Academic Catalogs

ART G161: Jewelry and Metalsmithing 2

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/18/2025
Top Code 100910 - Jewelry
Units 3 Total Units (Lecture Units 1.5;  Lab/Other Units 1.5)
Hours 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours 54
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course is an exploration of design, materials, and processes that apply to jewelry and metal at an intermediate level. Students will learn about intermediate level techniques and methods used in the fabrication of complex jewelry and larger metal objects. Specific aesthetic and technical criteria of jewelry design and metalsmithing including historical applications will be emphasized. PREREQUISITE: ART G160. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Examine problems specific to jewelry design and metalsmithing with the practical application of possible solutions at an intermediate level.
  2. Create jewelry made from a variety of non-ferrous metals such as sterling silver, copper, brass, and/or nickel.
  3. Design jewelry and metal objects that employ intermediate techniques, construction, and materials.
  4. Analyze different historical and contemporary construction techniques in jewelry and metalsmithing.

Course Objectives

  • Solve intermediate level design and fabrication problems in jewelry and metal.
  • Produce work that integrates traditional and contemporary design approaches to jewelry design and metalsmithing at an intermediate level.
  • Use the creative process to develop intermediate level concepts in metalsmithing and jewelry design.
  • Evaluate student's own artwork and that of other students during critiques.
  • Use specialized tools, equipment, and materials in the design of jewelry and metal objects.
  • Integrate the formal elements and principles of design in the creation of intermediate level jewelry and metal objects.
  • Apply individual aesthetic decisions and judgments related to one's own work.
  • Differentiate between different historical and contemporary approaches to jewelry and metalsmithing.

Lecture Content

  1. Introduction
    1. Historical examples of jewelry and metalsmithing construction techniques and materials
    2. Contemporary examples of jewelry and metalsmithing construction techniques and materials 
    3. Stone identification 
    4. Historical and contemporary lapidary practices
    5. Historical and contemporary casting methods
    6. The interrelationship between design and function at an intermediate level
    7. Intermediate level materials 
    8. Intermediate metal properties 
    9. Suppliers
  2. Visual design
    1. Intermediate level jewelry design limitations 
    2. Continuing to develop a personal aesthetic 
    3. Scale and weight in intermediate level jewelry 
    4. Expressive use of materials 
  3. Safety and handling
    1. Handling of various materials 
    2. Use of tools and equipment 
    3. Maintenance of tools and equipment 
    4. Terminology and layout of studio
  4. Study of metallurgy
    1. Crystal structure
    2. Metal alloys  
  5. Intermediate fabrication techniques
    1. Mechanisms
    2. Complex joinery
    3. Hinges and rivets 
    4. Chain making 
    5. Kinetics and moving joints
    6. Containers  
    7. Hollow jewelry constructions
    8. Custom connections
    9. Points and clasps 
    10. Soldering 
  6. Intermediate surface enrichment 
    1. Galvanic etching 
    2. Color treating metal
    3. Patina
    4. Chasing and repousse
    5. Fusing
    6. Inlay
    7. Engraving
    8. Enameling
    9. Applique 
  7. Intermediate stone mounting
    1. Cabochon setting
    2. Faceted stone setting
    3. Stones set in hollow jewelry
    4. Stones set in kinetic objects  
  8. Intermediate casting techniques 
    1. Direct casting  
    2. Lost wax casting
  9. Intermediate metal forming techniques
    1. Theory and history
    2. Working with multiple pieces of metal
  10. Critique guidelines
    1. Specialized vocabulary and terminology

Lab Content

  1. Design Principles
    1. Composition, line quality, and form in sketches
    2. Wearability in jewelry
    3. Creation of models
  2. Stone setting
    1. Cabochons
    2. Faceted stones
    3. Stones set in hollow jewelry
    4. Stones set in kinetic objects  
  3. Casting
    1. Direct casting
    2. Lost wax casting
    3. Heat control and finishing techniques
  4. Control of various states of metal
    1. Anneal
    2. Reticulate
    3. Multiple joinery 
  5. Incorporation of moving elements
    1. Hinges
    2. Clasps
    3. Bales
    4. Articulated joints 
  6. Metal forming
    1. Dapping
    2. Raising
    3. Forging
    4. Hydraulic die pressing
  7. Designing and fabricating a ring
  8. Fabrication techniques
    1. Application
    2. Execution
  9. Jewelry with cut stones
    1. Process Techniques
    2. Choosing a stone
    3. Cutting a stone
    4. Polishing a stone
    5. Setting a stone
  10. Texturing techniques
    1. Historical Examples
    2. Fabrication techniques

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Instructor prepared materials and other selected readings on jewelry-making and metalsmithing from books and periodicals.

Writing Assignments

Reflective essays following virtual or in person visits to museums to view intermediate level works of jewelry and metalsmithing. Evaluations of intermediate level objects presented in class. Artist's statements. Essays based on researching historical and contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing developments. Reflecting on class experiences in a notebook.

Out-of-class Assignments

The creation of intermediate level designs in a sketchbook and the preparation of creative works. Investigating historical and contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing artists and their works. Art gallery or museum visits in person or online to view jewelry and metalsmithing artworks. Drafting an artist's statement.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

54

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Essay Examinations
  • Objective Examinations
  • Report
  • Projects (Individual/Group)
  • Problem Solving Exercises
  • Oral Presentations
  • Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Students will create and construct objects using various intermediate level jewelry-making and metalsmithing techniques and media while also incorporating the elements of art and principles of design into their artwork. Students will evaluate their artwork and the artwork of their peers in order to express reasoned judgments during oral critiques.  Students will synthesize design concepts, technical skills, content, and individual expression in the production of objects integrating at least two media with specialized intermediate level techniques.  Students will problem solve the design and execution of intermediate level jewelry and metal objects resulting in finished artwork.  Students will review art exhibits of jewelry and metalsmithing.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Assessments and critiques that measure the students' ability to assess and derive meaning from works of art presented, including their own original artwork and the artwork of their peers. Students will construct an object using various intermediate level tools, techniques, and media related to jewelry and metalsmithing. Students will create intermediate level designs for their objects, implement their designs, and researching historical and contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing artists and their artworks. Students may write reflective essays following their virtual or in person visits to museums to view objects related to jewelry and metalsmithing. Students will have written assignments that include the critical evaluations of objects presented in class and written artist's statements.

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Tim McCreight. The Complete Metalsmith. Brynmorgen Press (2005 (Classic)).
  • Textbook: Louise Seijen ten Hoorn. Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation. Search Press (2023).
  • Textbook: Melissa Hunt. Stonesetting for Jewellery Makers: Techniques, inspiration & professional advice for stunning results. Search Press (2022).
  • Textbook: Corkie Bolton. Metalsmith Society’s Guide to Jewelry Making: Tips, Techniques & Tutorials For Soldering Silver, Stonesetting & Beyond. Page Street Publishing (2022).

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Art: Master’s degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in humanities OR the equivalent. NOTE: “Master’s in fine arts” as used here refers to any master’s degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, creative writing or other non plastic arts.