RISD Undergraduate Degrees - BFA: Jewelry + Metalsmithing

Jewelry + Metalsmithing at RISD offers a four-year undergraduate program that allows for a wide range of approaches, from the goldsmith’s tradition to contemporary modes of experimentation. The department's size and high ratio of faculty to students promote individual attention, guided support and the free exchange of information.

As you seek unique design solutions, you will learn to execute your ideas with skill and ingenuity, working in a comfortable, well-equipped studio with other actively engaged students. By exercising your critical thinking skills, analyzing readings and engaging in lively group discussions, you will explore and question the inherent relationship of jewelry to the body. J+M BFA candidates graduate with a strong awareness of themselves as creative individuals and a solid foundation on which to build their careers.

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• Jewelry I + II (fall/spring)
• Metal Fabrication I + II (fall/spring)
• History of Adornment (fall)
• Jewelry Design (spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
Entering the program, you will be introduced to fundamental design principles, the history of adornment and the traditional skills of the jeweler. You will conclude the year confidently rooted in your chosen major, having begun the challenging process of identifying and exploring your individual creative potential within the parameters of jewelry and metalsmithing.

• Jewelry I + II (fall/spring)
• Rendering I + II (fall/spring)
• Metal Fabrication (fall)
• Color Techniques and Alternative Materials (spring)
• Non-major studio or Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Juniors
Junior year you will delve further into individual approaches for design and content while continuing to expand and refine your technical facility. This year includes traditional rendering and computer courses, accompanied by opportunities to pursue professional internships and international exchanges.

• Senior Jewelry Studio (fall)
• Senior Studio I + II (fall/spring)
• Professional Practices (fall)
• Degree Project (spring)
• Non-major studio or Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Seniors
The senior curriculum focuses on supporting and assisting independent, self-motivated work that reflects your unique aesthetic and culminates in a final exhibition. A professional practices seminar and meetings with visiting artists help broaden your perspective and awareness of the field.