vcc.ca
JADE 1120: Metal Techniques 1: Foundations of Goldsmithing
Effective date
September 2022
Department
Jewellery Art & Design
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This foundation metal techniques course introduces students to the basic processes that goldsmiths have been using for centuries around the world. Beginning with an introduction to the tools and equipment of the jewellery workshop, and with an emphasis on safety, students are shown proper technique and ergonomics of working at the jeweller’s bench. Through practice and repetition of skills such as sawing, piercing, drilling, filing, melting, rolling, forging, soldering, forming, finishing, and basic stone setting, they begin to internalize the processes of making jewellery and gain confidence when working with tools and materials. They then move on to synthesizing these skills into more complex creative projects. Basic metallurgy and mathematical formulae associated with jewellery-making are also covered.
Credits
12.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
JADE 1121, JADE 1122.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Perform basic jewellery fabrication tasks using professional tools and techniques
- Utilize jewellery tools and equipment safely
- Identify properties of metals commonly used in jewellery
- Apply knowledge of basic metallurgy when performing fabrication tasks
- Apply basic mathematical formulae common to jewellery fabrication
- Synthesize various fabrication techniques in the design and creation of simple jewellery objects
- Utilize jewellery materials safely and sustainably
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 300
Total Hours: 300
Total Hours: 300
Instructional Strategies
Demonstrations, hands-on exercises, creative projects, lectures
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
35 |
5-7 technical assignments worth 5-10% each |
|
Project |
45 |
Three creative projects worth 15% each |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
2 safety quizzes worth 10% each |
Course topics
- Safety in the jewellery workshop
- Basic metallurgy
- Common jewellery metals
- Basic mathematical formulae used in goldsmithing
- Filing
- Piercing
- Drilling
- Rivets and cold connections
- Soldering
- Melting metals
- Making sheet and wire
- Chain making
- Doming and basic forming
- Ergonomics of the jewellery workbench
- Flex shaft
- Polishing motor
- Rolling mill
- Drawplates
- Basic bezels
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.