Get hands-on experience in the design and fabrication of jewellery through intensive courses in metal techniques, drawing, design, history of jewellery, gemmology, digital jewellery design, and business management.
Jewellery Art and Design
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What you will learn
- Jewellery fabrication (piercing, soldering, doming, texturing, finishing, riveting)
- Traditional goldsmithing techniques
- Lost wax casting
- Stone setting
- Metal forging
- Jewellery repair
- Machinery, tools, safety
- Metallurgy and alloys
- Origins and properties of gemstones
- Gemstone assessment
- Gemstone cuts, care, and cleaning
- Gemstone marketing, buying, and pricing
- Diamond properties
- International diamond market
- Visual literacy
- Conceptual design
- Illustration and visual representation
- Technical drawing
- Perspective drawing
- 3D design software
- History of Jewellery
- Jewellery in global cultures
- Art in contemporary society
- Northwest Coast Indigenous jewellery and design
- Individuality and artistic expression
- Meanings of jewellery
- Business management and entrepreneurship
- Jewellery-related laws and regulations
- Promotion, advertising, ethics
- Production methods and time management
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:
- Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
- Part-time option: Students attend the first term full-time, and then complete the rest of the courses part-time over the course of several years up to a maximum of five years.
Students who complete all courses in Term 1 and Term 2 may choose to exit the program with a Certificate in Jewellery Art & Design. Students may return to complete the Diploma at a later date if a seat is available. All courses must be completed within a five year period to receive the Diploma.
- Two years of full-time study, or part-time for up to 5 years
- 70-90 per cent of time dedicated to hands-on, technical training
- Industry-experienced instructors
- Cohort-style classes with personalized learning
- Technical assignments
- Creative projects
- Critiques
- Lectures
- Technical assignments
- Exams
- Demonstrations
- Group projects
- Research projects
- Guest presentations
- Public showcases and exhibitions
- Field trips
- Fully equipped workshops
- Use of hand tools and torches
- Networking with industry professionals
- Award and scholarship opportunities
- Opportunity to transfer to jewellery degree programs at AUA (Calgary), or NSCAD University (Halifax)
Admission requirements
Program-specific
Admission to the Jewellery Art and Design program is on a competitive selection basis. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or acceptable equivalent. In addition, an interview will be arranged with the selection committee.
Candidates should bring to the interview:
- Portfolio*
- Resumé
- Letter of Intent
A portfolio is a collection of images of showing artistic ability, technical aptitude and/or hand-eye coordination. It should be saved as a PDF and sent to the Department in advance of the interview. It should include 10-20 pieces, and could include examples of any of the following:
- Drawing and Painting
- Photography
- Collage
- Sculpture
- Jewellery
- Textile and fibre arts
- Metal and/or wood work
- Ceramics
- Any other art or craft demonstrating creativity and/or manual dexterity
Portfolios will be judged on the degree to which they show creativity and/or hand-eye coordination.
The resumé should include previous education and work experience.
The letter of intent should outline why the applicant has chosen to apply for the program, and could also include career and/or artistic goals, and other areas of interest.
A major focus of the interview is on establishing the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program with consideration given to ability and willingness to accept and grow in a learning environment, ability to interact with others, commitment to the total program, attention span, and previous art/design related training and experience. Successfully chosen candidates may be o?ered seats to the program.
*The Department recognizes that not all applicants will have previous experience in art, craft, or design. Applicants who do not have a portfolio are asked to bring a collection of found images of jewellery, and be prepared to discuss what makes them examples of fine craftsmanship or effective design.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Open-mindedness
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Creativity
- Manual dexterity
- Strong work ethic
- Good eyesight (corrected vision is accepted)
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Curiosity
- Enthusiasm
- Commitment
- Appreciation of fine craftsmanship and design
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| JADE 1120 | Metal Techniques 1: Foundations of Goldsmithing | 12 |
| JADE 1121 | Drawing 1 | 1.5 |
| JADE 1122 | History and Culture of Jewellery 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Two | ||
| JADE 1123 | Metal Techniques 2: Wax Modeling and Casting | 6 |
| JADE 1124 | Gemstone Settings 1 | 3 |
| JADE 1125 | Design 1 | 1.5 |
| JADE 1126 | Practical Gemmology 1 | 2 |
| JADE 1127 | Year One Capstone Project | 3 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| JADE 1128 | History and Culture of Jewellery 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2220 | Metal Techniques 3: Advanced Fabrication | 6 |
| JADE 2221 | Gemstone Settings 2 | 3 |
| JADE 2222 | Drawing 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2223 | Practical Gemmology 2 | 2 |
| JADE 2224 | Digital Jewellery Design 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| JADE 2225 | Metal Techniques 4: Specialized Jewellery Processes | 6 |
| JADE 2226 | Gemstone Settings 3 | 3 |
| JADE 2227 | Design 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2228 | Digital Jewellery Design 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2229 | Business Practices for Jewellers | 2.5 |
| JADE 2230 | Diploma Project | 3 |
| Credits | 17.5 | |
| Total Credits | 63.5 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| JADE 1120 | Metal Techniques 1: Foundations of Goldsmithing | 12 |
| JADE 1121 | Drawing 1 | 1.5 |
| JADE 1122 | History and Culture of Jewellery 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Term Two | ||
| JADE 1123 | Metal Techniques 2: Wax Modeling and Casting | 6 |
| JADE 1124 | Gemstone Settings 1 | 3 |
| JADE 1125 | Design 1 | 1.5 |
| JADE 1126 | Practical Gemmology 1 | 2 |
| JADE 1127 | Year One Capstone Project | 3 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| JADE 1128 | History and Culture of Jewellery 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2220 | Metal Techniques 3: Advanced Fabrication | 6 |
| JADE 2221 | Gemstone Settings 2 | 3 |
| JADE 2222 | Drawing 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2223 | Practical Gemmology 2 | 2 |
| JADE 2224 | Digital Jewellery Design 1 | 1.5 |
| Credits | 15.5 | |
| Term Four | ||
| JADE 2225 | Metal Techniques 4: Specialized Jewellery Processes | 6 |
| JADE 2226 | Gemstone Settings 3 | 3 |
| JADE 2227 | Design 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2228 | Digital Jewellery Design 2 | 1.5 |
| JADE 2229 | Business Practices for Jewellers | 2.5 |
| JADE 2230 | Diploma Project | 3 |
| Credits | 17.5 | |
| Total Credits | 63.5 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Discover Open Studies
Open Studies lets you take courses from credit programs without having to be accepted into one. Based on availability, you can sample different courses, earn credits, and build new skills.
Explore your optionsFees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 15044 | |
| Student union | 256 | |
| College initiative | 181 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 301 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 550 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 796 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Apply now
Are you ready to apply?
STEP 1: Find out When to Apply
- Deadline to apply: March 15
STEP 2: Apply on EducationPlanner BC
STEP 3: Send your portfolio, resume, and letter of intent to jewellery@vcc.ca
- Deadline to email your documents: March 31
Get started
Attend an Information Session
Meet instructors, ask questions, and tour our facilities.
† Economic Research Institute