Jewellery and Silversmithing: Foundation (10 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous experience of jewellery and silversmithing required.

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Glasses if you need them for close up work

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• Research for personal projects

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Demonstration and practice of Saw-piercing, soldering and shaping.

2. Look at and practice making a simple ring.

3. Discussion of personal projects followed by experimentations and test pieces to develop ideas.

4. Start production of personal project pieces.

5. Continue working on personal project pieces.

6. Finish work on personal project pieces.

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a ‘directed study plan’ which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Use a range of strategies effective for recording and developing ideas and concepts, drawing from source material and moving these studies into varied designs for pieces of jewellery, supported by contextual references.

• Demonstrate a confidence in working with a range of basic metalworking techniques, such as saw-piercing, soldering and shaping to make a series of test pieces and samples which could include paper or wire models, leading to at least 1 finished piece.

• Present your finished piece in an appropriate way for assessment, giving context to the finished work. Final work will be finished to your best abilities and will demonstrate appropriate finesse. 

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• GALE, E., and LITTLE, A., 2000, Jewellery making, London: Hodder Headline; Lincolnwood, ILL: NTC/Contemporary Publishing

• McCREIGHT, T., 1991, The complete metal smith: an illustrated handbook, Worcester, MA: Davis Publications

• WATKINS, D., 1999, Design sourcebook: jewellery, London: New Holland Publishers

• YOUNG, A., 2008, Jewellery materials sourcebook, London: A&C Black

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.