Jewellery Art and Design

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A woman wearing protective glasses and an apron uses a torch to heat a metal object in a workshop.

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Overview

Get hands-on experience in the design and fabrication of jewellery through intensive courses in metal techniques, drawing, design, history of jewellery, gemmology, digital jewellery design, and business management.

Tuition N/A
Credential Diploma
Length There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:
  1. Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
  2. Part-time option: Students attend the first term full-time, and then complete the rest of the courses part-time over the course of several years up to a maximum of five years.
Students who complete all courses in Term 1 and Term 2 may choose to exit the program with a Certificate in Jewellery Art & Design. Students may return to complete the Diploma at a later date if a seat is available. All courses must be completed within a five year period to receive the Diploma.
Hours
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates Sep
Tuition N/A
Credential Diploma
Length There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:
  1. Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
  2. Part-time option: Students attend the first term full-time, and then complete the rest of the courses part-time over the course of several years up to a maximum of five years.
Students who complete all courses in Term 1 and Term 2 may choose to exit the program with a Certificate in Jewellery Art & Design. Students may return to complete the Diploma at a later date if a seat is available. All courses must be completed within a five year period to receive the Diploma.
Hours
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates Sep
PGWP Not listed as eligible

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.

John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

  • Two years of full-time study, or part-time for up to 5 years
  • 70-90 per cent of time dedicated to hands-on, technical training
  • Industry-experienced instructors
  • Cohort-style classes with personalized learning
  • Technical assignments
  • Creative projects
  • Critiques
  • Lectures
  • Technical assignments
  • Exams
  • Demonstrations
  • Group projects
  • Research projects
  • Guest presentations
  • Public showcases and exhibitions
  • Field trips
  • Fully equipped workshops
  • Use of hand tools and torches
  • Networking with industry professionals
  • Award and scholarship opportunities
  • Opportunity to transfer to jewellery degree programs at AUA (Calgary), or NSCAD University (Halifax)

What you will learn

  • Actualize original design ideas from concept to reality
  • Demonstrate technical excellence to produce jewellery to current industry standards
  • Apply basic knowledge of gemmology and metallurgy to the creation of jewellery
  • Design and produce jewellery using the latest digital technologies
  • Communicate ideas using a variety of visual media
  • Demonstrate visual awareness of craft, art, and design
  • Apply knowledge of the jewellery field to establish a viable home- or studio-based business
  • Communicate effectively using the language and vocabulary of the jewellery field
  • Place the meanings and functions of jewellery within diverse historical and cultural contexts
  • Utilize materials, tools and equipment safely, sustainably and ethically
  • Recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the fields of art, craft, and design
  • Identify and solve problems creatively and independently
  • Demonstrate professionalism in all areas of their career and education
  • Analyze and evaluate the quality of their own technique and skills development

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

There are two options for achieving a credential in this program:
  1. Full-time option: Students attend classes full time for two years. Students whose studies are interrupted must complete the program within five years.
  2. Part-time option: Students attend the first term full-time, and then complete the rest of the courses part-time over the course of several years up to a maximum of five years.
Students who complete all courses in Term 1 and Term 2 may choose to exit the program with a Certificate in Jewellery Art & Design. Students may return to complete the Diploma at a later date if a seat is available. All courses must be completed within a five year period to receive the Diploma.

Job prospectives

STATIC CONTENT

  • Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
  • Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
  • Dental Materials Sales Representative
  • Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
  • CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
  • Dental Laboratory Manager
  • Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

Admission to the Jewellery Art and Design program is on a competitive selection basis. Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or acceptable equivalent. In addition, an interview will be arranged with the selection committee. Candidates should bring to the interview:
  • Portfolio*
  • Resumé
  • Letter of Intent
A portfolio is a collection of images of showing artistic ability, technical aptitude and/or hand-eye coordination. It should be saved as a PDF and sent to the Department in advance of the interview. It should include 10-20 pieces, and could include examples of any of the following:
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Photography
  • Collage
  • Sculpture
  • Jewellery
  • Textile and fibre arts
  • Metal and/or wood work
  • Ceramics
  • Any other art or craft demonstrating creativity and/or manual dexterity
Portfolios will be judged on the degree to which they show creativity and/or hand-eye coordination. The resumé should include previous education and work experience. The letter of intent should outline why the applicant has chosen to apply for the program, and could also include career and/or artistic goals, and other areas of interest. A major focus of the interview is on establishing the applicant’s ability to succeed in the program with consideration given to ability and willingness to accept and grow in a learning environment, ability to interact with others, commitment to the total program, attention span, and previous art/design related training and experience. Successfully chosen candidates may be offered seats to the program. *The Department recognizes that not all applicants will have previous experience in art, craft, or design. Applicants who do not have a portfolio are asked to bring a collection of found images of jewellery, and be prepared to discuss what makes them examples of fine craftsmanship or effective design.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

  • Open-mindedness
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Creativity
  • Manual dexterity
  • Strong work ethic
  • Good eyesight (corrected vision is accepted)
  • Patience
  • Attention to detail
  • Curiosity
  • Enthusiasm
  • Commitment
  • Appreciation of fine craftsmanship and design

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Not currently available.

Courses

Part- or Full-time
Plan of Study Grid
Term One Credits
JADE 1120 Metal Techniques 1: Foundations of Goldsmithing 12
JADE 1121 Drawing 1 1.5
JADE 1122 History and Culture of Jewellery 1 1.5
Credits 15
Term Two
JADE 1123 Metal Techniques 2: Wax Modeling and Casting 6
JADE 1124 Gemstone Settings 1 3
JADE 1125 Design 1 1.5
JADE 1126 Practical Gemmology 1 2
JADE 1127 Year One Capstone Project 3
Credits 15.5
Term Three
JADE 1128 History and Culture of Jewellery 2 1.5
JADE 2220 Metal Techniques 3: Advanced Fabrication 6
JADE 2221 Gemstone Settings 2 3
JADE 2222 Drawing 2 1.5
JADE 2223 Practical Gemmology 2 2
JADE 2224 Digital Jewellery Design 1 1.5
Credits 15.5
Term Four
JADE 2225 Metal Techniques 4: Specialized Jewellery Processes 6
JADE 2226 Gemstone Settings 3 3
JADE 2227 Design 2 1.5
JADE 2228 Digital Jewellery Design 2 1.5
JADE 2229 Business Practices for Jewellers 2.5
JADE 2230 Diploma Project 3
Credits 17.5
Total Credits 63.5
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee $36
Tuition $15,964 Year 1 - $7,668
Year 2 - $8,297
Student union $290
College initiative $192
Materials not including textbooks
Campus resource $320
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $845 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $18,259

Books & Supplies

  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Tuition deposit $10,600 $10,000 non-refundable

Tuition deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee $145
Tuition $40,164
Student union $290
College initiative $201
Materials not including textbooks
Campus resource $320
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental $570 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149 Medical Insurance for International Students
U-Pass $845 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $42,809
  • Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
  • Additional costs:
    • Textbooks – Approx. $500
    • Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.

Application Process

Are you ready to apply? STEP 1: Apply on EducationPlanner BC STEP 2: Send your portfolio, resume, and letter of intent to jewellery@vcc.ca

International students must contact International Education advisors to confirm their study eligibility and the Continuing Studies (CS) department to verify their program eligibility.

Application information is not available at the moment.

Contact us

STATIC CONTENT

Program information

Program head name

janedoe@vcc.ca

Advising

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

For International students

study@vcc.ca

151

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.