Metals Studio
Learn essential skills and bring your creative vision to life in MassArt’s studios, among the best equipped in the country.
Learn MoreThe Jewelry and Metalsmithing program at MassArt, within the 3D Arts Department, invites students to explore material, form, craft, and personal expression through hands-on making. Students build technical skills while developing a distinct creative voice across jewelry, metalsmithing, and related practices.
Meet our Jewelry and Metalsmithing faculty and program staff:
All MassArt news
How to care for jewelry so it stays shining, untangled and valuable
This undated image released by Greenwich Street Jewelers shows necklaces on display in New York. (Kolby Knight /Greenwich Street Jewelers via AP)
- Faculty in the News
- 3D Arts
- Jewelry and Metalsmithing
In an Associated Press interview, MassArt faculty members Heather White and Emily Cobb, provided insight on the importance of jewelry care. The two jewelry designers and metal smiths shared tips and tricks for storing different jewelry items and keeping them in pristine condition.
“Jewelry is similar to cars,” said Heather White, a jewelry designer, metalsmith and professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. “Both require constant maintenance and special storage.”
“If two pieces of metal rub against each other, it increases surface scratches,” said Emily Cobb, jewelry designer, metalsmith and instructor at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
“Body lotion and soaps can build up in a gemstone’s setting,” said Cobb. “It can get caked in and dull the shine. A simple cleaning goes a long way — and if at all possible, take off your jewelry before the shower.”
Share
All MassArt news
Joyce Kutty’s handmade knives are part of her full circle of artistic practice
- Faculty in the News
- Jewelry and Metalsmithing
All MassArt news
Three Atlanta artists created a local exhibition inspired by their showcase at the 2024 Venice Biennale
- Alumni in the News
- Jewelry and Metalsmithing
- Sculpture
Alumnus Corrina Sephora (BFA Metals and Sculpture ’95) was featured in a Atlanta, GA NPR story with two other Atlanta-area artists on their local exhibition inspired by their showcase at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Share
The Jewelry & Metalsmithing studio and facilities are among the best equipped and safest in the country.
Students receive instruction in all significant techniques during the course of the program, including:
- Jewelry construction in base and precious material
- Vacuum and centrifugal lost wax casting
- Vulcanized rubber and “RTV” mold processes
- Stone setting
- Chasing and repoussé
- Electro-chemical etching
- Raising and forming for sculpture and hollow ware
- Enameling and patination
- Hydraulic press techniques and die forming
- Resin casting and alternative materials for jewelry
- CAD, 3D modeling, CNC milling and “Solidscape” 3D printing for jewelry and metals
Check out What Our Students are Making
Sara Giordano, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Wire Construction #4, Jewelry, 2020
Ze Larson, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Claws, Jewelry, 2020
Sarah Ellis, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Lighthouse Ring, Jewelry, 2020
Allie Keast, BFA ’19, 3D Arts, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Collecting, Jewelry, 2019
Julia Gaitely, BFA ’19, History of Art, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Kinetic Bracelet, Jewelry, 2019
Lauren Kalman, BFA ’02, 3D Arts, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Device for Filling a Void, Mixed Media, 2017
Laura Jaklitsch, BFA ’11, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
“Plastic Series #2”, Ring, Jewelry, 2011
Sasha Walsh, BFA ’11, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Harvest Neckpiece, Jewelry, 2011
Heather White, Professor, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Murmuring Brooch #2, Jewelry, 2015
Dana DiPlacido, BFA ’11, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Tea Kettle, Object, 2011
Elysha Roberts, BFA ’11, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
“Cells” Brooch, Fine Silver, Handmade Thai Kozo Paper, Resin, 2009
Anneloes Van Beek, BFA ’16, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Doublecone Necklace, 3D Artwork, 2016
Emily Cobb
Associate Professor (on sabbatical 26-27), 3D Arts
Venetia Dale
Visiting Lecturer, 3D Arts
Julia Gaitley
Metals Studio Manager, 3D ArtsTayla Kantro
Visiting LecturerSteven Kaplan-Pistiner
Jewelry and Metalsmithing Program Area Chair, Visiting Assistant Professor, 3D ArtsJoyce Kutty
Visiting Lecturer, Jewelry and MetalsmithingHeather White
Chair, Professor, 3D Arts
Obtain a minor in Fine Arts 3D with a Jewelry & Metalsmithing concentration by completing 18 credits in this area of study.
The 3D Minor allows for concentrations in Ceramics, Fibers, Glass, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, or Sculpture through the completion of 6 courses/18 credits.
For more details on specific minor concentration requirements, please contact the Fine Arts 3D Department.
3D Arts Minor Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the 3D minor program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
Learning outcomes for the 3D minor, under the scope of the 3D Arts department mission, are as follows:
- Develop skill and understanding of working with materials and processes in 3D studio classes.
- Cross-disciplinary awareness, expanding to / from their primary area of study.
- Working knowledge of art, craft, and design principles.
- Introduction to contemporary topics, cross-cultural issues, and artists working in the field.
- Implement healthy working habits, self-discipline, and best practices.
- Cooperative classroom/studio experience, fostering collaboration among peers.
Program Coordinator
Heather White
Chair, Professor, 3D Arts
MassArt’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing program combines direct practice with conceptual problem solving, in both traditional and contemporary metal work.
Location: On Campus (Boston)
Format: In-person, Full Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry & Metalsmithing
As a Jewelry and Metalsmithing BFA student at MassArt, you’ll explore your own creative practice. Whether you choose to focus on producing jewelry and body adornment, functional objects, or sculptural works, you’ll have access to the resources, facilities, and community support that will help you succeed. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the history and traditions of metalworking and jewelry that inform today’s makers.
Casting Intensive for Jewelers
With the eyes and hands of a jeweler, this course investigates various casting techniques with non-ferrous metals, including bronze and sterling silver and possibly gold. This course combines tried and true ancient casting methods with state of the art and experimental approaches.
Throughout the semester students create samples, finished pieces, multiples and one of a kind wearables or components for utility. Students are introduced to historical and contemporary examples of cast jewelry, and are encouraged and supported in building their own creative voice through personal research and observation.
BFA Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Jewelry & Metalsmithing BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
- Develop skill and an understanding of the importance of craftsmanship
- Understand a wide range of approaches and methodologies to problem solving
- Develop good working habits & self discipline
- Develop cross disciplinary awareness
- Develop an understanding of conceptual, symbolic and metaphoric issues
- Develop an awareness of historical, contemporary, cross-cultural issues and artists working in their field
- Encourage their personal vision and imaginations to become a tangible reality
- Develop a working knowledge of design principles
- Develop a sense of being an artist using life and studio experience to support their ideas
- Cooperative classroom experience
- Foster collaboration among peers
- Establish relationships/ work with community
- Safety: tools, equipment, materials, processes
- To assume the responsibility of the development of their own professional career in whatever direction it may take
- Participate in critical dialogue with peers in their field
- Develop professional and vocational resources
- Sustainability
Alumni Success
Many Jewelry & Metalsmithing graduates have launched careers as gallery owners, college professors, jewelry designers, jewelers, studio managers, and directors of artist spaces. Among them are:
- Jennifer Trask ’93, internationally renowned jewelry and sculpture artist
- Lauren Kalman ‘02, internationally renowned concept-based metalsmith
- Leslie Shershow ‘06, jewelry artist and professor, writer for Metalsmith Magazine, 2021/2022 Schmuck selected artist
- Sophie Hughes ’08, named Best Jewelry Designer by Boston Magazine (2016 & 2017)
- Adam Grinovich ‘08, Internationally renowned artist and Penland School of Craft Resident Artist 2024-2025
- Monique Rancourt ‘08– Owner of Monique Rancourt Artisan Gallery in Waltham, MA
- Alumni Jill Martinelli ’06 and Sabine Le Guyader ’05 co-founded Lady Grey Jewelry, designing jewelry for Beyoncé and other celebrities
- Elisa Melegari ‘14 designed an emerald bracelet sported by actress/comedian Whoopi Goldberg to New York Fashion Week 2017.
- Brie Flora ‘15, co-owner of The Silver Fern, a gallery and storefront in Cookeville TN
- Nanette Pengelley ‘15, Artist and designer, founder of Hew Jewelry
Jewelry and Metalsmithing students find successful career paths through the design and creation of contemporary jewelry and functional objects.
The Jewelry and Metalsmithing program combines hands-on practice with creative problem solving. Students engage with traditional and contemporary metalwork as they investigate social, cultural, and historical contexts.
Students learn essential jewelry and metalsmithing practices and concepts such as cold connections, fabrication, soldering, patination, casting, stone settings, raising, forging, repossé and chasing. Specialty electives offered include enameling, anodizing, CAD/CAM, and advanced techniques. All instruction occurs in a safety-driven, cooperative environment focusing on empathy and responsibility.
The jewelry and metals department is a supportive and inspiring environment. The small scale allows for a tight-knit community of talented makers.Julia Giangrande ‘23 BFA Jewelry & Metalsmithing
Sara Giordano, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Wire Construction #4, Jewelry, 2020
Ze Larson, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Claws, Jewelry, 2020
Sarah Ellis, BFA ’20, Jewelry and Metalsmithing
Lighthouse Ring, Jewelry, 2020
It’s a genuine honor to work with MassArt’s talented students at this remarkable state-funded school.Heather White Chair, Professor, 3D Arts
