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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Jewellery Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
83426  Diploma in Jewellery Design 
ORIGINATOR
Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to develop graduates who will be competent in the design, manufacture and production of jewellery in a commercial workshop. The students will achieve their own unique visual language based on a thorough knowledge of design principles, the design industry and appropriate technology; and will obtain a foundational knowledge of business, marketing and project management skills to facilitate self employment and freelance opportunities within the industry.

The graduates will have a sufficient understanding of the Jewellery industry to be employed, undertake entrepreneurial activities and function well at entry level into the relevant business environment.

Rationale:

This qualification creates opportunities for individuals with an artistic and creative flair, who wish to apply their creative skills in the field of jewellery design and manufacture. The qualifying student will be competent in the design, manufacture and marketing of creative and commercial jewellery. The student will present a body of work that combines practical and theoretical skills.

A holistic approach to the combination of subjects is applied within this programme. This allows each student to enter the job market with a theoretical underpinning of their learnt skills which are relative to the requirements of the jewellery trade. Each subject is placed within 'real' work expectations which relate to time management, multiskilled knowledge and performance, lifelong learning, group/team work and business skills. This is developed by interlinking various subjects to one another, such as design, manufacture, illustration, photography and professional practice, where an item of jewellery is designed, illustrated, manufactured, photographed and priced. As each subject is taught, the interlinkage with the other subjects of the course is highlighted to place them all in a realistic realm.

The three-year programme will provide for creative individuals to acquire knowledge of design principles, the industry and the appropriate workshop and computer technology, to enhance employability in the growing Jewellery Design industry in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The applicant must:
  • Be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate which enables entry to a Diploma or a recognised equivalent.
  • Be proficient in English, the language medium of instruction.
  • Possess some manual dexterity.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, practical portfolios, written letters of motivation, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, written and practical exams, letters of recommendation and documentation of successful past learning, industry experience and an interview. In addition, consideration is given to students over the age of 23 years who have the maturity to embrace the challenges of higher study.

    In the absence of a practical portfolio, students can register as part-time students in the prospective field to acquire and generate the practical portfolio for the purposes of assessment.

    Cognisance is given to the fact that Recognition of Prior Learning applicants come from diverse backgrounds and a variety of educational, organisational, and professional backgrounds that have prepared them for academic work or there may be a gap in the content knowledge and the ability to express and utilise that knowledge in academic terms. Students will be assisted to apply their prior learning and orientated to academic practice.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Students are required to have successfully graduated from Grade 12 with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and a combination of recognised National Senior Certificate subjects, as well as certain levels of achievement in these subjects:
  • At least 30% in the language of teaching which is English.
  • At least 40% in 4 recognised National Senior Certificate 20 credit subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are compulsory.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Design and Manufacture 1, 66 Credits
  • Design 1, 12 Credits
  • Drawing 1, 6 Credits
  • Technical Drawing, 6 Credits
  • Illustration 1, 6 Credits
  • Jewellery Theory and Metallurgy, 6 Credits

    Total Credits at Level 5: 102

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • History of Art and Communication, 18 Credits
  • Design and Manufacture 2, 68 Credits
  • Design 2, 9 Credits
  • Drawing 2, 5 Credits
  • Illustration 2, 4 Credits
  • Digital Photography 1, 5 Credits
  • Digital Design - Rhino, Techgems and Flamingo 1, 5 Credits
  • Gemology, 3 Credits
  • Professional Practice, 3 Credits
  • Design and Manufacture, 58 Credits
  • Design 3, 6 Credits
  • Professional Portfolio, 4 Credits
  • Digital Photography 2 and Digital Imaging - Photoshop 2, 5 Credits
  • Digital Design - Rhino, Techgems and Flamingo 2, 5 Credits

    Total Credits at Level 6: 198

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Dissertation, 36 Credits
  • History of Jewellery Design and Communication, 18 Credits
  • Professional Practice, 6 Credits

    Total Credits at Level 7: 60

    Total Credits: 360. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply various techniques to design a range of jewellery pieces.

    2. Utilise a range of materials and techniques to manufacture a collection of jewellery.

    3. Utilise a variety of visual art and media techniques to illustrate a jewellery collection.

    4. Apply knowledge of jewellery design, manufacturing and illustration techniques to produce a portfolio for use when entering the business environment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the creative identification and solution of problems by the use of research, organisation and the evaluation of relevant information. Students are required to apply knowledge gained in practical scenarios linked to programme content in order to promote initiative and problem solving skills in the workplace.
  • Team work is demonstrated in the developing of group interaction skills through the completion of assignments in group context. The practical exposure to group dynamics will be utilised effectively in the promotion of a culture of teamwork often expected in employment situations.
  • Organising self is demonstrated in the management and execution of programme-related activities. Sound time-management skills and creative production on an individual basis as well as having the ability to work within a team will contribute to organising of self.
  • Collating information is indicated in the demonstrating of foundational knowledge of business, marketing and project management skills to facilitate self-employment and freelancing opportunities within the industry.
  • Effective communicating is demonstrated through the visual, oral and written contexts and in successful group interaction.
  • Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the safe use of chemicals, tools, processes and digital photography within the milieu of jewellery design and production.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the exposure to a wide variety of media and methodologies which are used as a base to promote critical and creative thinking processes, as well as through the integration and consolidation of varied visual media in a jewellery design context. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1. Apply knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of visual art principles, media and methods in a jewellery design context.
  • Range: Grid form and space, size, dimensions and perspective, colour theory and interpretation, drawing, 3D construction, structure, composition, technique, observation, mood, tone, texture and presentation and basics of digital photography.
    2. Develop a creative process from concept to final execution of a 3-dimensional piece of jewellery.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to master technical and creative challenges in the creation of jewellery pieces.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to utilise new technology in the design and production of jewellery products and marketing material.
  • Range: Rhino, Flamingo, Techgems, CAD and CAM, Digital Photography, Photoshop and DTP.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    1. Use a broad spectrum of jewellery methodologies in the creation of jewellery pieces.
  • Range: Variety of jewellery types (ends, bails, earrings, pins and brooches, cuff links, clasps, basic chains, basic hinges, boxes, charms, pendants, rings and bracelets); drawing in perspective, illustration, research, design development and costings.
    2. Use a variety of manufacturing methods to create pieces of jewellery.
  • Range: Pattern and design transfer (carbon paper, glueing, metal scribe and permanent marker), smelting, sanding, annealing, forging, sawing, piercing, filing, soldering, polishing, sandblasting, burnishing, buffing, metal cleaning, oxidation, heat hardening, setting and casting.
    3. Use a variety of jewellery connection methods in the manufacture of jewellery pieces.
  • Range: Soldering principles, torches, fluxes, pickles, fire-scaling, fusing, rivets, adhesives and hinges.
    4. Use a range of jewellery shaping methods in the creation of jewellery pieces.
  • Range: Drawing, tube making, twisting, forging, bending, forming, repouss, stretching, sinking, raising and crimping.
    5. Use a range of jewellery surface enrichment methods in the manufacture of jewellery pieces.
  • Range: Hammered and scratched textures, roller embossing, etching, engraving, reticulation, granulation, colouring, and mokume-gane.
    6. Use a variety of jewellery casting methods in the manufacture of jewellery.
  • Range: Charcoal, cuttlefish, soft/hard wax, sprues, preparations, investing, burn out, vacuum, hollow core and rubber moulds.
    7. Describe and create a variety of stone settings for different pieces of jewellery.
  • Range: Stone cuts, bezel settings, cabochons, channel setting, swia-setting, claw setting and millennium.
    8. Describe and use jewellery manufacturing tools to create pieces of jewellery.
  • Range: Specialised hammers, solders and soldering irons, picks, furnace, casts, files, saws, sandpaper, pendulum motors, buffing wheels, torches, punches, engravers, anvils, plating and tumblers.
    9. Explain the properties of gemstones and combine a variety of gemstones and raw materials to manufacture jewellery pieces.
  • Range of raw materials: Silver, gold, platinum, bone, shell, wood, copper, brass, Perspex, resin; the principles of gemstone setting based on cut, clarity, colour and hardness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    1. Use a wide variety of media principles, integrated with various methods, styles and materials to create a complete visual concept of a jewellery collection.
    2. Use a visual vocabulary and/or visual literacy which is based on an understanding of art and jewellery history, principles, methodologies and theories, to critique own and others` artworks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    1. Explain the differences in origins, structures, chemical composition and hardness of various gemstones, both natural and synthetic, and describe how each type may be identified.
  • Range includes but is not limited to: Diamond (cut, clarity, colour and carat), beryl, topaz, corundum, tourmaline, garnet, chalcedony, hematite, sodalite, lapis lazuli, fluorite, malachite, azurite, howalite, agate, feldspar, turquoise, peridot, iolite, zoisite, opal, jade, pearl, amber, shell, coral, jet and bone.
    2. Discuss the History of Art and History of Jewellery Design and adornment knowledgeably to provide a structure and historical framework within which to place developments in art and the applied arts for use as a basis to advance evaluation and analysis skills.
  • Range: History of Art and History of Jewellery Design from pre-historic to modern and contemporary, evaluation of patterns of development in response to culture (social, political, religious and gender), philosophical elements, music, literature comparisons and art movements.
    3. Apply research methodology within the framework of jewellery design.
  • Range of methodology includes but is not limited to: Performance of thematic and market research for a specified target market, experiential learning in industry, response to a brief to produce a specific product; research markets locally and internationally; entering own work in local competitions; data retrieval and referencing work.
    4. Demonstrate good business practice in applying jewellery design for commercial and creative jewellery purposes.
  • Range: Marketing of ideas; combining text and finished pieces to encourage saleability; researching South African target markets; creating saleable, wearable pieces, appropriate costing.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment:

    Integrated assessment of theoretical and practical work occurs throughout each year of learning, based on evaluation of student projects and theory submissions and includes:
  • Written assignments.
  • Tests (or examination equivalent tests).
  • Evaluation of workshop practice.
  • Interdisciplinary projects.
  • Group Projects.

    Summative assessment:

    This involves the final evaluation the body of work created during the training year. Can take the form of:
  • Written examinations.
  • Controlled projects.
  • Portfolio presentations.
  • Panel assessment of the year's work. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Three qualifications have been earmarked as examples of best international practice in terms of a comparison to this specific South African qualification. Each qualification entails three years of full-time studies in jewellery design with an entry of year 12 schooling.

    Malaysia:

    The Raffles International College offers the Advanced Diploma: Jewellery Design over a three-year period. This programme will allow students to explore a variety of areas within traditional and contemporary Jewellery Design - where emphasis is placed on creativity, innovation, experimentation and material applications through technical skills. Students will also learn skills in design management, portfolio building and marketing, thus preparing each individual for entering the market as a contemporary Jewellery Designer/Maker.

    The Course is made up as follows:
  • Cultural Studies.
  • Major Design Project.
  • Observational Drawing Skills.
  • Colour Analysis in 3D Design.
  • Design Drafting and Rendering.
  • Design Theory.
  • Digital Imaging.
  • Computer Aided Design.
  • Solid Modelling.
  • 3D Manipulation.
  • Communication in Design.
  • 3D Design Methodologies.
  • Human Factors.
  • Critical Object Analysis.
  • Model Making.
  • Materials and Processes.
  • Fashion Marketing.
  • Fashion Advertising.
  • Visual Merchandising.
  • Internship.
  • Design Management.
  • Academic Research and Communication Skills (ARCS).
  • Studio Practice I: Contemporary Jewellery Design.
  • Studio Practice II: Resin and Acrylic.
  • Studio Practice III: Metalwork and Wood.
  • Studio Practice IV: Enamelling and Glass.
  • Studio Practice V: Silversmithing.
  • Studio Practice VI: Gem Analysis and Stone Setting.
  • Jewellery Technology.

    Australia:

    The Central Institute of Technology in Perth, West Australia, offers the Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design over a period of three years. Jewellers are currently in high demand in Australia. This course provides the practical skills and knowledge to design and produce contemporary jewellery designs focusing on the aesthetic and commercial knowledge needed for a consumer market. It includes design development, research, technical innovation, manufacturing, metal forming, wax casting, metal fabrication and setting styles.

    This qualification provides the practical skills and knowledge to progress from foundation and core skills and knowledge through to professional levels of expertise in design and production. Design skills are developed to meet the changing market demands and keep ahead of trends through the integration of new technology into the programme as well as the participation in industry design industry values initiative, flexibility and lateral thinking, as well as skills in interpreting design concepts and design criteria, production, presentation and marketing, including digital competencies.

    India:

    The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Mumbai offers the Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture Technology, over a period of three years. The course will develop individual creativity, understanding and skills employed in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing. The practice of Jewellery Design has evolved giving way to advanced techniques and applications. The Diploma Course in Jewellery Design and Manufacture Technology is open to anyone holding a 10+2 certificate or equivalent and with proficiency in English. The course is primarily for those who would like a career in the industry. It is designed to give a detailed overview of both managerial as well as production aspects of the jewellery business and to prepare students for a managerial level entry within the business.

    The course consists of the following:

    Semester I:
  • Design Foundation I.
  • Manufacturing Technology I.
  • Corel Draw.
  • General Science and Metallurgy I.
  • Communication Skills.
  • Effective Supervision.
  • Art and Design History.

    Semester II:
  • Design Foundation II.
  • Jewellery Manufacturing II.
  • Introduction to CAD.
  • Metallurgy II.
  • Gemmology I.
  • Jewellery History.

    Semester III:
  • Design Foundation III.
  • Casting Technology.
  • CAD - Rhino/3D/I-DEAS.
  • Gemmology II.
  • Production Control and Management.
  • Sales and Marketing.

    Semester IV:
  • Advance Design Project II.
  • Mass Manufacturing Technology.
  • Use of LASER and CAD-CAM.
  • Photography and Digital Imaging.
  • Diamond Grading.
  • Effective Supervision.
  • Sales and Marketing.

    Semester V:
  • Internship with Industry.

    Semester VI:
  • Graduating Project.

    The above mentioned qualifications are all jewellery-based, three-year full-time studies from different continents and are considered world leaders in the field of jewellery design. Each qualification has a varied methodology regarding curriculum design, yet all offer similar knowledge and skills regarding jewellery manufacture, materials, technology, industry and business acumen. The reason for selecting these three qualifications as best practice comparisons has specifically to do with the entrance and exit levels which are directed at students who have finished their formal school education and, upon completion of the particular qualification, are eligible to enter University into a second year Undergraduate level. Each institution has a varied entrance qualification in terms of the final schools results yet the qualifications are for 18 years of age or older. In addition, each course content is predominately practical based (70/80% practical and 30/20% theory) and directed specifically at jewellery education. The subjects vary slightly, yet the dominant focus is on jewellery manufacture with all the other subjects supporting this major. These supporting subjects include, amongst others, gemmology, professional practice, CAD CAM, digital photography and design.

    Each institution has earmarked jewellery design as a potential career path with the introduction of practical industry based practices. The qualification from The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery has a specific internship which forms a fundamental part of the qualification. This is something which this Diploma does not include. However, this Provider has industry partners who provide the students with experiential learning exercises. This practice is similar to Central Institute of Technology who include a jeweller project which is industry based. Raffles International College has an internship module which is flexible and is carried out during holiday times and has the same concept and time allocation as this Provider's experiential learning programme.

    Raffles International College offers a wide exposure to materials and techniques which encourages a contemporary and explorative view on the manufacturing and design process which is in alignment the practice for this qualification. They offer the knowledge and practical skills in many varied modules which is different to this provider's practice, which has all the required knowledge and practical skills embedded within fewer subject headings. This allows for a clearer learning path and a greater implementation of the embedded knowledge and skills. Each institution has different module designs yet all develop the student into all round educated individuals with similar knowledge and skills.

    Conclusion:

    The Ruth Prowse School of Art believe that the Diploma in Jewellery Design (NQF Level 6) compares highly with the best practice available internationally. Students are provided with knowledge and skills that are in alignment with standard international practice and the demands and requirements of the jewellery industry both locally and abroad. Students are encouraged to develop a jewellery identity which is true to their specific cultural and societal heritage. This qualification compares favourably with all of the above mentioned qualifications in being able to produce jewellers who can contribute to their profession with confidence. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any similar Diploma at NQF Level 6.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with any applicable Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards this Qualification or the component unit standards must be accredited by the relevant Quality Council (QC).
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Quality Council in accordance with the agreed on moderation requirements of the providing institution.
  • Internal and external moderation must be conducted by moderators appointed by the provider in agreement with the relevant Quality Council.
  • Both internal and external moderators must be in possession of an appropriate qualification, as well as relevant clinical expertise and current experience. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Ruth Prowse School of Art NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.