The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will launch its re-vamped Graduate Jeweler Diploma Program in 2024. This program is a significant leap forward in jewelry manufacturing education, blending foundational technical knowledge of bench jewelry with a focus on creative expression and how to apply these skills in the industry.
The meticulously crafted GIA Graduate Jeweler Diploma Program, draws on proven techniques employed in both fine jewelry manufacturing and retail jewelry repair. This comprehensive, project-based course equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic jewelry market. Many of the projects students create in class will help build an impressive portfolio to showcase their skills and creativity to potential employers and clients as they start their careers.
“Our objective is to instill students with a proficiency in safe practices and jewelry manufacturing techniques that exceed industry standards by setting the bar higher,” said GIA Senior Vice President of Education and Chief Academic Officer Duncan Pay.
“Leveraging decades of experience in teaching Jewelry Manufacturing Arts, coupled with the expertise of master goldsmith and award-winning jewelry designer Alan Revere, we’ve developed a program that hones not only classical technical skills but also integrates cutting-edge tools and equipment within our state-of-the-art classrooms.”
This 28-week program centers on traditional jewelry fabrication, recognized as the cornerstone of all jewelry making. Essential skills that students learn are sawing, piercing, measuring, layout, filing, forging, bending, twisting and advanced torch techniques, with an emphasis on soldering, annealing and brazing. The program also includes significant gemstone setting training as well as modules on casting, wax carving, laser welding, metallurgy and hand engraving.
Program dates are Jan. 22 – Aug. 1, 2024; May 13 – Nov. 21, 2024; and Sept. 9, 2024 to April 7, 2025. GIA’s new Graduate Jeweler Program stands as a testament to the Institute’s commitment to providing world-class education in the field of jewelry making, empowering students to forge their paths in the dynamic and evolving world of jewelry arts.
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