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Jewellery and Silversmithing

Jewellery Techniques: An Introduction (Non-credit)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This course is suitable for those who wish to expand their skills and develop jewellery-making techniques such as sawing, forming and soldering. Focus will be placed on an introduction to press forming with sheet metal to create hollow 3D forms. Students will be taught how to use riveting, doming and soldering techniques to construct a pendant, bracelet, ring or a brooch to practice these skills. Design issues will be explored within each student's individual projects, such as the relationship between a two-dimensional design on paper and its realisation as a developed three-dimensional form.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

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

  • Apron (optional

  • Sketchbook (optional)

  • Permanent marker pen / pencil

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Experiment with texturing sheet metal using hammers and roll printing.

2. Learn how to pierce out shapes using a jeweller's saw.

3. How to make a mould and press form using the hydraulic press.

4. Explore wire and tube riveting.

5. Demonstration of soldering techniques.

6. Development of personal projects with one-to-one tuition, followed by experiments with test samples to further develop design ideas relating to their research.

7. Each student making a pendant, bracelet, ring or brooch using some of these skills.

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 or designers with reflection on the context of contemporary jewellery within visual culture and the relationship between the design and function. 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 to create a personal visual journal, documenting an individual response to design ideas and inspirations, supported by contextual research.

  • Demonstrate a knowledge and confidence in jewellery making, experimenting with specialised equipment, using press forming techniques to combine different methods of construction and combination of materials to make a range of resolved and accomplished designs which reveal a distinctive personal vision.

  • Demonstrate a judgment to document select, edit and present design ideas and make at least 1 finished piece that shows a correlation between the research, ideas and resolved work.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

  • McCreight, T., 1991. The Complete Metalsmith. Worcester, Mass.: Davis Publications.

  • Astfalck, J., Broadhead, C., and Derrez, P., 2005. New Directions In Jewellery. London: Black Dog Pub.

  • Mansell, A.,  Adorn. 2008. London, U.K.: Laurence King Publishing.

  • McGrath, J., 2005. The Jeweller's directory of decorative finishes, London : A & C Black Publishers.

  • McGrath, J., 2007. Jewellery Making: A Complete course for beginners. London.

  • Astfalck, J., 2006. New Directions in Jewellery 2. London : Black Dog Pub.

  • Woolton, C.,2011. Drawing Jewels for Fashion. Munich: Prestel.

Journal and periodicals:

  • Dazzle : Modern Contemporary Jewellery, 2016. Available at: www.Dazzle-exhibitions.com. 13 Apr. 2016.

  • Welcome To Craft Scotland - The Home Of Scottish Craft, 2016. Available at: www. Craftscotland. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

  • Welcome To The Crafts Council. Available at: Craftscouncil.org.uk. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email 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.