Throughout history, handcrafted jewelry has served as a channel for cultural distinction, personal expression, remembrance, and commemoration. As such, this course will examine influences on the artisan as well as how to cultivate inspiration for original design. This course further explores the skills and techniques acquired in ART 247. This course will focus on drafting original designs, refining traditional jewelry skills and techniques, and acquiring advanced-level skills in stone setting, engraving and etching, molding and casting, and surface finishing (such as patinas, reticulation, raising, and planishing). In addition, there will be an emphasis on developing or adding to an artist portfolio. In this course, there will be a higher expectation of creativity and craftsmanship while also refining foundational skills such as soldering, filing, sawing, stone setting, and polishing.
Please note: As with many studio courses, some materials will be provided for the class, and some will be purchased by students. Given the current increased cost of metal, expected individual costs are $130+ (depending on the precious or non-precious materials students choose).