Catalog Description

Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to a wide range of methods, techniques, and materials used to create jewelry and small-scale metal artwork and objects. Includes examination of the history and contemporary practices of jewelry-making and small metal casting/fabrication with a global cultural perspective. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique artworks using correct studio terminology.
  • CSLO #2: Apply proper material handling, use, storage and clean up safety standards in the classroom.
  • CSLO #3: Create original utilitarian and non-utilitarian metal objects as a form of creative expression utilizing appropriate jewelry/metalsmithing techniques.
  • CSLO #4: Select, describe, and use appropriate tools and technology to create jewelry.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:

  1. Identify and apply skills, processes, technologies and material relevant to the practice of jewelry making.
  2. Contribute to class critique discussions using appropriate studio terminology. 
  3. Identify strategies for integrating formal, technical, and conceptual problem solving approaches within each project.
  4. Discuss how designs may have been influenced by an earlier time in history.
  5. Create a notebook of lecture notes, handouts, references, definitions, design ideas and written report.
  6. Evaluate jewelry making success from critiques both orally and in written formats.
  7. Critically analyze the visual quality and strength of a metal design (technique, craftsmanship, and effective use of materials.)
  8. Examine and discuss the historical, cultural and aesthetic aspects of both design and techniques in jewelry.
  9. Explore and describe experimental methods of jewelry fabrication and finishes.
  10. Explore and describe innovative and multi-media based approaches to jewelry.
  11. Examine and describe contemporary trends, materials, and approaches in jewelry and metalsmithing.

Laboratory Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of occupational health and safety issues.
  2. Demonstrate various methods and techniques used to create jewelry.
  3. Demonstrate how to repair a mistake and to create a piece of jewelry from that mistake.
  4. Utilize jewelry/metalsmithing techniques to create utilitarian and non-utilitarian metal objects as a form of creative expression.
  5. Select, describe, and use appropriate tools and technology (such as forms, dapping die, punches, hand tools, rolling mill, and soldering equipment) to create jewelry.
  6. Select, describe, and apply proper and safe methods for using jewelry and metalsmithing tools, equipment, and materials. 
  7. Prepare a sequence of fabrication tasks in advance of a project.
  8. Produce finished work that integrates traditional and contemporary design principles and elements of metal work and fabrication in assignments that develop the student's personal aesthetics.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Projects
          • Example: Students will be required to provide examples of different finishes on a copper pendant. They will have to choose from various patinas and surface techniques for their pendant and will be graded based on demonstration of effective use of surfacing as well as an explanation of how the surface was achieved.
        • Reports
          • Example: Through written assignments after attending an art exhibit, students' written papers will be graded according to: their understanding of the use of color, line, shape, etc.; content of the artistic composition; and basic structure of grammar, spelling, formatting and written structure.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: Students will be instructed on and watch a demonstration on wire-wrapping stones or mixed media objects while maintaining a balanced design/composition. They will be assessed and graded based on their completed assignment which includes 3 wire wraps, one using asymmetrical, one symmetrical, and one radial balance.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lab:

        1. Following an instructor demonstration on cutting, and soldering Jewelry, students will demonstrate how to safety perform both soldering and cutting of Jewelry.

        Lecture:

        1. Out of class work will include both library and internet research. It will also include visiting local art galleries and museums during exhibition receptions. Portfolio of students' finished works will be presented during formal critiques. The writing assignment will require the student to develop a course notebook to include lecture notes, concept drawings, and out of class research on jewelry history.

        Distance Learning

        1. Visually oriented Power Point lecture demonstrating the creation of a pattern making and the reproduction of jewelry and fine metal casting via the creation of a patterns and molds. Video examples of contemporary artists using pattern and mold making in their jewelry artworks. Students will then be guided through a step by step process of creating the pattern for wearable metal jewelry and castings. Students submit progress to the instructor for feedback. Completed projects are posted to the discussion board and critiqued through written format using appropriate vocabulary and terminology pertaining to the basic elements and organizing principles of three-dimensional art. Active and relevant participation includes students responding to each other's comments in the discussion board.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        Students will be required to read approximately 20 pages each week from various sources including college level textbooks, published articles, and course handouts. 1. Student will read the handout on traditional design principles for jewelry art works and be discuss in class. 2. Students will read an article on the history of design concepts and write a report on a specific era of jewelry history.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Maintain a notebook of lecture topics, assignment sheets, concept development & outside of class research. Problem Solving & Performance 1. Students will be required to design an artwork for each jewelry technique taught. The subject matter will be entirely of the student's own design, but must work within the technical limitations of the project assignment.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        Out of class work will include both library and internet research. It will also include visiting local art galleries and museums during exhibition receptions. Portfolio of students' finished works will be presented during formal critiques. The writing assignment will require the student to develop a course notebook to include lecture notes, concept drawings, and out of class research on jewelry history.

        Required Materials

        • The Workbench Guide to Jewelry Techniques
          • Author: Anastasie Young
          • Publisher: Interweave Press LLC
          • Publication Date: 2010
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • The Jeweler's Bench Reference
          • Author: Harold O'Conner
          • Publisher: Dunconor Books
          • Publication Date: 2010
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Complete Metalsmith
          • Author: Tim McCreight
          • Publisher: Brymorgen Press
          • Publication Date: 2005
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Practical Casting
          • Author: Tim McCreight
          • Publisher: Brynmorgen Press
          • Publication Date: 1994
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Fine Art Wire Weaving: Weaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs
          • Author: Sarah Thompson
          • Publisher: Interweave
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Mastering Contemporary Jewelry Design: Inspiration, Process, and Finding Your Voice
          • Author: Loretta Lam
          • Publisher: Schiffer Craft
          • Publication Date: 2020
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

        Students will be asked to contact Rio Grande for their catalogs on "Tools and Equipment" and "Gems and Findings." Some small hand tools are needed for personal use and other related materials may be desired by student.