Jewelry

From traditional techniques through contemporary design, the creation of jewelry seems magical. Discover your own individual style and passion in our inspiring School of the Arts Jewelry Program classrooms and studio space.

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Back to Craft

Jewelry Design

  • Length of Study 10 Months
  • Accreditation Certificate
  • Campus Victoria Street Campus

In the School of the Arts Jewelry Program, you’ll engage in class discussions, technical demonstrations and independent projects using traditional and non-traditional jewelers’ processes and materials. Small class sizes provide opportunities for one-on-one attention. Explore this diverse field at Selkirk College and learn how to best create a niche for your own unique designs.

School of the Arts Jewelry Program: Hands-on Learning

Explore your creative passion in our supportive studio environment where you will develop the jewelry design and fabrication skills you need for career success.

Graduates of the School of the Arts Jewelry Program are valued in this artistic field for their problem-solving skills, professional practice and flexibility along with their technical skills. Earn a living doing creative work you love at your own business or as an asset in any company.

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You will be immersed in a vibrant and rewarding creative experience at the School of the Arts Victoria Street Campus where students are also pursuing the crafts: Ceramics, Textiles and Sculptural Metal.

Discover more about our Victoria Street Campus in beautiful downtown Nelson, BC. Nelson and its surrounding areas are a vital West Kootenay cultural hub. Artists are attracted to the natural beauty, the laid-back attitude and an atmosphere of acceptance that inspires creativity.

Matt & Aimie

Student Recruitment Team

Inquiries?

Do you have general questions about School of the Arts and Craft programming, please fill out our Find Out More form below.

Recruitment Specialists Aimie Chernoff and Matt Martin are also amazing ambassadors ready to share all they know with you. Contact them at hello@selkirk.ca.

Find Out More
Admission Requirements
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Jeremy Addington photo
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Jeremy Addington photo
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Jeremy Addington photo
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Jeremy Addington photo
Launch Gallery

Admission Requirements:

In addition to the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Submit a questionnaire
  • Submit a portfolio of work
  • Participate in an interview
  • Learn more about the admission process.

Courses Include:

  • Casting and Findings
  • Drawing and Design Process
  • Gem Setting
  • Jewelry Design Process and Construction
  • Production Line
  • Professional Development and Practices
  • Raising and Forming

  • I decided to disrupt my career path in academia and pursue what I’d always loved doing for the sake of doing — craft. I happened upon what seemed like the picture-perfect arts school in a picture-perfect mountain town and decided to give something completely different a try.

    Shoshana Farber

    Jewelry, 2003Jewellery Artist and Goldsmith

  • School of the Arts is a great school, with understanding and helpful instructors in the most beautiful mountain town. I loved it. And, I absolutely loved my classmates! We meshed so well together and we able to help each other progress and achieve.

    Brittani Buettner

    Jewelry, 2016Owner at Scenic Route Jewellery

  • If you want to go to study in a beautiful place with friendly people, Selkirk is your school!

    Samonte Cruz

    Jewelry, 2017Jewelry Designer & Maker, Community Educator & Organizer
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Krista Patterson

Instructor

Krista Patterson

Instructor

A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design with a Jewelry major and an Art History minor (1993), Krista has also taught for Nunavut Arctic College in northern Canada. Her studio experience includes the creation of one-of-a-kind jewelry and sculptural objects, as well as production craft and design.

Laura White

Program Coordinator, Instructor

Laura White

Program Coordinator, Instructor

“My teaching philosophy can pretty well be summed up in this quote from Alexandra Stoddard: “Slow down. Calm down. Don’t worry. Don’t hurry. Trust the process.”

Laura is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, receiving her BFA (with a Jewellery major) in 1993.

Returning to BC, Laura moved to the West Kootenays, where she has been a part-time instructor in the Jewelry studio at Kootenay Studio Arts at Selkirk College since 1995. For several of those years, Laura was also teaching part-time in a Jewellery program at Nunavut Arctic College, flying into remote Arctic communities.

From 2004 to 2012, Laura was the administrator at KSA while continuing to teach part-time in the Jewelry studio. Laura has been an executive Board member of the Assembly of BC Arts Councils (now ArtsBC), she sits on the Board of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, and is currently the Chair of the Steering Committee of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance.

Daryl Jolly

School Chair

Daryl Jolly

School Chair

Frequently Asked Questions About Jewelry

How many images can I send in the online portfolio submission form?

The maximum images allowed on the online form is eight. Please send a separate link if you would like to send more than eight images.

Why do I have to interview for Craft Programs?

The interview allows us to discuss the program. We will be asking you questions but our instructors will also give you an overview of the program and scheduling. This is a chance for you to ask questions as well. We want to ensure the best possible match to ensure student success. The interview takes about a half hour and we will be conducting it in person at the Victoria Street Campus or by phone. We are currently not set up for Skype.

Do I have to have experience in the Craft studio I want to apply to?

No. Many of our students have completed a workshop or continuing education course in the studio they are interested in, but it is not a requirement.

Do I have to provide my own tools and equipment?

Yes, each studio has its own supply list that’s provided upon admission. Some tools and supplies will be the student’s responsibility. Project materials can be purchased through KSA. Equipment such as kilns, forges, wheels, drill press, etc. is provided.