BFA.JM.120 - BFA in Jewelry + Metalsmithing

2025 - 2026 | Curriculum | 4-year program

Sophomores enter the program after RISD's required year of Experimental and Foundation Studies and are introduced to fundamental design principles, the history of adornment and the traditional skills of the gold/metalsmith. Students also begin to develop their own design process for jewelry. Juniors continue to refine their technical skills by delving further into a personal approach to design and content, while learning fundamental computer design skills, formal rendering techniques and the basics of enameling, casting and alternative materials usage.

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:

• think critically by questioning, evaluating options and being aware of their own working methodologies.

• articulate positions and defend decisions regarding materials, making processes, location of work on the body and intended audience.

• master the varied technical processes inherent to creating original work responsive to contemporary materials and methods.

• demonstrate a deep understanding of both traditional gold/silversmithing and contemporary jewelry making, in terms of methods, history and culture.

• understand personal aspirations in order to work from an authentic position and establish a self-reflective practice.

• create work that is personally expressive and responsive to evolving global values.

• be a conscientious practitioner by sourcing materials that consider environmental sustainability and other factors.

• develop the agility, skills, sensibilities and rigor necessary to sustain a creative practice.