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program categories >> G's in alphabetical list

Description

This one-year post-graduate diploma program is directed towards students wishing to pursue goldsmithing or silversmithing as a self-directed career.

Students will refine their jewellery and metalworking skills, develop their design abilities and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design, produce and market jewellery, flatware and hollowware. Students specialize in either goldsmithing or silversmithing. Within their area of specialization, students choose a number of advanced techniques to concentrate on, and develop the in-depth knowledge and skills that would allow them to work independently or as designers.

Goldsmith - A goldsmith is one who would design, as well as produce, jewellery as an employee or in one's own studio.

Silversmith - A silversmith is one who would design, as well as produce, hollowware and flatware items as an employee or in one's own studio.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be able to find employment in jewellery and fine metal manufacturing, jewellery retailing, custom studios, or as a self-employed jewellery and/or metal designer, craftsperson or teacher. Some of the positions possible are: goldsmith, silversmith, metalsmith, designer, jewellery and metals technologist.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• design, develop and produce a portfolio of personal work (jewellery and metalwork) and a skills inventory;
• be adaptable in applying various technical skills and aesthetic development to a wide variety of jobs in the jewellery and fine metals field;
• respond to style and marketing trends in the industry;
• plan and execute marketing and sales strategies;
• design and fabricate products that would produce sales and marketing opportunities in wholesale and/or retail venues, such as Kempenfest, Muskoka Arts & Crafts, galleries and custom work;
• recognize and identify materials as to their suitability for gem materials;
• cut and polish various shapes of cabochon and faceted stones;
• use advanced gem cutting and polishing techniques, including channel inlay and carving, and incorporate finished products into jewellery and hollowware;
• understand the history and tradition of vessels and other regalia used in various religious rituals and domestic occasions;
• use technical skills and dexterity in a variety of advanced metal working techniques as listed in the course descriptions, including reactive metal techniques, lathe work and machining, knifemaking and toolmaking;
• apply their skill to the production aspects of the industry;
• seek employment with an existing manufacturing or embark on a self-employment career such as a production studio;
• work in design, production and/or retailing within the industry.
• GOLDSMITHING OPTION: Incorporate complex techniques such as working with exotic alloys, granulation and hydraulic die forming; and use aesthetic judgment, problem solving and critical thinking in the design and production of jewellery.
• SILVERSMITHING OPTION: Incorporate non-metallic materials with metalwork, such as a wooden handle on a raised teapot; produce liturgical pieces and domestic objects using traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques; create complex flatware using forging techniques and different materials; and use aesthetic judgment, problem solving and critical thinking in the development and execution of metalwork objects

Program Progression

Sem 1 - Fall 2011

Sem 2 - Winter 2012

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program co-ordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option. Additional information can be found on our website at www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/articulations/.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a college diploma or equivalent with a specialty in Jewellery and Metals. Applicants lacking a college diploma, university degree, or equivalent may be considered based on proven related experience in the chosen field.

Selection Process

Qualified applicants will be considered on an individual basis, based on the admission requirements, quality of the portfolio work and space availability. Only a limited number of applicants will be accepted into this post-graduate program.

Graduation Requirements

4 Mandatory Courses

2 Optional Courses

Graduation Eligibility

To graduate from this program, a student must attain a minimum of 60% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester. The passing weighted average for promotion through each semester and to graduate is 60%.

Mandatory

GLDS1000 Lapidary and Gem Cutting

GLDS1001 Jewellery and Metal Techniques 1

GLDS1004 Sales, Marketing and Photography

GLDS1005 Jewellery and Metal Techniques 2

Options

GLDS1002 Goldsmithing Studio 1

GLDS1003 Silversmithing Studio 1

GLDS1006 Goldsmithing Studio 2

GLDS1007 Silversmithing Studio 2

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GLDS1000 Lapidary and Gem Cutting 84.0 Hours

This course concentrates on various aspects of the cutting and polishing of stones as related to the jewellery and fine metals trade. Various cuts of stones, including cabochon and faceted as well as techniques including channel inlay and carving will be investigated. Students will be encouraged to incorporate the finished products into actual pieces of jewellery or hollowware.

GLDS1001 Jewellery and Metal Techniques 1 84.0 Hours

This course is offered by visiting professionals and is an in- depth study of three specific advanced jewellery and metal techniques. Where possible, students will have the opportunity to decide which techniques will be offered each semester. Recent selections have included knife-making, reactive metals, rotational fabrication systems (lathe and machine processes), commercial model-making, tool-making and advanced stone setting.

GLDS1002 Goldsmithing Studio 1 84.0 Hours

This course is an advanced examination of the more difficult and complex skills and techniques of goldsmithing including exotic alloys, granulation, production techniques (including hydraulic die forming and RT blanking systems). Through in-depth seminars and discussions and aesthetic development, creative problem solving and critical thinking will be integral with the practical application of this course. Emphasis will be on design, craftsmanship and technical application. Students will be expected to incorporate techniques learned and products made in complementary classes such as lapidary.

GLDS1003 Silversmithing Studio 1 84.0 Hours

This course gives students the opportunity to refine basic silversmithing skills while learning more comprehensive techniques as they apply in the construction of specific projects. These will include: raised pieces that incorporate various added elements; liturgical pieces and domestic objects that incorporate traditional and non-traditional materials and techniques; flatware using forging techniques and incorporating other materials. Through in-depth seminars, discussions and aesthetic development, creative problem solving and critical thinking will be integral with the practical application of this course. Emphasis will be on design, craftsmanship and technical application. Students will be encouraged to incorporate techniques learned and products made in complementary classes such as lapidary.

GLDS1004 Sales, Marketing and Photography 42.0 Hours

This course will give students a broad understanding of the post- production aspects of jewellery and metals as it relates to the business of sales and marketing of their products. Business plans will be formulated and prepared as well as the investigation and development of various sales and marketing opportunities. The course also covers practical photographic skills necessary for the documentation and display of personal work.

GLDS1005 Jewellery and Metal Techniques 2 84.0 Hours

This course is offered by visiting professionals and is an in- depth study of specific jewellery and metal techniques as selected by the students, not covered in Jewellery & Metal Techniques 1.

GLDS1006 Goldsmithing Studio 2 126.0 Hours

This course provides students with the opportunity to complete a series of projects which will demonstrate the acquired aesthetics, techniques and skills in goldsmithing expected at this graduate level. Students will be encouraged to develop their own curriculum under the guidance of the instructor. This will be an opportunity to develop individual directions and set personal goals. The curriculum would incorporate such areas as: commercial application of jewellery suitable for the wholesale and retail market; one-of-a-kind pieces suitable for the exhibition and/or gallery venues or the custom market; in-depth research development and application of a particular skill or techniques such as stone setting, engraving, lapidary, etc.

GLDS1007 Silversmithing Studio 2 126.0 Hours

This course provides students with the opportunity to complete a series of projects which will demonstrate the acquired aesthetics, techniques and skills in silversmithing expected at this graduate level. Students will be encouraged to develop their own curriculum under the guidance of the instructor. This will be an opportunity to develop individual directions and set personal goals. Curriculum would incorporate such areas as: liturgical regalia, corporate presentation pieces, domestic articles and production applications.

How To Apply

Last Update: March 08, 2012.