This course introduces students to gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery, including quartz, feldspar, tourmaline, garnet, chalcedony, jade, turquoise and lapis lazuli. Emphasis will be on practical knowledge and how it is applied in the jewellery workshop. Students will learn basic properties of these gem materials, what makes them appropriate for some jewellery forms but not others, how to handle them safely in the jewellery workshop, and how to perform basic assessments using simple tools and techniques. They will also learn how to source reputable wholesalers, and how to discuss gem materials with customers using proper terminology.
Prerequisites
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What you will learn
- Origins of gems and gem materials
- Working properties of gemstones: hardness, cleavage planes, optical properties, colour, clarity, cut
- Weights and measures
- Gemstones commonly used in studio and production jewellery: quartz, feldspar, garnet, tourmaline, chalcedony, turquoise, lapis, jade and others.
- Gemstone treatments
- Synthetics
- Nomenclature
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40935 |
January 5, 2026 to April 17, 2026 |
Lecture | VCC Downtown Campus | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.