Contemporary Jewellery - BA (Hons)

Hereford College of Arts

Contemporary Jewellery at Hereford College of Arts is for creative makers who want to **explore contemporary jewellery design through material experimentation, craftsmanship & personal expression**. You will investigate how jewellery functions as adornment, narrative object & creative statement **developing strong technical skills** alongside an exploratory, design-led approach.Across three years, you will explore metalworking, fabrication, casting, forming, surface treatments & mixed-material experimentation. You will learn how ideas move from sketchbook research to prototype to finished pieces, supported by tutors who are practicing jewellers and designer makers. The course encourages curiosity, critical thinking & a willingness to push beyond traditional approaches into sculptural, conceptual or interdisciplinary work.\**A supportive studio environment** allows you to test ideas, develop your artistic voice & build confidence as you grow into an independent contemporary jeweller.You will:● Develop strong technical skills in metalworking, forming, fabrication & finishing\● Experiment with plastics, wood, textiles & found materials\● Learn how to design, prototype & refine wearable pieces\● Build confidence responding to briefs and communicating design ideas\● Produce a portfolio and collection that reflect your personal design identity**FACILITIES**\You will work in specialist studios equipped with individual jewellery benches for soldering, forming, polishing & fabrication. Alongside these is industry-standard enameling, etching, PUK welding & lathe machining equipment. You will also access wood, metal & digital fabrication workshops to support experimental or interdisciplinary approaches. CAD software, 3D modelling & prototyping tools expand the possibilities for contemporary jewellery design.**INDUSTRY LINKS**\You will learn from practicing jewellers, metalsmiths & designer-makers through talks, workshops, studio visits and live projects. Students often collaborate with craft galleries, design studios, independent makers & cultural partners, gaining insight into the wider craft industry. Demonstrations and critiques with visiting jewellers and applied artists provide continuous insight into contemporary practice and help you refine your techniques, develop your portfolio & build confidence as a professional maker. Guest speakers have included Lin Cheng, Juliette Bigley & Emily Kidson.**CAREERS**\Graduates progress into roles such as jeweller, designer–maker, metalsmith, production designer, workshop technician, CAD designer, gallery assistant or freelance craft practitioner. You will build a portfolio and collection that demonstrate your technical fluency and creative direction. You will be supported to understand what success looks like for you and build your own plan with this in mind. Alumni have exhibited and won international prizes and the course's professional links include a graduate support scheme with Alloy.**SUSTAINABILITY & ETHICAL PRACTICE**\You will explore responsible approaches to contemporary jewellery, from ethical sourcing and low-impact processes to reuse, upcycling & circular design. Projects may encourage experimentation with sustainable materials or concept-led approaches that highlight environmental or social themes. Live briefs include working with the likes of Precious Collective and Fairlux.**EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES**\Students are supported to take part in craft fairs, online showcases, international networks & collaborative projects that expand professional visibility and offer insight into global jewellery practice. Modules include entries to Goldsmiths Craft & Design Award and the British Arts Medal Society Student Award – both of which have seen students win awards and recognition. Trips to COLLECT, London and Birmingham Jewellery Quarter also enhance l

Art and Design