CraftRoots: Jewellery Essentials

The intention of CraftRoots is to immerse students in the traditional art and science ofjewellery design. This program aims to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and design principles. By revisiting the roots of jewellery craftsmanship, we aim to foster creativity, precision, and a keen eye for detail in each student. The purpose of this course is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in jewellery design. By the end of the program, students will have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts and techniques used in jewellery making, enabling them to confidently progress to more
advanced studies, including CAD for jewellery design.

Program Overview

Program Objectives

1. Understand Basic Design Principles:
• Learn the elements and principles of design and how they apply to jewellery.
• Explore different jewellery styles and historical contexts.
2. Master Material Science:
• Gain knowledge of various metals, gemstones, and alternative materials used in jewellery making.
• Understand the properties and uses of these materials.
3. Develop Technical Drawing Skills:
• Acquire proficiency in hand-drawing techniques for creating detailed jewellery sketches.
• Learn to visualize and convey ideas through technical drawings.
4. Learn Jewellery Manufacturing Processes:
• Understand traditional and modern jewellery manufacturing techniques.
• Gain hands-on experience with tools and equipment.
5. Master Measurement and Scale:
• Learn to accurately measure and scale jewellery designs.
• Develop skills in calculating proportions and dimensions.

6. Familiarize with Jewellery Components:
• Understand the different components and parts of various types of jewellery.
• Learn the terminology associated with jewellery components.
7. Enhance Metalworking Techniques:
• Develop skills in cutting, shaping, and forming metal.
• Practice basic metalworking techniques using various tools.
8. Master Soldering and Welding:
• Learn soldering and welding techniques.
• Gain practical experience in joining metal pieces securely.
9. Develop Stone Setting Skills:
• Understand different stone setting techniques and tools.
• Practice setting stones in various types of settings.
10. Learn Wax Carving and Model Making:
• Acquire skills in carving wax models for casting.
• Translate designs from sketches to 3D models.
11. Master Finishing and Polishing:
• Learn techniques for polishing and finishing metal surfaces.
• Ensure professional quality finish on designed pieces.
12. Foster Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving:
• Develop the ability to generate original ideas and adapt designs.
• Enhance problem-solving skills in design and manufacturing challenges.
By the end of CraftRoots: Jewellery Essentials, students will have a well-rounded foundation in jewellery design, preparing them to take their skills to the next level with confidence and creativity.

Program Content

Before diving into computer aided jewellery design (CAD), having a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills is crucial. Here are some key areas that can be helpful and supportive:
Fundamental Knowledge
1. Basic Jewellery Design Principles:
• Understanding of design elements (line, shape, form, texture, colour).
• Knowledge of design principles (balance, contrast, harmony, proportion, unity).
• Awareness of different jewellery styles and historical contexts.
2. Material Science:
• Knowledge of various metals (gold, silver, platinum) and their properties.
• Understanding of gemstones, including types, cuts and settings.
• Awareness of alternative materials (resins, plastics, wood).
3. Technical Drawing:
• Proficiency in hand-drawing techniques for creating design sketches.
• Understanding of perspective, dimensions, and proportions in drawings.
4. Jewellery Manufacturing Processes:
• Awareness of traditional techniques like casting, forging, soldering and engraving.
• Knowledge of modern techniques like laser cutting and 3D printing.
5. Measurement and Scale:
• Understanding of metric and imperial measurement systems.
• Ability to accurately measure and scale designs.
6. Components and Parts of Jewellery:
• Familiarity with different types of jewellery (rings, necklaces, earrings,
bracelets).
7. Knowledge of jewellery components and terminology:
• Ring Components: Shank, setting, prong, bezel and gallery.
• Necklace Components: Chain, clasp, bail, pendant, jump ring.
• Earring Components: Post, back, hook, lever-back, drop.
• Bracelet Components: Link, clasp, charm, hinge, safety chain.
Manual Practical Skills
1. Hand Sketching and Drawing:
• Proficiency in creating detailed sketches of jewellery designs by hand.
• Ability to visualize and convey ideas through drawings.
2. Metalworking:
• Basic skills in cutting, shaping, and forming metal.
• Experience with tools like saws, files, hammers, and pliers.
3. Soldering and Welding:
• Ability to solder and weld metal pieces together.
• Understanding of safety procedures and proper handling of equipment.
4. Stone Setting:
• Knowledge of different stone setting techniques (prong, bezel, pave).
• Practical experience in setting stones securely.
5. Wax Carving:
• Skills in carving wax models for casting.
• Understanding of how to translate designs from sketches to 3D models.
6. Finishing and Polishing:
• Techniques for polishing and finishing metal surfaces.
• Experience with different abrasives and polishing compounds.
Complementary Skills
1. Computer Literacy:
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with operating systems, file management and basic software applications.
2. Attention to Detail:
• Precision in measurements and craftsmanship.
• Patience and meticulousness in design and execution.
3. Creative Thinking:
• Ability to generate original ideas and think outside the box.
• Flexibility in adapting designs based on feedback and constraints.
4. Problem-Solving:
• Skills in identifying and addressing design and manufacturing challenges.
• Resourcefulness in finding solutions.
By building a strong foundation in these areas, students will be better prepared to leverage the capabilities of CAD software for jewellery design, allowing them to create intricate and precise designs more effectively.

Program Curriculum

CraftRoots: Jewellery Essentials | Foundation Course on Jewellery Design: Knowledge and Manual Skills. This comprehensive 12-weeks program is designed to lay the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills necessary for aspiring jewellery designers. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, this course will prepare you to excel in the world of jewellery design, providing a strong base before advancing to computer-aided design (CAD).

Sr.NoProgram ContentsDuration
01Introduction to Jewellery Design1 Week
02Material Science1 Week
03Technical Drawing for Jewellery Design1 Week
04Technical Drawing for Jewellery Design1 Week
05Measurement and Scale1 Week
06Components and Parts of Jewellery1 Week
07Hand Sketching and Drawing1 Week
08Metalworking Techniques1 Week
09Soldering and Welding1 Week
10Stone Setting Techniques1 Week
11 Introduction to Wax Carving Techniques1 Week
12Finishing and Polishing1 Week