Appraising jewellery and gemstones

Learn about precious metals, hallmarking, common gemstones found in jewellery and how to identify antique jewellery. Bring your own jewellery for assessment. For all abilities.

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Key course information

Dates
25/03/12 - 01/04/12

Day(s)
Sun

Duration
2 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £113^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VV973

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The two-day course will focus on how to appraise of gem-set jewellery and gemstones and so, buy with confidence. There will be practical exercises in assessment plus students will have the opportunity to bring their own pieces of jewellery for identification.

What topics will we cover?

- How to use a loupe to view jewellery and gemstones.
- The different precious metals used in modern and antique jewellery and basic jewellery construction.
- Hallmarking – what it is, why it’s done and how to understand one.
- The common gemstones found in jewellery including the certification of gems.
- Identifying antique jewellery (Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco etc) and how to spot reproductions/fakes.
- Assessment criteria for jewellery and gems and what to look for when buying.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Use a loupe to identify hallmarks and assess jewellery and gems.
- Understand the basic construction of old and new jewellery and the common precious metals.
- Understand what a hallmark is and be able to recognise/read them.
- Have a basic knowledge of the common gemstones and an awareness of treatments, synthetics and imitations.
- Understand the important antique periods of jewellery, their common features and spotting reproductions.
- Know the basics of assessing jewellery plus the common pitfalls and problems when buying.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for people who have a fascination for jewellery and for those who work in the trade.
The course is beginner’s level but is also ideal as refresher for people with some experience.
No skills needed.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs, and health and safety information. It will be beneficial if you can take part in informal group discussions.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will take the form of a talk with practical exercises plus question and answer sessions. There will be many examples of jewellery and gems that will be shown around the class plus projected images. There will be time for students to show their own jewellery to the tutor who will identify it and appraise it.
There is no work outside the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. There will be gemstones and books on sale.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Advice on other jewellery courses at City Lit is available from your jewellery tutor and by phoning Visual Arts on 020 7492 2700.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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