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
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- 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
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.
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.
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.
Program 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
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.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 15964 | |
| Student union | 290 | |
| College initiative | 192 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 320 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 570 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 0 | |
| U-PASS | 845 | |
| 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 non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
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: Apply on EducationPlanner BC
STEP 2: Send your portfolio, resume, and letter of intent to jewellery@vcc.ca
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† Economic Research Institute