Course summary

Design collections for the international jewellery industry with the added value of ‘Made in Italy’ expertise and style. This one year course is for individuals looking for advanced design skills, together with industry preparation, forming experts in the design and development of fine jewellery for the luxury industry. At postgraduate level participants will already have experience in design in order to successfully follow the course structure based around illustration and technical drawing, design experimentation, jewellery collection building, project development and management. Planning and designing a jewellery collection requires creative abilities alongside advanced research skills combining the history of jewellery throughout the centuries, a thorough understanding of gemmology and an appreciation of the techniques of the goldsmith with contemporary aesthetic developments in art, design culture and fashion. Participants investigate leading international and Italian brands in order to create jewellery in line with current trends in the market. They learn about natural and artificial gemstones, the nature of metals and manufacturing processes, selecting appropriate workable materials for innovative final design solutions. Collaborating with companies on industry projects participants are able to experience fine jewellery collection building in a real commercial environment, increasing their knowledge and potential as creative practitioners. They learn how to take their ideas from concept through to final presentation, looking at influences in Italian craftsmanship, design and style admired and celebrated globally in the sector. Throughout the project they receive professional feedback and guidance from the company. All phases of design project development, from technical drawing and inspirational storytelling, to a final visual presentation are supported by business skills specific to the luxury industry including luxury marketing, trend and market research, graphic communication skills and jewellery collection promotion, providing a professional approach in the negotiation and presentation of ideas to companies and new clients.