College: Fine Arts - Jewelry Technology and Design

Jewelry Technology and Design focuses on the art and science of making jewelry. Students develop skills in jewelry design, manufacturing techniques, gemology, and business practices. Graduates are prepared for careers in jewelry design, manufacturing, retail, and entrepreneurship.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of jewelry design and manufacturing.
• Develop skills in jewelry design, gemology, and manufacturing techniques.
• Learn techniques for creating and producing jewelry.
• Explore principles of gemology, metalsmithing, and business management.
• Analyze and interpret jewelry design trends and market requirements.
• Develop critical thinking, creativity, and artistic skills to effectively design and produce jewelry.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Jewelry Technology and Design
   • Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in jewelry technology and design.
   • Basics of jewelry design, manufacturing techniques, and industry trends.
2. Jewelry Design
   • Principles of jewelry design, including sketching, rendering, and computer-aided design (CAD).
   • Techniques for creating innovative and aesthetically pleasing jewelry designs.
3. Gemology
   • Principles of gemology, including identification, classification, and evaluation of gemstones.
   • Techniques for selecting and incorporating gemstones into jewelry designs.
4. Metalsmithing Techniques
   • Principles of metalsmithing, including casting, forging, welding, and finishing.
   • Techniques for working with different metals and alloys to create jewelry.
5. Jewelry Manufacturing
   • Principles of jewelry manufacturing, including production processes, quality control, and mass production techniques.
   • Techniques for efficiently producing jewelry in a manufacturing environment.
6. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacturing (CAM)
   • Principles of CAD and CAM in jewelry design and manufacturing.
   • Techniques for using software tools to design and produce jewelry.
7. Business Management in Jewelry
   • Principles of business management, including marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship in the jewelry industry.
   • Techniques for managing and growing a jewelry business.
8. Practical/Applied Training
   • Real-world experience in jewelry design and manufacturing, including hands-on training and projects in jewelry studios, manufacturing facilities, or retail stores.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical scenarios of jewelry design and production.
9. Graduation Project in Jewelry Technology and Design
   • Comprehensive project to apply skills in jewelry design, gemology, or manufacturing techniques.
   • Delivery of a polished jewelry collection, design portfolio, or business plan.

Evaluation Methods:

• Jewelry design projects, gemology reports, metalsmithing assignments, manufacturing plans, CAD/CAM projects, business management plans, practical training reports, graduation projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Jewelry Technology and Design" by various authors.
• "Jewelry Design" by various authors.
• "Gemology" by various authors.
• "Metalsmithing Techniques" by various authors.
• "Jewelry Manufacturing" by various authors.
• "Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing in Jewelry Design" by various authors.
• "Business Management in Jewelry" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of art, design, and craftsmanship. Suitable for students interested in jewelry design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.

Duration of Specialization:

Typically two to four years to earn an associate or bachelor's degree, including coursework, internships, and graduation projects.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree or certificate in Jewelry Technology and Design and pursue higher education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or other jewelry industry organizations.

Target Audience:

Aspiring jewelry designers, jewelers, gemologists, and entrepreneurs seeking careers in jewelry design studios, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, and independent businesses. This specialization equips students with the creative, artistic, and business skills necessary to excel in jewelry technology and design, supporting careers in various jewelry-related roles.