A jewellery designer sitting at a desk in a workshop in a blue collared shirt and brown apron sketching out a design

Launch your career as a jewellery designer or entrepreneur

Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business Ontario College Diploma program

Get hands-on experience in the jewellery industry, from fabrication to sales. Access industry experts, seasoned faculty, and state-of-the-art studios and technologies.

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2024-2025 program outline
2023-2024 outline (PDF)
Program outline archive
Program code JDBB
Duration 2 Years
Credential Ontario College Diploma
Program Delivery Full-time +
Part-time
Program delivery method(s) Hybrid What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

The Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma program provides you with the hands-on experience and skills necessary for a successful career in the jewellery industry. With access to industry experts, seasoned faculty and studios equipped with the latest technologies, you gain valuable expertise in stone setting, jewellery repair, and the creation of custom jewellery using hand fabrication and finishing techniques. Your practical skillset is further complemented through the use of computer aided design (CAD) software, which is of growing importance in the jewellery industry. With first-hand experience working in and managing the campus jewellery store, this unique program helps you broaden your focus to sales, marketing, accounting and business practices suitable for small businesses, and for creating and managing an online presence.

Please note: Some program courses may be delivered at the downtown Barrie location (5 Ross St.). The Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre is located just minutes away from the waterfront. You’ll learn in our fully equipped studios using industry standard tools, and you’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in your field and real-world clients.

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2024 Barrie

Tuition and fees

Choose More.

What are the admission requirements for the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program?

Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent OR mature student status
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/

Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/

Why study Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business at Georgian? *HIDDEN SECTION*

Integrated curriculum

With a focus on a practical, hands-on, experiential learning, you’ll have a solid foundation to develop your skills, achieve your goals, and launch a successful career in the jewellery industry.

This unique learning style includes project-based learning supported by digital and laser technologies. Georgian also has an on-campus jewellery store managed and run by the students, offering real-life work experience designed to set you up for success in the industry.

This style of learning will allow you to gain and enhance industry skills. You’ll produce creative, quality work.

Small class sizes and expert faculty

Georgian has small class sizes, which means you’ll benefit from one-on-one learning in a mentor-style relationship with experienced, passionate instructors.

You’ll also create strong relationships with your classmates. Fellowship amongst students strengthens the learning process allowing you to learn from your peers as well as your instructors. This type of learning atmosphere is crucial for developing your skills and design aesthetic.

Learning environment

We have excellent facilities where you’ll have a dedicated workspace, access to CAD labs, 3D printers and enhanced laser welders.

We offer students monitored, after-hour access to the studios.

Our on-campus jewellery store is unique in Canada. Georgian is the only jewellery school that offers experience in a jewellery store to all of its students. Our store is both a retail location open to the public and a learning lab, giving our students authentic industry experience supported by instructors and technologists.

*HIDDEN SECTION*

What career paths can I take in the jewellery industry?

Your Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma gives you many career opportunities

Graduates of the program may find employment in a variety fields in the jewellery industry, including design, repair, production, business, sales, merchandizing, and supply.  Specific roles may include jewellery designer or repair person; stone setter; goldsmith; studio jeweller; and jewellery store manager, owner or merchandizer.

Flex MORE. Study Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business part-time

Benefits of studying part-time:

What you need to know:

Next steps:

Visit the part-time program page
Apply to the part-time program

What courses are included in the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business diploma program?

Course overview

22 Program Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program outline.

  • JEWL 1001 – Jewellery Fabrication 1
  • JEWL 1006 – Jewellery Drawing and Design
  • JEWL 1010 – Metal Finishing
  • JEWL 1011 – Jewellery Techniques
  • JEWL 2003 – Introduction to Gemmology
  • Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
  • Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.

Your course delivery method(s)

Hybrid

This program has a hybrid delivery method. Some parts are online and other parts are delivered in person. You’ll need to come to campus for part of your program.

Learn MORE about program delivery methods

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) *HIDDEN SECTION*

Are there any additional costs to take the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program?Georgian College Chevron

Yes, you’ll need to purchase tools and materials. Please see our program-specific fees webpage for more details.

How much work can I expect outside of class time?Georgian College Chevron

As a student in the Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business program, you’ll have approximately 18 hours per week of classes. You can generally expect two hours of hands-on homework for every hour of class time in the studio. Other classes may require less time.

Our facilities are open after hours, so you can practise your skills and work on projects in the evenings and on weekends.

Q. Can I sell jewellery I’ve made throughout the program in the on-campus jewellery store?Georgian College Chevron

Yes, we want you to showcase and sell your work!

Please note, all jewellery must meet minimum standards to be sold in the on-campus store.

Can I apply to the program if I don’t have any prior experience in jewellery design or bench skills?Georgian College Chevron

Yes, applicants aren’t required to have any prior jewellery experience or bench skills.

If you’re looking to get hands-on experience and starter knowledge of jewellery design and bench skills, consider our one-year Art and Design Fundamental certificate program.

*HIDDEN SECTION*

Art and Design Fundamentals student sitting at a desk using a laptop and colour wheel while drawing on a tablet with a stylus

Art and Design Fundamentals

Learn new skills. Refine existing ones. Decide where you want to go in your art and design career. Create a portfolio to help get you there.

Graphic Design student with brown hair, glasses, an orange shirt and forearm tattoos using Adobe Photoshop on a Mac computer

Graphic Design

Hands-on, project-based learning to build your portfolio. Includes a work placement and client experience. 100% grad satisfaction.

An artist in a blue denim shirt and beige apron wearing a virtual reality headset while painting on a canvas

Visual and Digital Media Arts

Unleash your creative abilities and artistic skills. Get hands-on experience with the latest digital tools—such as virtual reality—and a range of traditional media.

A Carpentry and Renovations Technique student in a workshop using a tape measure and pencil to mark a piece of wood

Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

Learn from experienced Red Seal professionals. High-demand trade. More hands-on learning gets you into the industry faster!

Do you have questions about Jewellery Design, Bench Skills and Business? Contact us!

Thinking about applying to Georgian?

Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.

Already applied to Georgian?

Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.

Are you an international student?

Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian. 

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