Studying jewellery in Melbourne

THIS POST IS NOW OUTDATED

THE UPDATED POST IS : Studying jewellery in Melbourne (update) [12May15]

Original post is below:

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Update: please go to this NEW updated and revised post about jewellery classes in Melbourne, as information in this post may now be outdated

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There have been some changes to the jewellery-education landscape this year, and it’s time to update previous posts about where to learn.

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With respect to formal degree study, the schools in Melbourne are:

• NMIT : 3yr PT Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery stream), 2yr FT Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Jewellery stream); 3yr apprenticeship Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture;
  – I’ve mentioned before that NMIT is exceptionally well-regarded (with reason) for technical skill development
• RMIT : 3yr FT Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art), specialising in Object Based Practice;
  – this degree is now a little different to the one I graduated from in 2006, particularly with respect to reduced teaching hours;
  – also note that the magnificent and internationally renowned (and connected) Robert Baines has officially retired from RMIT now;
  – further, I’ve heard some fairly unflattering reports of the degree in recent times ; such as one student who was criticised for using metal in a project (oh seriously!) and a damning comment that the course had become more about “craft” than learning jewellery and smithing skills … I’ll undertake some discussions over coming months to see if this fits the general vibe of things
• Monash: in a revision to previous information, Monash is STILL offering Jewellery as part of a restructured Fine Arts degree – see Melissa Cameron’s recent post

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Now, short courses for jewellery and silversmithing:

• NMIT : there are seven short courses currently on their website; Silversmithing and Enamelling are offered as a short courses, which is truly fabulous!; I did the Leisure Jewellery course (basically studio access) a few years ago and I thought the facilities were very good for jewellery; while I was there I witnessed the Intro course and thought it was well-structured (there is also an Intermediate course); I (still) intend to undertake the Gem Setting and the new CAD courses over the next year or two
• Northcity4 : I’m an unashamedly huge supporter of NC4!; there are Beginners and Intermediate courses; Lost Wax Casting is offered too, as is Tutored Access (love this idea); there are also regular Workshops and Seminars to take part in
• CAE : there are so many courses offered under ‘jewellery’ and ‘silversmithing’ at CAE; the courses range from bone carving to pearl stringing, casting and pendant in an evening ; CAE is connected to the now-defunct jewellery courses at Box Hill Tafe, so I wonder if their offering may change with the removal of jewellery courses at Box Hill? my experience at CAE wasn’t fabulous, but it was some years ago now and I wouldn’t be surprised if the facilities have since improved
• RMIT : regularly holds a master class in Jan/Feb each year, though these are usually only for experience artisans
• [update: 2nd Dec] Monash : just spotted there are short courses here too!

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There are also many jewellers who regularly open their studio doors and generously share their knowledge and passion.

• Victoria Mason has a few workshops each year
• Redox Jewellery Studio in Geelong has regular classes too
• William Llewellyn Griffiths, of Metal Couture, holds wax carving classes
• Jeanette Dyke has classes in the beautiful surrounds of Monsalvat Art Centre

… I’m sure there are many more, so I’ll add to this listing as I uncover them.

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I’d really like to create a listing of the best short courses in Melbourne for jewellery making – can you recommend where you’ve been or heard is good?

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Update (31st Jan 2014): via comment: The Gordon Institute in Geelong also offers jewellery making classes.

Update (24th March 2014): note that Redox Jewellery Studio has moved and has been renamed as Annie Broadway Studio, and they still offer classes

Update (14th Jan 2015): in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne Jane Ruljancich regularly runs workshop classes of varying levels, and has a specialist class for couples to make their own wedding bands (no prior experience necessary)

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