Mankind has developed personal decoration and ornaments for thousands of years. Jewellery has always been an expression and reflection of its epoch, its social structures and cultural standards. For the past fifty years, jewellery is now no more the privilege of the wealthy, as the social structure of contemporary societies has broadened considerably and allows the concept of jewellery to be understood far more universally. In a contemporary sense, jewellery has become a collective noun for body-related objects.  

This is an introductory course in jewellery making, with a focus on metalsmithing for small objects using heat. It is designed to introduce non-ferrous metal as an expressive medium and to explore the unique properties it offers. Students will learn various ways of working metal using elevated temperature, and how these techniques can be applied to the creation of small body-related metal objects.  

Through studying this diversified art form, the students can broaden their appreciation of the world around their body. The students will develop a sense of scale, and will have an enhanced sensitivity in relating their work to the environment.