Jewellery and Metals
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Concentration*
Jewellery and Metals take form as wearable art, intimate sculpture and radical craft.
| Type | Credits | Duration | Format | School and Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts – Studio Art | 120 | 4 years, Full-time | In-person, studio | School of Craft and Emerging Media (SCEM) |
| Secondary Concentration, BFA or BDes | 15 | 2 years (completed alongside primary degree |
Jewellery and Metals at AUArts is your launchpad for bold creative expression. Shape raw materials into wearable art, striking sculpture and conceptual objects that spark conversation. Develop your own artistic voice as you balance meticulous technical skill with daring experimentation, inventive problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking.
Program Overview
From your very first course, you’ll dive deep into jewellery and metalsmithing practices, uncovering how meaning emerges through materials, craftsmanship and innovative techniques. Guided by passionate faculty who are active makers and recognized artists, you’ll focus on skills and techniques from fabrication, casting, stone setting, enameling to create complex personal projects that reflect your evolving artistic identity.
Translate concepts into objects that move between the body, gallery and public space. Explore both ancient and cutting-edge techniques as you build a portfolio of original, expressive works. At AUArts, Jewellery and Metals is more than technique—it's about the powerful narrative each piece conveys.
Program Highlights
- Hands-On from Day One: Start making contemporary jewellery and small metal objects your first semester, exploring a huge range of materials and techniques.
- Techniques That Shine: Dive into ancient craft and cutting-edge approaches like sawing, casting, enameling, etching, filigree, stone setting and more.
- Make It Move: Design functional objects with moving parts and clever mechanisms, or experiment with hollowware and found objects for wearable and sculptural art.
- Colour Your World: Transform metal with vivid enameling, industrial coatings, anodizing and surface design methods.
- Go Digital: Learn CAD and 3D modeling software for digital prototyping, rapid production, and innovative designs.
- Business-Ready: Gain practical skills in packaging, marketing and sales. Participate in pop-up shops and craft fairs—learn how to launch your own brand.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the jewellery and metals program will:
- Proficiency in a variety of metalsmithing and jewellery-making techniques including casting, enamelling, stone setting and advanced fabrication methods.
- Creative ingenuity in solving design challenges, articulating clear concepts from ideation to final execution.
- The ability to critically evaluate jewellery and metalwork within contemporary cultural, historical and theoretical frameworks.
- Professional skills to present their work through exhibitions, documentation and marketing strategies.
Faculty
Learn from dedicated, award-winning artists and experts passionate about mentoring the next generation of jewellery artists. Our faculty and skilled technicians guide you in pushing boundaries, refining craftsmanship and navigating your professional journey.
Faculty
Studio Technicians
Alumni
AUArts Jewellery and Metals alumni are dynamic professionals recognized internationally.
Jewellery Alumni
Studio Facilities
High-quality studio facilities provide Jewellery and Metals students with the full spectrum of practice, from industrial jewellery to conceptual art.
Supplied rental tool kits provided to 100-200 level classes.
Individual studio benches for MFA, third, and fourth-year students.
Variety of torches for small to large scale metalsmithing.
Casting facilities, centrifugal, vacuum, and sand casting.
Enamelling equipment and kilns.
Manual and power rolling mills.
Reactive metal(s) anodizing.
Ceramic e-coating system.
Etching, and patination baths.
Hydraulic presses with assortment of Bonny Doon tools/attachments.
Tumbling equipment – (steel shot barrels and magnetic).
Large selection of metal forming tools; hammers, stakes, stumps, and anvils.
Small scale sandblaster.
Belt sanders and grinders for tool making.
Large metal shear.
Large metal break shear.
Wire draw bench.
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment.
Assortment of hand tools available to borrow.
Career Paths
Jewellery & Metals graduates build careers across contemporary jewellery, metalsmithing, fashion, product design, galleries and craft industries.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Independent Jewellery Artist
- Metalsmith and Sculptor
- Fine Jewellery Designer
- Brand Developer
- Art Educator
- Commercial Jeweller
Culture & Community
Jewellery & Metals is a community where ideas take shape through shared studios, lively critiques, curiosity and craft.
Beyond the classroom
- Work-Integrated Learning: Opportunities for internships and job placements with local studios, festivals or non-profits.
- Community & Events: Join student-run clubs, discord chats or attend on-campus events, visiting artist lectures and workshops.
- Awards & Scholarships: Receive financial support through scholarships, awards, paid call-for-submissions and funding for creative projects.
- Academic Resources: One-on-one faculty mentorship and access to technical support. Plus, full access to AUArts' Writing Centre, Luke Lindoe Library and Learning Commons.
About the Jewellery and Metals Concentration
The Jewellery and Metals concentration is a multidisciplinary program that balances creative problem-solving, technical skills and entrepreneurial thinking with context, history and critical inquiry. You’ll develop a strong foundation through fabrication, casting, surface treatment and gemstone setting, while also building research and design abilities that expand your creative practice.
Courses in areas across disciplines broaden your perspective, encouraging connections between art, craft and design. Whether producing one-of-a-kind works or experimenting across materials and methods, you’ll gain the skills and insight to shape meaningful objects for contemporary culture.