Jewelry + Metals

As a Jewelry + Metals student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, you will develop a thorough understanding of your creative process and contemporary practices that will shape you as an artist and designer. Our coursework begins with studying the fundamental techniques and materials in jewelry design, metalwork, functional objects, and sculpture.

After the basics, you will learn about a full range of concepts, materials, and technologies:

• 3D Modeling and 3D Printing
• CAD (computer aided design)
• Casting
• Electroforming and plating
• Enamel
• Fabrication and forming
• Jewelry concepts
• Material studies
• Mechanisms
• Stone setting
• Surface and color

You will learn about the history of the field as well as contemporary attitudes across art and design, jewelry, wearables, objects, and the artists and designers of our time.

To grow as an artist, you will continually develop skills, increase your knowledge, and broaden your experiences. As a Jewelry + Metals student you will accomplish these goals through studio projects and research, presentations, exhibitions, and field trips. Each year, you will produce and submit work for exhibition and competition including the juried Student Independent Exhibition, held in the College's Reinberger Galleries, as well as the Spring Show.

You will do all of this under the guidance of our talented faculty, whose commitment to the art form has earned them international recognition as leading contributors to the medium.

Real-world experience for real-world careers
What may best set CIA apart from other colleges of art and design is its commitment to engaged practice. CIA’s Engaged Practice provides you opportunities to learn through experience by working on real-world projects with external partners or clients, or in the public sphere—all before graduation.

These opportunities allow you to put your classroom and studio knowledge to work in a professional setting while still being guided by faculty. You’ll learn what it takes to meet clients’ expectations, and you will emerge with confidence that will serve you as you launch your career.

What can I do with a degree in Jewelry + Metals?

• Sculptor
• Designer
• Silversmith
• Jewelry Designer
• Art Educator
• Modeler

Facilities

Our studios offer exceptional opportunities to explore and create using a full range of materials and technologies including CAD, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. You’ll have access directly in the studio to 3D printing to turn your CAD models into real 3D elements for jewelry, accessories, and objects.

CIA also houses the fabrication studios, a shared space, staffed and supervised by highly qualified technical specialists. Students from all courses of study are encouraged to use this space and do hands-on material studies. This communal environment gives students optimal means of making for their individual exploration and group projects.