I have experience with cleaning, all aspects of casting, polishing, and general grunt work. I need to learn repair, CAD, and wax carving. I want to be able to hit the ground running after completing a program, so i want something that will allow me to actually master the various skills. Anyone have any ideas?
2006-06-16 12:26:49 · 2 answers · asked by janushyde01 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Other - Visual Arts
After 35 years as a student and jeweler with an M.F.A in jewelry from the University of Kansas, and 15 years of teaching, I would recommend the Gemological Institute of America's jewelry arts program. This is a very complete program, and you should be able to go from the program to making competent jewelry and doing repair in a very short time.
The big question to ask yourself is "What kind of jeweler do I want to be?" There are many directions, and I would recommend reading Oppi Untracht's book" Jewelry Concepts and Technology" before making up your mind.
In particular, on pages 9 and 12 there are charts that show you the many kinds of jewelry and also the many kinds of processes. My best advice is choose an area or areas that you feel strongly that you will enjoy, as jewelry creation tends to be addictive and its better to be addicted to something you really like!! Good Luck.
2006-06-16 13:03:11 · answer #1 · answered by centrifugal3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you would have two different routes to take. You can work with an experienced jeweler and learn from him/her or you can take classes. Many schools, museums, art centers, etc, offer instruction. There are also certification programs in watch repair, gemology, and other related fields.
2006-06-16 19:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by sfoxnj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋