Basic techniques

Program objectives

The Basic Techniques program includes six levels and an optional seventh level. A series of projects allow for the learning and mastery of various jewellery making techniques, each project being oriented towards specific learning objectives and the development of specific skills.

Level 1

Level 1 projects serve as an introduction to the two major production techniques: direct metal fabrication and lost-wax casting. Students will learn the basic techniques of jewellery making: tracing, sawing, filing, soldering and polishing.

Projects: Flat band ring, wax carved pendant, round and oval ring chain, wax carved ring, frame pendant with a pierced-out plate

Level 5

Level 5 is aimed to develop new technical skills for precision fitting and soldering.

Projects: Hinged bracelet with integrated clasp, threaded necklace with box catch

Level 2

Level 2 leads students to further develop previously acquired skills by applying them to more delicate projects. Basic dapping techniques and pearl integration are covered. This level also includes setting fabrication techniques and bezel setting.

Projects: Ring with spacers, domed earrings with pearls, piece of jewellery with cabochon stone, ring with faceted oval stone

Level 6

The project undertaken at level 6 is intended to synthesize the skills acquired during the previous five levels of training. The realization of this project involves new technical challenges. It is also intended to provide students with the opportunity to identify their specific technical abilities through the design of a unique piece of jewellery.

Project: Articulated necklace

Level 3

Level 3 focuses on reproduction, involving the making of a mould that will be used in the reproduction of multiple elements originally carved in wax. Either resulting in a multi-link bracelet or a small collection, the third level project requires the making of articulations and a clasp, in addition to allowing for a review of several techniques learned previously.

Project: Articulated bracelet with a clasp or small collection (integrating moulded elements, an articulation system and a clasp)

Level 7 (optional)

The level 7 project will be executed in gold. This optional project follows six levels of basic techniques. Students who opt to continue on to Level 7 will have chosen to perfect their skills and reach a higher level of expertise by designing and making a piece of jewellery out of gold.

Project: Open project using gold

Level 4

Level 4 takes students towards more and more complex jewellery making. The integration of complex brooch findings and machined or fabricated settings as well as the initiation to decorative riveting and forging techniques are all covered in this level.

Projects: Brooch with riveted element, wire ring with prong-set gemstone, quadrangular setting, initiation to forging (open project)

Courses for the Fall 2023 session

Important registration informations:

  • The pre-registrations will be from May 23rd to June 4th, 2023.
  • The group changes for the pre-registrations will be on June 5th BY PHONE, starting at 8:30 am.
  • Registration for the general public starts from Tuesday, June 6th.
  • Registrations can be made by phone, at 514-281-9922, ext. 201, or toll free, at 1-877-9922, ext. 201. Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (our offices are closed from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.). Leave a message in the voice mail box with your name, phone number and the course you are interested in and we will call you back in order of caller. Calls received before the registration start time will not be considered.

Important informations about the course:

  • Material costs are not included in the tuition fee and are to be expected each semester.
  • Each group comprises students of all levels.
  • One semester does not necessarily equate to one level. Depending on the student’s ability, the time spent in the studio outside of class hours or the level of difficulty specific to each project, some students take longer or shorter than one semester to complete a level.

To receive information on registration for the Basic Techniques program, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter by adding your contact information at the bottom of our HOME page.

TUITION FEES FOR FALL 2023*

Weekday (day) courses:

  • 60 hours, daytime
  • 12 classes, Monday to Friday, 5 hours long
  • 675$ + 25$ (administration fee) + materials

Weekday (evening) courses :

  • 48 hours
  • 12 classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 hours on weeknights
  • 565 + $25 (administration fee) + materials

Weekend courses:

  • 63 hours
  • 9 courses of 7 hours
  • 695 + $25 (administration fee) + materials

Material costs are not included and have to be covered by students.

Each course gives you access to open studio time outside of class hours.

* Prices are subject to change without notice

** In the situation of abandon, reimbursement conditions apply. Please see the Registration section.

Day Dates Schedule Instructor
MONDAY September 11th to December 4th 12h – 17h Mélie Vézina-Méthé
Day Dates Schedule Instructor    
TUESDAY September 12th to November 28th 12h – 17h

18h – 22h

 Sylvie Mourocq

Anne-Sophie Vallée
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
WEDNESDAY September 13th to November 29th 12h – 17h

18h – 22h

18h – 22h

 Petra Luz

Petra Luz (Bilingual)

Monique Giroux
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
THURSDAY September 14th to November 30th 12h – 17h Anne-Sophie Vallée (Bilingual)
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
FRIDAY September 15th to December 1st 12h – 17h Sylvie Mourocq
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
SATURDAY September 16th to November 18th 9:30h – 17h

9:30h – 17h

 Petra Luz (Bilingual)

Sylvie Mourocq (bilingual)
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
SUNDAY September 17th to November 19th 9:30h – 17h Petra Luz (English)