The Jewelry Program at the Orchard Ridge Campus of Oakland Community College offers students the opportunity to study the fundamental processes involved in the design and production of jewelry. The college provides classes for both beginning and advanced skill levels. Classes are held in a large studio space with room to accommodate 24 students. The classroom is well equipped with the modern tools and machinery required for the production of traditional jewelry and wearable art. Learning opportunities available in the program include jewelry design, cold fabrication, soldering, buffing procedures, forging, wax carving, stone setting and lost wax casting.
An experienced jewelry instructor provides hands-on training that is enhanced by contemporary textbooks, technical videos and guest lecturers. This allows the student several paths to a full range of learning opportunities. Our graduates are qualified for positions as entry-level jewelry designers, bench technicians and sales associates. Many of our graduates have found careers in the jewelry industry. Others have used their jewelry skills to find work in dental labs, metal casting companies and to start their own business.
For more information contact:
Eric Okon, adjunct faculty
Tessa Rickard, adjunct faculty
Department of Fine & Performing Arts
Orchard Ridge Campus
Oakland Community College
27055 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 522-3590
ART 1610 Beginning Jewelry ( 3 credits )
Beginning Jewelry offers the basic techniques of metal work, allowing the student the opportunity to create attractive jewelry or small objects by sawing, soldering, fusion, and forging in various metals. Course/lab fees.
ART 1611 Advanced Jewelry ( 3 credits ) Prerequisite: ART 1610 or consent of the instructor. Advanced Jewelry offers the student an opportunity to learn methods of casting in precious metals from original wax models. Work will include vacuum casting, wax carving, investing, burning out, finishing procedures and gemstone setting. Course/lab fees.