Precious Metals II

Course details

Precious metals powder metallurgy has revolutionized the jewellery-making process. Called ‘metal clays’ these powdered metal mixtures are initially as soft as clay. After they are fired, however, they become metal such as Pure Silver, 22k Gold, Bronze and Copper. The speed and creative options presented by metal clays have captivated a large international following of both jewellery artists and industry professionals. JDMIS maintains an excellent relationship with the manufacturers of these amazing products and exclusively offers its students the most up-to-date techniques regarding their use.

Metal Clay use is both an art and a science, allowing students to focus on creative expression instead of outdated techniques or expensive tools. Students are given instruction and then, with expert advice and guidance, immediately begin to design and create pure silver pieces that incorporate multiple techniques and unique design possibilities.

What will I learn?

• Expand Your Horizons: New intermediate learning projects incorporate different metal clay materials and glass to generate unlimited creative potential for precious metal artists.This course builds accuracy, range and confidence through:
  • Advanced Carving and Modelling Techniques: Master the creation of crisp lines and accurate symmetry as well as invisible joins and effective repairs so as to produce quality, professional looking jewellery with sharp features.
  • Advanced Stone Setting Skills: Use flush-setting techniques to accurately and securely set large numbers of small gemstones. ‘Encrusting’ or covering a surface with small gems, is used to practice fine setting skills.
  • Setting of materials that cannot be fired: There are both technical and creative challenges to the use of gemstones and organic materials that cannot be fired. Using bezel wire it is possible to design and create in stages and assemble components after firing and finishing.
  • Glass Fusing and Glass Setting: Learn about the characteristics of coloured glass and how to properly evaluate and combine glass of different refractive indices to form creative fused-glass centre pieces. Later use these to combine glass & metal clay silver, with an emphasis on setting and firing techniques that will not damage the glass components. Practice safe handling, fusing and firing of glass.