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. Each person learns at their own pace, so a level does not necessarily correspond to one session.

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 spring session 2025

Important information about registration :

  • Pre-registration will take place from February 24th to March 9th, 2025.
  • Group changes for pre-registration will take place on Monday, March 10th, 2025 BY PHONE, from 8:30 am.
  • Registration for the general public opens on Tuesday, March 11th 2025 at 8.30 am BY PHONE ext. 201.
  • Registrations can be made by telephone at 514-281-9922, ext. 201, or toll-free at 1-877-9922, ext. 201. Monday to Friday, 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 voicemail message with your name, phone number and the course you’re interested in, and we’ll call you back in the order you called. Calls received before the registration start time will not be taken into account.
  • The cost of materials is not included in the tuition fees and must be paid each semester.
  • Each group is made up of students of all levels.
  • One semester does not necessarily equal one level. Depending on the student’s abilities, the time spent in the workshop outside class hours, or the level of difficulty of each project, some students need more or less than one semester to complete a level.

To receive information about registering for the Basic Techniques program, be sure to sign up for our newsletter by adding your contact details at the bottom of our HOME page

TUITION FEES

Registration fees for spring 2025*

Weekday courses (daytime) :

  • 50 hours
  • 10 courses, Monday to Friday, 5 hours
  • 565 + $25 (administration fee) + materials

Weekday evening classes :

  • 40 hours
  • 10 courses on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 hours on weeknights
  • 445 + $25 (administration fee) + materials

Weekend courses :

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

Materials costs are not included and must be covered by students.

Each course gives you access to free workshops outside class hours.

* Prices are subject to change without notice.

** In case of withdrawal, refund conditions apply. See section inscription

Day Dates Schedule Instructor
MONDAY March 31st to June 16th 12h – 17h Anne-Sophie Vallée
Day Dates Schedule Instructor    
TUESDAY April 1st to June 3rd 12h – 17h

18h – 22h

18h – 22h

 Valérie Kabis

Anne-Sophie Vallée

Audrey Seyer (English)
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
WEDNESDAY April 2nd to June 4th 12h – 17h

18h – 22h

18h – 22h

 Valérie Kabis

Petra Luz (Bilingual)

Malika Rousseau
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
THURSDAY April 3rd to June 4th 12h – 17h Malika Rousseau
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
FRIDAY April 4th to June 13th 12h – 17h Audrey Seyer
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
SATURDAY March 22th to May 31st 9:30h – 17h

9:30h – 17h

 Petra Luz (Bilingual)

Malika Rousseau (bilingual)
Day Dates Schedule Instructor
SUNDAY March 23th to June 1st 9:30h – 17h Petra Luz (English)