Metals and Jewelry Design Option - Studio Arts BFA
Metals and Jewelry Design Option
Studio Arts BFA
Overview for Metals and Jewelry Design Option - Studio Arts BFA
The metals and jewelry design option provides a stimulating space for students to learn metalsmithing and design techniques. You will learn key processes as you work to find your personal artistic voice. This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA program.
You are exposed to everything from traditional metals techniques to advanced design technologies. Our curriculum develops your creativity to its fullest potential as you explore the foundational and advanced metal crafting. As an option in the studio arts BFA program, you will have the freedom to explore additional art fields to expand your understanding of aesthetics and design. The metals and jewelry degree option expands your imagination and problem-solving skills to prepare you for an exciting and fulfilling career.
The metals and jewelry design option focuses on design, aesthetics, as well as material and process mastery. Self-discovery is at the heart of student assignments, projects, and group discussions. This option develops student’s creative potential through a broad introduction to materials and production techniques before moving on to advanced techniques in various metals.
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Industries
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Accessory Designer | Accessory Jewelry Designer |
| Apprentice/Employee for Artist or Master Craftsperson | Blacksmith Corporate Jewelry Designer |
| Custom Jewelry Designer | Design Consultant |
| Faculty/Instructor | Fine Jeweler |
| Goldsmith | Jewelry Design Entrepreneur |
| Jewelry Design Repairperson | Jewelry Salesperson |
| Jewelry Technician | Metalsmith |
| Product Designer | Self-employed Artist, Artisan and/or Designer |
| Studio Jewelry Artist | Studio Fine Artist |
| Silversmith |
Cooperative Education and Internships
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. An art and design co-op provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Students in the metals and jewelry design option are encouraged to complete a cooperative education or internship experience.
Featured Work
Senior Art Exhibition
Nine RIT School of Art seniors studying Expanded Forms, Metals and Jewelry Design, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture presented individual capstone projects in a group senior art exhibition at RIT...
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Pre-College Portfolio Prep Workshop 2022
RIT's annual Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Workshop offers students an engaging and rewarding experience. The course, taught by our School of Art's drawing and painting faculty, is a visual arts...
Why You Belong in RIT's College of Art and Design
Todd Jokl, Mari Jaye Blanchard, Melissa Dawson, Clay Patrick McBride
Get an in-depth look at RIT's College of Art and Design from our faculty and students. Let us share with you how our community of artists pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. And...
Curriculum for Metals and Jewelry Design Option - Studio Arts BFA
Studio Arts (metals and jewelry design option), BFA degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ARTH-### | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Artistic Perspective) |
3 |
| ARTH-### | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Global Perspective) |
3 |
| FDTN-111 | Drawing I This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| FDTN-121 | 2D Design I This course is a structured, cumulative introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, the course focuses on the development of both a visual and a verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing and understanding two-dimensional compositions. Concepts are introduced through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, assigned projects and critiques. The course addresses a wide variety of media, tools, techniques both traditional and technological, and theoretical concepts to facilitate skill development and experimentation with process. Visual comprehension, the ability to organize perceptions and horizontal thinking that crosses other disciplines and theories, are key foundational components to the development of problem solving skills. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum included the exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| FDTN-131 | 3D Design I This course presents a progressive study over two-semesters in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the 3D form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a 3D composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation, and critical analysis. **Note: May be taken as a one-semester offering** (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| FDTN-112 | Drawing II This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| FDTN-212 | Drawing II Workshop: Topics This course is an investigation of the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about a particular experience in drawing while still covering required foundation elements. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and assigned projects.. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| FDTN-132 | 3D Design II This is the second-semester of a sequential course. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its relationship to space. Students will build on their prior term experiences, which include the introduction to 3D principles, materials, and building processes. Students will develop the sophisticated skill of conceptualization. More advanced problems will be assigned and students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of material and process possibilities for their resolution. A heightened awareness of idea development and design research will be explored. Inclusion of 21st century themes in the arts of social cultural and community. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring, Summer). |
|
| FDTN-232 | 3D Design II Workshop: Topic This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about 3D compositions within a more open and experimental realm while still covering the core Foundation concepts. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. The focus is on composing three-dimensional form and its
relationship to space. Material exposure will be determined by the topic’s instructor. (Prerequisites: FDTN-131 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
|
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
General Education – Social Perspective |
3 | |
CAD Studio Elective† |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| CMTJ-206 | Methods and Practice This course will introduce students to basic jewelry hand tools. Students will learn about composition and working properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, which will serve as primary materials. This course will provide in-depth instruction on fundamental design and fabrication techniques. Students will acquire technical understanding and demonstrate the comprehension of materials through assigned projects motivated by current themes in contemporary art and jewelry design. Students will be instructed on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-112 or FDTN-212 or FDTN-122 or FDTN-222 or FDTN-132 or FDTN-232 or FDTN-141 or IDDE-102 or ILLS-206 or ILLS-209 or INDE-102 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| CMTJ-207 | Design, Fabrication, and Forming This course will introduce the student to intermediate silver soldering and gem setting. Students will explore forming techniques used in the fabrication of jewelry and functional objects. Students will acquire technical understanding and demonstrate the comprehension of materials through assigned projects motivated by current themes in contemporary art and jewelry design. Students will be instructed on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-112 or FDTN-212 or FDTN-122 or FDTN-222 or FDTN-132 or FDTN-232 or FDTN-141 or IDDE-102 or ILLS-206 or ILLS-209 or INDE-102 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| CMTJ-211 | Design and Fabrication Students will engage in fundamental design and fabrication techniques, materials, and processes within the broad historical and social context of jewelry design and metalworking. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students will learn traditional metal and jewelry methods of construction and fabrication. Students will acquire technical understanding and demonstrate the comprehension of materials through assigned projects motivated by current themes in contemporary art and jewelry design. Students will be instructed on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be required to conduct research on an historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-112 or FDTN-212 or FDTN-122 or FDTN-222 or FDTN-132 or FDTN-232 or FDTN-141 or IDDE-102 or ILLS-206 or ILLS-209 or INDE-102 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| CMTJ-212 | Fabrication, Casting, and Mold Making The course focuses on the fundamentals of jewelry and metal design. Current styles and formal characteristics of jewelry and metal objects will be studied through a series of design problems. Students will learn casting and mold-making techniques for small scale objects and jewelry. Instruction will include vacuum assisted and centrifuge casting, sand casting, wax carving, replica casting, and silicone rubber mold making. Students will acquire technical understanding and demonstrate the comprehension of materials through assigned projects motivated by current themes in contemporary art and jewelry design. Students will be instructed on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a lab fee required for this course** (Prerequisites: FDTN-112 or FDTN-212 or FDTN-122 or FDTN-222 or FDTN-132 or FDTN-232 or FDTN-141 or IDDE-102 or ILLS-206 or ILLS-209 or INDE-102 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| FDTN-141 | 4D Design 4D Design introduces students to the basic concepts of art and design in time and space. The course explores elements of moving images such as continuity, still and moving image editing, transitions and syntax, sound and image relations, and principles of movement. Computers, video, photo, sound and lighting equipment are used to create short-form time-based work relevant to students in all majors and programs required to take this course. The course addresses the both historical conventions of time in art and recent technological advances, which are redefining the fields of Fine Art and Design. In focusing on the relations between students' spacing and timing skills, 4D Design extends and supplements the other Foundation courses, and prepares students for further work with time-based media. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Lab 5 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| STAR-503 | CAD Drawing |
3 |
Art History Elective‡ |
3 | |
General Education – Ethical Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 1 (WI-GE) |
3 | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective |
||
General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective |
||
General Education – Mathematical Perspective A or B |
||
| Third Year | ||
| CMTJ-301 | Metals and Jewelry Design Junior I This course continues instruction in jewelry and hollowware rendering, chasing and repoussé, and tool making, providing in-depth instruction on advanced design and fabrication techniques. Through the use of kumboo 24k gold and bi-metal overlay technique, acid-etching and hydraulic die forming, students are introduced to jewelry and hollowware design and production methods. This course also introduces intermediate gem setting, identification and gemstone anatomy. Students will obtain instruction on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be taught advanced machine skills, hand skills and tools. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information. ** (Prerequisites: CMTJ-206 or CMTJ-207 or CMTJ-211 or CMTJ-212 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Fall). |
6 |
| CMTJ-302 | Metals and Jewelry Design Junior II This course continues instruction in intermediate and advanced metal fabrication and introduces students to welding techniques and their application to metals and jewelry design. Students will be introduced to design alternatives for the creation of complex jewelry objects that may incorporate both metal and alternative materials as a means of design development and expression through artwork. Students will reflect appropriate application of material and process with regard to contemporary jewelry trends and historical context. Additionally, students will examine the ways in which materials and techniques influence meaning. Students will obtain instruction on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be taught advanced machine skills, hand skills and tools. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information. ** (Prerequisites: CMTJ-301 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Spring). |
6 |
| STAR-311 | Ideation and Series This course will examine appropriate skills and strategies to generate ideas and develop them effectively. Through personal and group generative idea exercises, journaling and research. Students will explore individual ideas and personal interests a final series of creative works. (Prerequisites: FDTN-141 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall or Spring). |
3 |
Art History Elective‡ |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 2 |
3 | |
CAD Studio Elective† |
3 | |
General Education – Elective |
3 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| CMTJ-501 | Metals and Jewelry Design Senior I This is the first of a two-semester sequential class covering advanced techniques and aesthetics of metal and jewelry design. The creative work developed during the semester will inform the student in the development of their senior capstone proposal. Through research and under the guidance of faculty, students will choose a theme for their proposed thesis work. The design and compilation of a professional resume is also completed. This course introduces advanced gem setting, identification and gemstone anatomy. Students will obtain instruction on the proper use and maintenance of the metals shop. Students will be taught advanced machine skills, hand skills and tools. Students will be required to conduct research on a historical metals topic, write a paper and give a presentation. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information. ** (Prerequisites: CMTJ-302 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Fall). |
6 |
| CMTJ-502 | Metals and Jewelry Design Senior II This course, the second of a two-semester sequence, will aid the student in finalizing the development of their capstone, a self-directed project created in response to the students’ research and technical needs. The student is guided by their written and verbal proposal to develop a cohesive body of work and required to present it in a capstone exhibition within the term. This course provides the student with individual research in technique and design. A chosen thematic focus relevant to issues of contemporary art and jewelry design will influence individual student development and the course’s conversation through various assignments and group activities. The senior level students are required to assemble a group show of their four year's work, complete a job search and a professional portfolio including resume, photography, and renderings. **Fee: There is a materials fee required for this course and an additional course fee applied via SFS bill. See course notes for course fee information. ** (Prerequisites: CMTJ-501 or equivalent course.) Studio 12 (Spring). |
3 |
| STAR-411 | Business Practices for Artists (WI-PR) This course is devoted to business issues that artists must address including building and maintaining a portfolio, pricing and marketing strategies and public relations. Financial organization and communication skills are highlighted as are networking skills for the advancement of an artist’s work. (Prerequisites: (STAR-311 or CCER-302 or CCER-512 or CWFD-302 or CGLS-302 or CMTJ-302 or equivalent course and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement) or student standing in WOOD-AOS.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| STAR-401 | STAR Capstone This course will focus on the production and exhibition of a representative body of artwork. Students will participate in an articulated process of making, engaging in comprehensive research that expands and supports their work, developing a rationale for the use of media and process, creating sketches and models, and the refining work through critiquing and editing. All of this will culminate in the professional presentation of oral, written, and visual work that contextualizes the students’ positions within contemporary artistic practice. Students will also be involved in every aspect of their senior shows from creating the work to installing the exhibition and preparing marketing materials. (Prerequisites: STAR-311 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). |
3 |
CAD Studio Elective† |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 3 |
3 | |
Open Electives |
9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
|
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
† CAD Studio Electives are any College of Art and Design course with a lab or studio component, per catalog restrictions.
‡ Art History electives are non-studio courses searchable in SIS with the Art History attribute of ARTH.
Admissions and Financial Aid
This option is part of the Studio Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Latest News
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October 4, 2022
![An overhead view of a student getting their portfolio reviewed by RIT faculty.]()
RIT welcomes prospective students for National Portfolio Day
RIT's College of Art and Design faculty, along with those at 25 other top art and design schools, reviewed students' portfolios as they prepared their artwork for the college admissions process.
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April 7, 2022
![A headshot of Nate Rohman.]()
Academic advisor receives Provost’s Award for dedication to student success
Nate Rohman, academic advisor for RIT's graphic design and studio arts BFA programs, will be honored April 12 at the Celebration of Teaching and Scholarship ceremony.
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January 31, 2022
![student walking a runway wearing a piece that features black fabric and white chain-like structures.]()
Technology blurs the line of making in arts programs
In virtually every art course and studio environment at RIT, technology is integral to the delivery of content and production of work, whether it’s an “ancient” technology like using a hammer and anvil to forge metal or a computer numerical control plasma table to cut metal forms.
