Jewellery Art and Design

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

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A jewellery art student wearing protective gear uses a torch to solder metal during a hands-on jewelry design training session in a specialized classroom workshop

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Overview

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.

Tuition $16,284
Credential Diploma
Length 2 years
Hours Part- or Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Tuition $40,968
Credential Diploma
Length 2 years
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
PGWP Not listed as eligible

What to expect

Jewellery Art & Design is a highly technical program, and in any given semester, 75-90% of time is spent in the workshops, where students watch technical demonstrations by faculty, gain skills through technical assignments and exercises, and synthesize processes by designing and producing creative jewellery projects. Many of the theory courses also include hands-on activities, in addition to lectures, group discussions, independent research projects, lab days, field trips and guest speakers. Most classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom or workshop setting, although a small number of courses may be offered online.

What you will learn

  • Actualize original design ideas from concept to reality
  • Demonstrate technical excellence to produce jewellery to current industry standards
  • Apply basic knowledge of gemmology and metallurgy to the creation of jewellery
  • Design and produce jewellery using the latest digital technologies
  • Communicate ideas using a variety of visual media
  • Demonstrate visual awareness of craft, art, and design
  • Apply knowledge of the jewellery field to establish a viable home- or studio-based business
  • Communicate effectively using the language and vocabulary of the jewellery field
  • Place the meanings and functions of jewellery within diverse historical and cultural contexts
  • Utilize materials, tools and equipment safely, sustainably and ethically
  • Recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the fields of art, craft, and design
  • Identify and solve problems creatively and independently
  • Demonstrate professionalism in all areas of their career and education
  • Analyze and evaluate the quality of their own technique and skills development

Program duration and maximum time for completion

There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:
  1. Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
  2. 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.

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 offered 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.

Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended considerations

  • 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

Program availability

Fall 2027

Program start date
Status Open
Application opens Oct 1, 2026
Application deadline Mar 30, 2027

Fall 2027

Program start date Sep
Status Open
Application opens Oct 1, 2026

Courses

Plan of Study Grid
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.

Fees and costs

Application fee $36
Tuition $16,284 Term 1 - $7,822
Term 2 - $8,463
Student union $296
College initiative $195
Campus resource $326
Medical and dental $570 Explore medical insurance options
U-Pass $862 Get your student transit pass
Graduation $45
Total $18,611

* 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 non-refundable deposit.

Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.

Tuition deposit $10,800 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $40,968
Student union $296
College initiative $205
Campus resource $410
Medical and dental $570 Explore medical insurance options
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $862 Get your student transit pass
Graduation $45
Total $43,647

* 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 non-refundable deposit.

Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to apply

Application deadline is March 30

Document deadline is March 30

TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION:

STEP 1: Read admission requirements

STEP 2: Start your application

  • Apply online at EducationPlanner BC
  • Remember to submit your transcripts
  • TIP: This is your basic information only. You will submit more application documents in the next steps.

STEP 3: Prepare your application documents

  • Write your one-page letter of intent
  • Write your resume
  • Prepare your portfolio

STEP 4: Send your documents

  • Send your documents to the Jewellery Department at [email protected]
  • You must submit your documents as PDFs. Your portfolio can be multiple pages but must be saved as a single PDF. Alternatively, you can submit a physical copy for the portfolio portion only. Please arrange delivery with the Jewellery Department office.

STEP 5: Check your email regularly

  • Your application documents will be reviewed by the selection committee.
  • If you are selected, you will receive an email to schedule a 20-30 minute interview/portfolio review.
  • If you are not selected, you will receive an email informing you of the decision and your application ends here.
  • If documents are not received, we will attempt to contact you by email twice. If we do not receive your document, your application will be closed.

STEP 6: Attend the admissions interview/portfolio review

  • Attend your interview at the given date and time. Interviews that are missed are not rescheduled.

STEP 7: Check your email regularly

  • After all interviews are complete, you will be notified of your standing by email (or phone).
  • If you are accepted, the Admissions Office will contact you within two weeks with information about fees and deadlines. You must pay a deposit to hold your seat.
  • If you are not accepted, you may apply again to the following intake.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

International students

Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.

Contact us

Program information

For questions about Jewellery programs email us at [email protected].

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]

Advising services for International students

[email protected]

Do you have any questions?

Application process for domestic students
Application process for international students
Frequently asked questions

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.