Jewelry: History and Markets

This course will trace this rich and interesting history, from the art form's early origins right up to the present day and offers an intriguing look at the international jewelry market.

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. All 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.