs taking both material and process requirements into consideration.
- Construct finished jewelry pieces according to given designs.
- Produce technical drawings and illustrations to communicate jewelry designs as required.
- Select fabrication processes to optimize jewelry production.
- Contextualize jewelry according to historical and stylistic qualities to assess provenance, materials, and method of production.
- Produce industry-quality jewelry items 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.
- 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, and digital manufacturing technologies (CAM skills) to produce industry-quality jewelry items.
- Produce a professional portfolio that documents attained skills, including jewelry and jewelry designs, for employment applications and marketing opportunities.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your Career
The jewelry industry offers a large variety of opportunities. Graduates work as bench goldsmiths or designers and many as specialists in repair, gem-setting, and custom fine jewelry. Some establish businesses as studio jewelers, designing, making, and marketing jewelry to customers. Career opportunities exist in fine jewelry or fashion jewelry within retail, wholesale, or manufacturing contexts.
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree in Jewellery and gemology are available.