Frequently Asked Questions
Someone who:
- enjoys practical work and likes working with their hands
- is a good problem solver
- is very patient and able to concentrate for long periods of time
- is creative and artistic – an ability to draw is an advantage and technical drawing skills can be of great use
- is reliable and honest, since you will often be working with expensive metals and gemstones
- is a team player and committed to learning your trade.
Practical subjects such as design, drawing, woodworking, welding, and blacksmithing, in addition to other arts, provide a good background for anyone wanting to become a goldsmith. An understanding of math is also an advantage since you will be required to work out the different amounts of metals you need for alloying. For any given project you might have to calculate areas and lengths, convert fractions and decimals, etc. Even if you are not very good at math, you need to be willing to learn!
Yes! You will still need to qualify for enrollment in ACC, which you can do through Admissions. They will want a copy of your transcript from any other colleges you’ve attended.
I am not interested in earning the Certificate or Degree, can I still take jewelry classes?
Yes! Once you are eligible to enroll in ACC classes, you can take Jewelry classes, without having to complete the Certificate or Degree. However, you may have to declare your major as Jewelry in order to enroll in Jewelry classes, but this does not obligate you to complete either award.
The Jewelry Level 1 Certificate only requires 4 Jewelry classes, so students are highly encouraged to apply for the Certificate once they qualify.
ACC’s college credit Jewelry classes are taught at ACC’s Highland Campus in Building 4000.
Students should start with Jewelry Techniques I, and can optionally take Casting I concurrently.
Tuition and fees at ACC are charged per credit hour based on residency status. Jewelry classes are four credit hours. In addition to tuition, Jewelry classes are subject to a $1 insurance fee and a $50 lab fee.
A student completing the associate degree in Jewelry will develop skills in jewelry design and fabrication, lost-wax casting, jewelry repair, and more. You will learn to solder and set stones using a variety of techniques. You will also gain skills in the production, marketing and sale of jewelry.
First, complete the courses required for the Jewelry Certificate. In your final semester, apply for graduation through Online Services before that semester’s graduation application deadline. You can earn your Certificate on the way to earning your Associate Degree, so remember to apply for it as you earn credits!
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Jewelry generally takes two years to complete if a student carries a full course load each semester.
How do I graduate?
Click here for current information on the graduation process.
You will have several employment options upon completing your Associate Degree. You can work in the retail environment selling jewelry in constant contact with customers. You may be hands-on working at the jeweler’s bench in jewelry repair or even custom jewelry design. You may find yourself part of a large organization participating in the manufacture of jewelry or production of a commercial jewelry line. You may decide to take an entrepreneurial approach and become a business owner doing all the steps it takes to create jewelry: from designing and bench work through running the retail end. There are a lot of possibilities; our faculty has the experience to help you choose a path and guide you along it.
How do I get started?
For more information on enrolling in Jewelry classes, check out our Enrollment page.
Who do I talk to to get started?
If you need further assistance, the Advisors and Counselors are available to help you get through ACC admissions requirements.
Feel free to stop by the Jewelry Department to speak with faculty and current students to learn more about our program.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us!