Studies in Ancient Gold Course

The Studies in Ancient Gold program is a unique experience in research, mentorship and application.

Our two-week intensive encourages individuals with jewelry, metalsmithing or small sculpture background to pursue this program as a way to strengthen their scholarship and develop new work while immersed in a vibrant community of peers and practiced faculty.

The program provides a rigorous daily studio practice based on an art historical framework of ancient research, and investigative problem solving to create new models of making and ways of seeking out creative capacity. Much of each day is spent in directed studies concentrating on one or more areas of investigation, working closely with a cadre of faculty mentors and visiting collaborators through open exchanges of ideas and critical analysis.

In addition to the extensive use of the studio and its surrounding neighborhood, fieldwork will be conducted at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, professional studios and others points of interest.

JA is located in Midtown Manhattan in a working jewelers neighborhood, two blocks from the Diamond District and within walking distance from historic jewelers and design studios.  Participants in this immersion program will feel the energy of the neighborhood and reap the benefits of its professional atmosphere, as it inspires creativity, and enhances participant's artistic potential.

Areas of Investigation

All participants will be exposed to all Areas of Investigation; with the opportunity to pursue specific topics based on the relevance of their own individual experience and interest level. Your educational experience will be customized to suit your goals and experience levels.

Investigation of 22k Gold and Silver Filigree

Experimentation and analysis is made by probing the historical context of gold and silver filigree. Through model making of both practices, participants employ best alloying recipes and pertinent information in regards to colloidal hard soldering and other soldering capabilities.

Highlights

• Troubleshooting
• How to choose your alloys
• Tool making and modification

Investigation of 22k Gold and Silver Granulation

Research and implement ancient and modern methods. Learn why Castellani never found the true secret to ancient granulation and how you can employ these valuable insights in your own work.

Highlights

• How to make Eutectic points work for you.
• How to choose the right alloys.
• Best practices.

Bezel Settings for cabochon, rose cut and faceted stones

Proper setting technique is essential to maximize your stone's beauty and ensure your settings longevity. Historical and modern models will be taught with an emphasis on mechanics.

Highlights

• How to make and modify your setting tools to fit your individual needs.
• Explore the essentials of light refraction-it isn't just for diamonds.
• Learn the essentials of bezel construction, theory and practice.

Methodologies of Fine and Sterling Silver

With a particular emphasis on the research of soldering and building foundational inquiries of silversmithing aptitudes are the focus of this topic area. Fusing, soldering, construction, and finishing are investigated and analyzed with several models developed.

Highlights

• When to fuse versus when to solder.
• How to choose your alloys
• Tool making and modification

Exploration of Handmade Jewelry in 22k Gold

Through fieldwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and others institutions, participants explore why 22k gold is an ideal medium for handmade work. Investigation by means of instruction; to alloy, mill, set stones, solder and fuse in this cooperative and everlasting metal.

Highlights

• Explore how your choice of material affects your outcomes.
• Explore the pros and cons of casting vs hand fabrication and discover what is optimal for your work.
• Explore the recyclability of gold.

Why Participate?

Reaching your personal growth and creative potential is specifically what this intensive is all about. The program covers materials and techniques which gives participants a leading edge for opportunities during and after college. Getting into the market place is not just about having a resume and portfolio; it's about having the right experiences which can give you that edge. During this 2-week intensive, participants will be afforded the time to learn and master the skills that often there is not enough time for during your rigorous college programs.

Schedule

• Morning Session 11:00am – 2:00pm
• Lunch 2:00pm – 3:00pm
• Afternoon Session 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Tools & Materials not included in Program Fee -- a complete list of required tools & materials will be provided