vcc.ca
JADE 2223: Practical Gemmology 2
Effective date
September 2022
Department
Jewellery Art & Design
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
The second Practical Gemmology course introduces students to the gemstones most commonly associated with fine jewellery, including ruby, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, and diamond. Other coloured stones and organic gem materials (such as pearl) will also be covered. Students will learn the properties of these gemstones, and how to work safely with them, perform basic assessments, and discuss them with clients in a professional manner.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
JADE 1126, JADE 1127.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify properties, characteristics and origins of gemstones commonly used in fine jewellery
- Utilize correct terminology when discussing gemstones with fine jewellery clients
- Distinguish between natural coloured gemstones and their common synthetic counterparts, using tools commonly found in the jewellery workshop
- Describe and recognize common treatments used to enhance gemstones
- Recognize factors effecting the value of diamonds on the market
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of diamonds, synthetic diamond production and common simulants
- Perform basic assessments of gemstones using tools commonly found in the jewellery workshop
- Enlist the services of appraisers, gem labs and gemmology professionals when needed
- Work with gemstones safely in the 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
Lectures, labs, hands-on excercises, assignments
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
2 quizzes worth 10% each |
|
Midterm Exam |
35 |
|
|
Assignments |
10 |
Research assignment |
|
Final Exam |
35 |
|
Course topics
- Corundum (ruby and sapphire)
- Beryl (aquamarine, emerald and morganite)
- Pearls
- Diamond
- Diamond market
- Properties of gemstones
- Factors affecting value of gemstones
- Synthetics and simulants
- Common treatments of gemstones
- Safe handling of gemstones in the jewellery workshop
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.