The ssef Advanced Jewellery Course:
History & Identification

5000 Years of Important Trends in Western Jewellery:
Theory & Practice

I teach the history of Western jewellery from its beginnings to the 20th Century at the SSEF in Basel. Examining and identifying actual antique and vintage jewellery is an important part of the course – and absolutely essential to understanding jewellery! I’ll share with you my knowledge gained from working with jewellery for almost 20 years.

REQUIREMENTS & COURSE STRUCTURE

No gemmological training is required although it’ll help if you know how to use a loupe    (but don’t worry, we’ll cover that, too). Just bring along an agile mind and we’ll indulge your inner athlete when we

  • Warm up with metals and dive into Prehistory
  • Do gymnastics in Antiquity and sprint through the Middle Ages
  • Travel to the Kingdom of Gemstones with Dr Laurent Cartier and Dr Akitsugu Sato
  • Sail and shoot through the Renaissance and take our time in the 17th Century
  • Light up the 18th Century and run a Grand Marathon through the 19th Century
  • Catch our breath (if we can) in the Belle Epoque and skinny-dip into Art Nouveau
  • Let our engines power through Art Deco and wind down with Retro birdwatching
  • Strutt our new stuff through the 50s and experience phenomenal G-force in the 60s
  • Chill out in the 70s and speed-walk through a few important contemporary designers

MORNINGS are about the evolution of jewellery design embedded in its historic, economic and socio-cultural context to help you understand the links and differences between stylistic periods. You will become more knowledgeable and confident both buying and selling jewellery.

AFTERNOONS are about hands-on identification skills with loupe-work, examining over 70 ancient, antique and vintage jewels addressing marks, cuts, techniques, materials, and of course – context! If you’re not already a pro in using your loupe, you will leave the course with solid loupe skills. You will be able to examine and identify jewellery noticeably faster and with confidence.

WHY THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU

The course is ideal for jewellery professionals working in a variety of roles, collectors, jewellery designers, journalists and enthusiasts.

It develops historical knowledge as well as practical identification and cataloguing skills for roles in auction houses, the trade and museums.

Established collectors will gain insights in how to give their collections more focus, and aspiring collectors will be able to make informed decisions on where to start.

Enthusiasts, designers, journalists, and marketing professionals will deepen their understanding of jewellery, leading to better purchasing decisions, more creative and inspired design, and informed “romancing” of a jewel.

Enter here for more information about dates, costs and registration.

Advanced Jewellery Course

If the dates are not suitable, just contact the SSEF to discuss.