vcc.ca
JADE 1126: Practical Gemmology 1
Effective date
September 2022
Department
Jewellery Art & Design
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course introduces students to gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery, including quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, garnet, chalcedony, jade, turquoise and lapis lazuli. Emphasis will be on practical knowledge and how it is applied in the jewellery workshop. Students will learn basic properties of these gem materials, what makes them appropriate for some jewellery forms but not others, how to handle them safely in the jewellery workshop, and how to perform basic assessments using simple tools and techniques. They will also learn how to source reputable wholesalers, and how to discuss gem materials with customers using proper terminology.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Evaluate suitability of various gem materials for use in jewellery objects
- Categorize gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery according to their species and crystal structures
- Apply knowledge of gemstone properties when working in the jewellery workshop
- Utilize proper terminology when discussing coloured gemstones with clients
- Discuss origins and processing methods of gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery
- Source genuine gem materials from reputable wholesalers
- Perform basic assessments of gem materials using tools commonly found in a jewellery workshop
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 22.5
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12.5
Total Hours: 35
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12.5
Total Hours: 35
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, group work, presentations, guest speakers, simulation
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
2 quizzes worth 10% each |
|
Assignments |
10 |
Research assignment |
|
Midterm Exam |
35 |
Midterm exam |
|
Final Exam |
35 |
Final exam |
Course topics
- Origins of gems and gem materials
- Working properties of gemstones: hardness, cleavage planes, optical properties, colour, clarity, cut
- Weights and measures
- Gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery: quartz, feldspar, garnet, tourmaline, chalcedony, turquoise, lapis, jade and others.
- Gemstone treatments
- Synthetics
- Nomenclature
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.