JLRY 2436, Precious Metals II, builds on skills learned in Jewelry Techniques II and Precious Metals I, introducing students to the challenges of fabricating with platinum alloys.

Prerequisite: JLRY 2435 (Precious Metals I) 

Monitor your ACC email account.  It's the official communication method for all students.

Attendance is vital, as these courses are practice-intensive and require that you develop skills progressively throughout the semester.  If more than 10% of the total 80 clock hours for this course are missed (8 hours, or 3 classes in Fall and Spring, 2 classes in Summer) you could be dropped with a grade of “W,” or after the final withdrawal date of the semester, with a grade of “F.” 

Absences will be considered 'Excused' if the instructor is notified by the beginning of the class following the first absence. No reason need be given.  'Unexcused' absences will be more likely to result in your being dropped, although even 'Excused' absences can be reason for withdrawal if your progress in the class is excessively hampered. 

Excessive tardiness, or early departures from class, (more than 30 minutes) will be counted as absences.  If you know you will be late, please notify the instructor. 

You are responsible for dropping a class before the withdrawal date, if you think it's necessary.  The date for each semester can be found on the ACC website.  Your instructor is not responsible for dropping you on time, whether for lack of attendance or any other reason.

If you develop a schedule conflict, ask your instructor about a transfer.  

If you need or want extra lab time, there are various periods for this in the labs, if there is a faculty member to supervise. You may also work during another class in a jewelry lab, provided that 1) there is a bench available, 2) you have the permission of the instructor whose class you sit in on.  Please keep in mind that outside your own class time, you are a guest, and must defer to the students in that class in choice of seats, use of equipment, and the instructor’s attention.  You may be asked to relinquish a seat you have occupied for some time to a later-arriving guest student.  Please yield graciously and promptly, in any case.

Students taking this course will develop an understanding and a working knowledge of gold alloy fabrication and finishing techniques. 

At least two projects will be constructed and finished, using platinum alloys as the primary material.  One of the projects will be fabricated entirely from a 90%+ platinum alloy (the balance either iridium or ruthenium). The second project will feature platinum, but could be combined with some other metal. 
The student will consult with, and obtain approval from, the instructor for each project.

Consider the price of platinum before enrolling in this class. You will be required to purchase platinum for your projects. The amount of platinum you need will depend on the size of your designs. A suitable project could weigh as little as 3 grams (~6" of 18g platinum alloy wire).

Quality craftsmanship and industry standards will be emphasized.

Students take this course to:

1. Satisfy degree requirements for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Jewelry.
2. Learn advanced jewelry fabrication skills as applied to platinum alloys.

Your final grade will be based on your progress throughout the semester.  Grades will be given in accordance with the following:

Productivity……….60%

Student will complete all assigned projects to the satisfaction of the instructor. Extra credit may be earned for projects completed in addition to the assigned projects

Attendance……….30%

The importance of your attendance cannot be expressed enough. It goes hand in hand with “productivity”. You will not be able to finish the projects if you don’t attend.

Attitude…………..10%

All individuals should show a cooperative spirit in working together and helping each other so that the collective experience will be beneficial to everyone.  Cooperation with each other in a working situation is very important so that an atmosphere of learning, productivity and creativity may take place.

Books of Interesest

(we have all of these on the shelves in the tool room...you're always welcome to look through those books, and take them to your bench, but they need to stay in the lab; we don't have a process for checking them out
BUT, the ACC Library has lots of jewelry books, both physical books, and ebooks that you can access from anywhere)

(general Jewelry making interest)

1. Jewelry Making by Murray Bovin
2. The Complete Metalsmith by Tim McCreight
3. The Design and Creation of Jewelry by Robert von Neumann
4. The Jeweler’s Bench Reference by Harold O’Connor
5. Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untracht
6. Jeweler’s Resource by Bruce G. Kruth
7. Professional Goldsmithing by Alan Revere
8. The Theory & Practice of Goldsmithing by Prof. Dr. Erhard Brepohl
9. The Metalsmith’s Book of Boxes & Lockets by Tim McCreight

(***Pictures! Yay! If you want to make jewelry, you need to look at jewelry***)

1. Masters: Gemstones: Major Works by Leading Jewelers by Lark publishing
2. 500 Gemstones Jewels by Lark publishing
3. Showcase 500 Rings by Lark Publishing
4. Numerous other jewelry related by books by Lark Publishing