City Lit fine jewellery

What is the course about?

The aim of Term 1 is not to make finished pieces, we will combine exploring creative approaches to jewellery design and a series of technical exercises to refine your precision making skills. Covering a range of techniques and processes to inform your designs and, for those pursuing the course for a second year, to which to apply your own ongoing design interests. All the exercises are focused on practicing accuracy including precision soldering, wax carving and construction techniques. Outside of class, using our online platform, you will be set a series of guided research, drawing, model-making, and design tasks, encouraging you to develop a method of working that works for you as you explore your own design ID.

In term 2, we will continue to explore creative approaches to jewellery design, with professional practices. You will be expected to apply your independent personal design research and development to technical exercises experimenting with stone setting techniques, fixtures, and findings, as well as wax carving.

In Term 3 you will consolidate the learning in terms 1 and 2, by developing your own project brief, in line with your personal objectives. You will also have independent tasks on professional practice, including market research, presentation, working with a client brief, costing, and pricing. Through a series of guided tasks, you will reflect on techniques, processes and concepts that resonated with you.

What will we cover?

Developing confidence in technical making skills:
- Metalwork techniques for creating 3D forms.
- Wax carving.
- Precision Soldering Techniques.
- Accurate construction methods.
- Bespoke Fixings and Findings.
- Stone-setting.
- Polishing and finishing.

- Research, design development, model-making.
- Constructive critique and peer learning/discussion.
- Working to a brief.
- Technical drawing and illustration.
- Sample-making and developing prototypes.
- Outsourcing.
- Product costing, budgeting & pricing your work.
- Contextualising your practice.
- Presenting and discussing your work.
- Exhibiting / Selling your work.

Recognising, presenting and celebrating students' achievements is an important part of our advanced courses. There will be an opportunity to exhibit your work during or at the end of this course, either within the college or at an external venue.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Analyse, evaluate, and consolidate a body of research to inform the design process and outcomes
- Problem solve through drawing, model-making, materials and processes to realise design outcomes in 3D
- Record, reflect and evaluate your progress, keeping a sketchbook, reflective and technical journal
- Apply precision techniques to realise a high standard of finished jewellery
- Confidently select and apply appropriate precision jewellery making techniques
- Use outsourcing in your own practice where appropriate, such as casting and plating
- Confidently present your work verbally and using mood boards, drawings and illustrations
- Apply professional practice, appropriately pricing and presenting your work for exhibition and sale
- Produce a final body of work to exhibit to the public
- Produce a body of supporting work including research, development, illustration and presentation.

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

This course is aimed at intermediate and advanced jewellery students. You should have a good knowledge of metal jewellery skills such as soldering, saw piercing, and surface texturing. The aim of the course is to develop your own individual approach to jewellery design and making; although you will be introduced to a series of technical projects the focus is on refining your existing skills and bringing your own design identity to each project.

Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice. You will be encouraged and expected to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress. As a student on an advanced course, you should also be prepared to engage with concepts, debates and methods that may differ from those with which you are familiar.

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

Through practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged. Students will be expected to complete additional independent research, development, and preparation tasks in between sessions, which are set using our online platform.

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

Most tools and equipment required to complete this course are available for student use and are shared by all participants. Base metals (copper and brass) are provided for technical exercises, sampling and completing initial test pieces. This course is aimed at working towards fine jewellery, and during the course it will be advised that students purchase some of their own tools, and any precious metals as required by their projects.

You will be introduced to outsourcing, including lost-wax casting, and will be encouraged to develop your skills and understanding in professional practice, through taking individual responsibility for costing and budgeting of outsourcing.

A non-refundable studio fee of £39 will be charged, to cover the costs of some of the consumables and metals you will use during your technical exercises.

All students will need to bring a notebook, pen/pencil, and basic drawing/sketching materials to every session.

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

As an advanced course, the expectation is that students completing VV414 will be equipped and prepared to work as independent creative practitioners. Access to City Lit's jewellery workshops will be possible in future, by enrolling on Advanced jewellery workshop (VV618), which runs every year alongside VV414.