Discover inspirations behind jewellery design in this six-module online course led by Vanessa Cron. See how jewels have shone in fashion and film. Learn about gemstones, gold and silver jewellery and jewelled accessories. Explore jewellery houses like Boivin, Belperron and Fabergé, and spend time with Andrew Prince, the creator of Downton Abbey’s historical jewellery.
Included alongside your lectures, our documentary-style special features form an ever-more important part of your studies in History of Jewellery Design: Part II. Each feature is longer and more in-depth than in the first course, which means that you get much closer to exceptional jewellery houses. Linger over the extraordinary jewelled objects of the Cartier historic collection, from Coco Chanel’s enamelled gold vanity case to the Duchess of Windsor’s famous tiger lorgnette. See how the mixture of great creativity and inspired family collaboration come together to give birth to the jewellery of Hemmerle, or see how Scandinavian modernism as well as international designers were the source of extraordinary silver jewels at Georg Jensen. You’ll meet historians, creative directors and family houses, and even see inside their workshops.
What you will learn:
You will learn about important gemstones, how they are measured and cut, and understand their use in jewellery throughout history.
You will gain an understanding of the use of metals in jewellery from antiquity to the present day.
You will see how jewellery craft extends to precious objects, with great houses making pieces for both use and decoration that incorporate the same skilful techniques as high jewellery.
You will learn about the importance of jewellery in fashion – from the Wiener Werkstätte jewels worn by Gustave Klimt’s partner and muse Emilie Flöge, to the extravagant and daring pieces made by Shaun Leane for Alexander McQueen.
You will be introduced to jewellery designers and houses not included in History of Jewellery Design: 1880 to Now, such as Boivin and Belperron.
You will understand how jewellery has starred in theatre and film, and see how some directors favour innovative costume jewellery and some prefer real diamonds.
Across seven in-depth special features, you will be introduced to contemporary and historical jewellery houses and designers, understand their inspirations and craft, and see behind the scenes as jewellery is created.
The summer 2022 launch season of History of Jewellery Design: Part II is open exclusively to students of History of Jewellery Design: 1880 to Now. From September 2022 the course will be available to all.
History of Jewellery Design: Part II is a six-module pre-recorded online course. The course consists of six one-hour modules, including five lectures by Vanessa Cron with special features with jewellery houses and one module of extra special features. The full syllabus of History of Jewellery Design: Part II will be released this Summer.
Module Topics
· Beyond Tradition– the creative minds behind some of the 20th century’s most inspiring jewellery
· Gemstones – understanding the history, meaning and use of gemstones
· Metal – the importance of gold, silver, platinum and more in jewellery design
· Precious Objects – jewelled accessories
· Fashion and Film – jewellery design on stage, screen, and catwalk
Special Features
· Christian and Yasmin Hemmerle
· Georg Jensen
· Andrew Prince, jewellery designer for Downton Abbey
Online courses are designed for students to study when it is most convenient for them. Our pre-recorded lectures are filmed with documentary-style production values, taking you on a narrative-led journey through your chosen subject.
Each module's lecture lasts for approximately one hour.
Our courses are arranged in modules, containing your lectures and special features. Each week, a new module will open for you to study, allowing you to explore the content at your own pace. Typically, our courses consist of six modules overall.
During your time on the course, your Tutor will provide:
Frequent art world announcements.
Opportunities to ask questions and request tutor guidance.
Tutor-initiated discussions filled with stimulating questions on course topics or art world news.
Art History courses have optional written assignments with detailed and supportive individual feedback to help develop ideas and enrich analytical skills and understanding.
Art Business and Luxury courses have optional multiple-choice assignments to consolidate learning and track progress.
Further benefits
Handouts and English subtitles are provided to reinforce your learning.
Networking with fellow students.
You have three weeks after the course has finished to complete your assignments and discuss the course with your tutor.
All video lectures and course materials remain available to students for six months after assignments close.
If you complete all the assignments and complete the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Certificates are not available for self-directed courses.
Additional Information
The course will require between two to three hours of study time per week. There will be further reading and weekly assignments.
Technical Requirements
The course is facilitated through an online learning environment that is compatible with most modern browsers. It is the responsibility of students to have the proper hardware and software required to participate, along with access to WiFi. The basic technical requirements can be found in the FAQs.
Terms and Conditions
Please ensure you read carefully through our terms and conditions before enrolling on a course.
