GEMMOLOGY AND JEWELLERY STUDIES – BSC (HONS)
Our BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree is one of the only courses of its kind in the world. This gemmology course will enable you to gain the highest level of professionally recognised gemmological skills, up to and including research-level techniques.Based in the heart of Birmingham's thriving Jewellery Quarter, you'll benefit from unrivalled expertise and facilities as you explore precious gems and all relevant aspects of the jewellery trade.
Q&A
Artist Statement
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?Our highly practical Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree offers an introduction to gemmological theory and testing, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.With our fully-equipped gem labs at your disposal, you’ll be able to carry out a range of standard and advanced gemmological tests used in the identification of gemstones.You’ll have the chance to put gem materials under the microscope, from natural and synthetic gemstones through to imitation. There will also be a chance to learn complementary skills such as photography.You’ll study at our brand new purpose-built facilities at the Assay Office, just a few minutes’ walk from the School of Jewellery and in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, where much of today’s jewellery is still made. Our staff team are all experts in their field, and have extensive industry experience. Our graduates go on to work in a wide variety of roles in the jewellery industry throughout the world. |
What inspires you to work with this craft?
MIRANDA WELLSCourse Leader – BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery StudiesANDREW FELLOWSLecturer – BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery StudiesMICHELLE MCCORMICKLecturer on BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery StudiesAfter twenty years of working in the Jewellery and Gemstone industry and studying for numerous trade qualifications, Michelle graduated from the School of Jewellery with a First class BSc (Hons) in Gemmology and Jewellery studies in 2015. |
How do you start your creative process?
Gain the highest level of gemmological skills, as well as knowledge of all relevant aspects of the jewellery trade, with our Gemmology and Jewellery Studies course. Our highly-practical course will give you the professionally-recognised attributes and experience you need to enhance your employability prospects.You will work in our fully-equipped, purpose-built gem labs, carrying out a range of gemmological tests, as well as learning advanced-level analytical techniques, diamond grading and jewellery valuation.You will be introduced to a range of gemmological testing equipment, as well as diamond theory, jewellery valuation and appraisal. You will also learn to grade diamonds to a professional standard, while sharpening your skills in photography and photomicrography.As you become more skilled and familiar with the equipment, you get the opportunity in your second year to continue your gemmological studies to a greater depth. This will also include greater knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal, an extensive practical gemmology testing project, and specialist modules in Jade and organic gem materials.In your third year, you will conduct advanced scientific testing of gem materials, as well as applying the use of spectroscopy to advance your study of diamonds. The knowledge of jewellery valuation and appraisal that you have commenced in your first two years will be further strengthened, and your increasing skills in analytical techniques will then be demonstrated in a research project of your own choosing. |
How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?
Our Gemmology students are based in new, state-of-the-art premises at Moreton Street in the Jewellery Quarter, within the Assay Office Birmingham building.The purpose-built workshops are spacious and superbly well-equipped with equipment, samples and books. Within the department, there is access to some of the highest specification of equipment available for gemmological education in the world. Our students also have access to the further advanced equipment housed within the Assay office’s AnchorCert laboratory. WorkshopsJewellery and Horology workshops are located on the main School of Jewellery site complemented with a Technology Hub including state of the art digital manufacturing equipment.GemmologyThe Gemmology department is furnished with high specification interactive lecture facilities and is situated within the working environment of Birmingham’s Assay Office.IT and libraryComputers and laptops have the latest Adobe software and you will be given access to Lynda.com as a source of great tutorials and advice to support your studies. The School of Jewellery has its own specialist library with a comprehensive range of international periodicals and access to the Mintel Report.ExhibitionsOur students love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of the School and return year on year to our annual exhibitions.
Are there any technique you would like to try?
Enhancing Employability skillsEmployability and key transferable skills are embedded within the course ethos to maximise our students’ capabilities and understanding of potential career opportunities. Each module is designed to incorporate both generic and industry-specific skillsets to give students maximum flexibility in their chosen career path.Modules are structured to include field visits and opportunities for students to observe and develop an understanding of potential routes to employment. Additionally, the course content includes extensive training in advanced analytical techniques which are required by laboratories worldwide. Links to IndustryAll of our tutors have worked within the industry, and therefore the course has excellent links with the jewellery trade. Our course has a number of industry sponsors, and they fund a great programme of visiting lectures from a wide variety of experts in the gemmology trade. We also have a number of industry sponsored prizes for high-achieving students, and work closely with other universities and gemmological professional bodies around the world. |
Media & Contact
Representation
Institution: School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University
Contact
Email: rebecca.skeels@bcu.ac.uk
References
Website: jewellery@bcu.ac.uk
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/gemmology-and-jewellery-studies-2024-25#overview
Instagram: soj_bcu
Research: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/jewellery/research
Other: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/jewellery
Photography credit
BCU Marketing DepartmentAssay Office, Jewellery Quarter Birmingham.
Location
Birmingham, West Midlands, UK