Jewelry

Unlike some art disciplines, jewelry has a truly global appeal and has been influenced and affected by many things throughout history including cultural changes, mining and manufacturing techniques, deposit discoveries, etc., resulting in the push and pull of supply and demand.

Suitable for both beginners and participants with knowledge of the industry, the five sessions delve into the history of jewelry and explore how the medium has changed over the thousands of years it has been used, made, and worn.

Across these lectures, participants build a general understanding of jewels, regalia, and ornaments through a breakdown of the gemstones themselves and the processes of making a rough stone into a piece of jewelry.

This will ultimately answer the course’s main question of how such a diverse marketplace has been able to last for centuries, while highlighting how global and political changes have influenced the value of jewelry throughout time. There will be a special guest lecture solely focused on diamonds and the course concludes with a short project for students to apply their newfound knowledge.

Students Will Learn

• Engage with the jewelry market and understand how to place it at auction
• Better understand gemstones, jewels, and diamonds
• Present an overview of the artists and the history of jewelry making
• Understand how value can be attributed to jewels

Sotheby’s Institute are celebrating 15 years of online learning innovation. Register by July 31, 2026 to save 40% with code CELEBRATE15. All discount registrations will also receive a $250/£180 credit toward any in-person 5-Day Intensive courses until August 31, 2026.*

*Discount and tuition credit offer does not apply to the Online Certificate in Art Business or Master’s programs. To redeem the tuition credit toward a 5‑Day Intensive course, please contact Admissions at the time of enrolment. Email: shortcourses@sia.edu

Photo by cottonbro studio