Jewelry (JEWL)

Students are introduced to the techniques, materials, and processes that comprise the broad historical and social contexts of jewelry and metalworking. Students explore the proper use of specialized equipment and casting processes through the creation of jewelry and other small-scale objects of adornment.

In this course, students explore the technical drawing and rendering techniques utilized by jewelry design professionals. With a focus on professional-quality visualizations, students translate their concept into industry standard forms and specifications. Students emphasize perspective view and quick sketching, in both traditional and digital format, as they communicate their designs with accuracy and detail.

In this course, students explore the various techniques of historical and contemporary jewelry fabrication. Students develop confidence in handling materials and equipment, enabling them to create pieces that reflect their personal vision.

With a focus on refined craftsmanship and professional finishing, students explore a variety of jewelry production processes for innovative design and creative expression. Students gain experience with wax carving, light metal casting, stone setting, and mass production methods to design and execute a unique line of jewelry that incorporates alternative materials.

Jewelry possesses powerful communicative aspects integral to cultural and personal expression. In this course, students explore the evolution of adornment and the symbolic and social significance of jewelry. Students also examine the ways in which materials and techniques influence meaning.

This course introduces the process of enameling on metal. This medium is viewed in its historic context and applied to the individual student’s personal focus in jewelry and related metal objects. Students have the opportunity to gain proficiency through studio experience with emphasis placed on contemporary use and interpretation. Topics addressed may include cloisonné, champlevé, plique-à-jour, Limoges, graffito, use of foils and metal techniques for fabrication as they apply to enamels and enameling.

This course introduces lost wax casting and its application to the design and production of jewelry and small art metal forms. Students use a variety of waxes as well as the tools and techniques necessary to develop and execute models for successful casting. Topics include model moldmaking, wax injection and related applications of production processes. Casting, fabrication and design techniques are employed together to achieve unified work.

This course provides a thorough understanding of the technical principles of stone setting as applicable to jewelry. Students produce examples of commercial variations applied in the contemporary jewelry market. After completing intensive exercises, students execute a completed piece with a stone-set detail.

This studio course explores jewelry and its role in fashion. Emphasis is placed on jewelry innovation and the exploration of concept design in the fashion jewelry industry. These explorations lead to the development of designs and prototypes for a new collection.

With a focus on professional renderings and schematics, students advance their fundamental technical drawing skills for the creation of jewelry and accessories. Students work towards obtaining certification in digital drawing programs and rendering software through the creation and presentation of industry-standard design proposals.

In this course, students examine traditional and contemporary materials to determine the most effective fabrication processes. Students investigate a variety of advanced fabrication techniques and processes, including anticlastic raising, stone settings, laser welding, and 3D printed mechanisms, culminating in a finished piece for their portfolio.

This course explores the unique characteristics of gold and platinum. Development of technical skills and appropriate application to design problems are addressed. Students produce professional-quality work.

Chains and repeating linking systems are one of the most fundamental aspects of jewelry, maintaining a constant popularity throughout cultures and time periods. In this course, students apply simple linking systems to complex and innovative designs through sample making, ideation and studio practice.

In this course, students enhance their hand-rendering skills to propose design solutions and original jewelry concepts. Through the processes of classical hand rendering, students communicate professional, high-quality jewelry designs that accurately represent a variety of mediums, materials, and surface finishes.

In this course, students amplify digital design knowledge and skills by working with specialized modeling and rapid prototyping software and processes to build industry-standard models. Students accurately transform their concepts into 3D visualizations to facilitate communication between designer, product manufacturer, and client.

Jewelry designers harness surface embellishment processes to create designs with infinite diversity and visual delight. To elevate and expand their portfolio, students explore historical and contemporary methods for manipulating metal surfaces, integrating alternative materials, and applying electrochemical processes. Students document their work to demonstrate a focused, conscious, and consistent approach to design and reveal the production processes supporting each piece.

Sophisticated digital sculpting tools now allow designers to create highly intricate organic designs without any limitations on their imagination. This course focuses on the advanced application of digital sculpting and surface painting techniques, with an emphasis on the creation of complex organic models. Students are introduced to the integration of polygon and non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) modeling.

Professional business opportunities in jewelry range from fine, costume, and bridge jewelry to entrepreneurial enterprises that span all sectors of the jewelry market. Students prepare to launch their professional careers through contextual research and analysis of industry opportunities, business and financial models, and established best practices that align with their career aspirations.

Design and creativity within the field of jewelry is both an individual and collaborative process. In this course, students integrate individual, creative expression into a variety of collaborative projects. Students focus on creating jewelry designs that respond to industry-standard briefs with emphasis on documenting the creative process professional documentation and presentations.

With an emphasis on pushing conceptual and technical boundaries, students focus on the creation of one-of-a-kind, innovative jewelry designs. Students explore the relationship between body and object as experiment with advanced techniques to merge their structural and aesthetic visions.

In this course, students engage in a rigorous research and concept development process to identify the focus for their senior collection. Students analyze market and social trends, study historical and contemporary forms, and explore advanced design methodologies to create a proposal that illustrates and articulates their personal vision.

Students explore their personal ideology in regard to beauty, emotion, quality, symbolism, and value as expressed in their one-of-a-kind jewelry designs. High-quality, ethically sourced couture jewelry is in high demand. Through studio practice, students transform practical craftsmanship into a work of art utilizing precious metals and gemstones, while incorporating ethical and environmental considerations. Students focus on the visual, tactile, and decorative characteristics of high-end, haute couture jewelry.

In this course, students are guided through the process of designing and producing a professional body of work that culminates in an exhibition. Students incorporate critique and feedback to revise and strengthen the realization of their concepts. While creating this body of work, students develop a written statement that supports and validates their objects.

Internships offer students valuable opportunities to work in a professional environment and gain firsthand experience to help them prepare for careers. In an approved internship setting, a student typically spends one quarter working with an on-site professional supervisor and a faculty internship supervisor to achieve specific goals and objectives related to the program of study.

Students prepare to address the concerns arising in professional venues through a series of discussions, presentations and studio activities. Emphasis is placed on developing strategies for effectively presenting ideas and designs, producing promotional packages and communicating with industry and business partners. Business practices and appropriate promotional strategies appropriate to individual career interests are covered.

Proficiency in the application of studio process to solve problems and communicate ideas is critical to success in the discipline. Various tools, materials and methods of production and design are covered and applied through projects and assignments to develop effective results. Students investigate, learn and apply fabrication and design strategies with both traditional and alternative materials and processes.

Through research and application of advanced materials and processes, students propose and create original solutions for innovative jewelry design projects. Experimentation with various technologies and materials yields mastery of handcraft techniques and machine-based processes for the production of finished jewelry pieces suitable for commercial or fine art practice.

In this course, students examine the communicative properties of jewelry as identity across history and culture. As they research and analyze cross-cultural jewelry designs, students explore the connection between historical research and contemporary practice.

Advanced metal fabrication and stone setting skills empower jewelry designers to produce intricate pieces that are expressive and functional. Students research contemporary jewelry artists and designers and conduct their own exploration of a range of advanced techniques, such as organic manipulation of forms and surface embellishments. Technical documentation accompanies studio work to record experimentation with materials and the range of processes applied.

In this course, students investigate a breadth of creative and specialized jewelry-making techniques. Through mastery of traditional methods, students develop innovative techniques that inform the design and execution of their creative projects. Students engage in a disciplined research process and employ creative problem-solving skills to drive experimentation with materials and techniques, leading to diverse solutions for personal expression.

Through synthesis of research and experimentation with material, technique, and process, students further define their professional identity and design a significant body of thematic work. Students elevate their work by combining emerging technologies and materials to expand various production opportunities.

Achieving a secure and visually appealing stone setting is a crucial aspect of jewelry making, allowing designers to produce high-quality creations with a personalized touch. To elevate the beauty and intricacy of their designs, students apply various techniques to securely set gemstones and meet a desired aesthetic. Students analyze market trends and enhance their professional portfolios for career advancement and potential future business growth.

Jewelry designers use color to add dimension and drama to their work. In this course, students analyze color trends and apply a variety of coloration methods to create dynamic color palettes and innovative concepts. Through a systematic design process, students conduct research, produce samples, and document their conceptual approach to build a professional portfolio.

3D modeling and sculpting applications translate ideas from the imagination into fully realized concepts and prototypes. With an emphasis on the creation of complex organic models, students develop projects that focus on the advanced application of digital sculpting techniques and texture painting. Students also explore the implementation of advanced polygon and non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) modeling.

The world of couture jewelry allows designers the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind pieces to match any desire. In this course, students explore desire as the bridge between objects and meaning. While working with a variety of materials and techniques used in the design of couture jewelry, students will also learn its history, significance, and place in contemporary fashion and art.

In this course, students learn to navigate business, financial, and regulatory complexities within the professional jewelry industry. Students conduct industry research and analysis to define appropriate strategies for self-promotion that complement their professional vision. This course culminates in the effective presentation of student work.

By questioning perception and expanding theoretical research, students utilize critical dialogue to contextualize their personal vision. Through readings and analyses of contemporary and historical philosophies, students address current topics in jewelry and metalwork. Students demonstrate understanding of jewelry design through a series of critical responses, a professional paper, and an in-depth presentation.

In this course, students apply design research methodologies to initiate the planning phase of their thesis body of work. Through experimentation with myriad techniques and materials, students identify their personal strengths, hone their creative vision, and develop a focus for their thesis. Group critiques, analysis, and self-reflection lead students to a series of integrated expressions and the proposal of their thesis topic.

Through successful completion of the M.A. final project, students demonstrate a refined understanding of creative solutions within the field of jewelry design. With an emphasis on the integration of technical expertise and concept development, students produce and present a cohesive body of work that evidences mastery of the discipline and aligns with their chosen career path.

Students conduct in-depth research to contextualize their chosen subject through documentation, professional writing, and interviews. Culminating in a final thesis paper and oral defense, students demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the world of jewelry practices.

Research and innovation are key to any design practice. By engaging in contextual review of research, students in this course shape their thesis topic and initiate their thesis body of work. Students identify elements of innovation and map the intersection of research with creative process to define relevant areas of expertise and contribution to the discipline.

Continuous analysis leads to refined outcomes and fuels creative research and growth. In this course, students engage in intense analytical discourse of their studio work to refine their investigation and reflect upon new avenues of inquiry. In addition to recording their progress and resolving their thesis goals, students successfully finalize and present the visual component of their thesis.

Students in this course undertake a field assignment under the supervision of a faculty member.

Students in this course undertake a teaching assignment under the supervision of a faculty member.

As the culmination of the M.F.A. program, students create a final thesis collection that is contextualized by research and makes a unique contribution to the discipline. Students showcase their mastery of the discipline through a professional exhibition of original, contemporary work.