SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96984  Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing is, to introduce students to a range of skills and knowledge associated with the broader field of jewellery design and manufacturing. The focus is on developing graduates with broad knowledge and skills within the jewellery design and manufacturing industry. The graduate will be able to produce creative jewellery using a variety of skills and materials, apply technology innovatively and analyse of relevant issues in jewellery design. Graduates will have the competence to apply creativity, problem-solving, specialised knowledge and management principles to the practical implementation of a wide range of interior design problems.

Rationale:
Jewellery designers, manufacturers and setters work closely together to create, produce and market jewellery. For this reason, the South African Jewellery Manufacturing Industry has identified Jewellery Design as a critical skill. Rapid technological development has necessitated the need for high level skilled jewellery designers in South Africa. 80% of commercial jewellery in South Africa is imported, there are great opportunities for the Jewellery Manufacturing Industry in South Africa to design and manufacture jewellery.

The competitive jewellery market requires products that follow and set fashion trends, are of a high quality and are well marketed.

Currently there is a shortage of well-rounded jewellery designers that can meet the industry needs and grow the South African jewellery market. This qualification will produce more skilled designers who in conjunction with jewellery manufacturers and setters will contribute to developing the South African jewellery market by producing quality products which can compete locally and in the global market. This qualification will increase the technical proficiency and size of the workforce; which would then enable industry to satisfy the local demands for jewellery without having to rely on imports, thereby decreasing the importation of cheap jewellery which is a threat to the Industry.

A qualifying student will be competent in the production of creative jewellery using a variety of skills and materials. This will be done through the innovative application of technology and an analysis of relevant issues within the field of jewellery design. Students completing the qualification will be able to find employment in the jewellery industry as contemporary jewellery designer/maker, Jewellery workshop manager or diamond and gemstone setters. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of prior learning in case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements:
All students must fulfil the minimum requirements as stated in AD1: General Faculty Regulations, as well as comply with the following senior certificate requirements:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum APS-score of 18 with Mathematics or 19 with Mathematical Literacy or an equivalent qualification at an equivalent standard, as determined by a Status Committee and approved by the Faculty Board. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    First year:
  • JDDM1Y1 Design Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • JDDR1Y1 Jewellery Drawing 1, 24 Credits.
  • JDJD1Y1 Jewellery Design 1, 24 Credits.
  • JDJT1Y1 Jewellery Technology 1, 12 Credits.
  • JTJT1Y1 Jewellery Techniques 1, 36 Credits.
  • MDCS1Y1 Contextual Studies 1, 12 Credits.

    Second year:
  • JDDM1Y2 Design Management 2, 12 Credits.
  • JDGM1Y2 Gemmology 2, 12 Credits.
  • JDJP1Y2 Jewellery Practice 2, 84 Credits.
  • MDCS1Y2 Contextual Studies 2, 12 Credits.

    Third year:
  • JDDM1Y3 Design Management 3, 12 Credits.
  • JDGM1Y3 Gemmology 3, 12 Credits.
  • JDJP1Y3 Jewellery Practice 3, 84 Credits.
  • MDCS1Y3 Contextual Studies 3, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Produce creative jewellery.
    2. Design creative jewellery.
    3. Use drawing as a design tool in the making of jewellery.
    4. Demonstrate an appropriate contextual understanding of theoretical aspects of jewellery. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Appropriate tools, machinery and materials are selected to produce creative jewellery.
  • All work is carried out without risk to anybody.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Investigative and analytical skills are utilised.
  • Design solutions are created using the appropriate technology.
  • Design solutions are communicated.
  • Jewellery manufacturing technology is used creatively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Selected drawing techniques are developed and refined.
  • Legible working drawings are produced of jewellery to be produced.
  • Design concepts are communicated in various media.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    Various aspects of design can be analysed.
  • Appropriate technologies are used effectively.
  • Gemstones can be identified using previously gained knowledge and gemmological equipment.
  • The commercial relationships between the candidate`s creative work and the industry is explored.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
  • Written and oral tests.
  • Evaluation of workshop practice.
  • Interdisciplinary projects.
  • Group projects.
  • Portfolios.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Controlled projects.
  • Portfolio presentations.
  • Panel assessment of year's work.
  • Written tests and exams. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International qualifications were compared to ensure that the qualification structure is comparable in terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered. A search was conducted for possible courses and/or qualifications existing in countries that are considered world leaders in jewellery design and manufacture as well as countries on the African continent. The structures found in other countries do not necessarily match the South African design of separate qualifications for design, manufacturing and setting respectively. For that reason, the research has been reflected collectively as it is relevant to the respective qualifications proposed.

    Thailand: Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand: Jewellery Design Course (Advanced Level).
    Course content:
  • Emphasis on more complex design drawing. Designing for gem and jewellery industry.
  • Practice in using markers instead of water colour.
  • Price calculation and designing to meet the objectives of usage.
  • Improved understanding about matching colours with designs in appropriate and efficient manner.

    Applied Jewellery Arts Diploma Program. The curriculum covers:
  • Learn to illustrate shape, form, and texture of metal.
  • Learn leading-edge 3-D technology to design jewellery using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
  • Create a wide variety of designs in wax.
  • Use your own designs to make complete models for casting and mould making.
  • Explore the art of vulcanized rubber and R.T.V. (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) mould making and cutting techniques.
  • Learn the art of cutting a mould.

    India:
    Art and Design Institute offer courses in Art and design institute - affiliated to Bangalore University. Govt of Karnataka.

    Course content:
    Jewellery Designing Part 1:
  • Introduction.
  • Media Research, Elements and Principles of Design, Colours and Texture. Elements and Applications of technical drawing.
  • Drawing front and side views of rings, bracelets, pendants and necklace, drawing stone cuts, colouring metals, studded jewellery.
  • Project Work: Portfolio (Basic compilation without CAD designs).

    Gemology: Introduction.
  • Basic qualities of a gem, methods employed in gem mining.
  • Physical properties, optical properties and optical effects in gem stones.
  • Theory of gem cutting techniques, crystallography and applications in Gemology. Instruments in Gem Identification - techniques, limitations and precautions.
  • Synthetic, composites, imitation gem stones and plastics, treatment of gemstones. Systematic identification of gemstone groups, individual stones and their simulants.

    Diamond Grading and Identification: Introduction.
  • Uniqueness of diamond among gems.
  • Theory of journey of diamond from the mines to cutter, theory of cutting and polishing process.
  • Study of round brilliant cut, basics of polished diamond grading, grading using international standards, history of cuts.
  • 4 C'S: Grading for Colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat. Identification of diamond and diamond simulants.

    Jewellery Designing Part II:
  • Jewellery History, Ancient World, Byzantium age, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Contemporary. Corel Draw, Computer Aided Designing using Precious CAD - learning the basic functions, moving from simple 3-D modelling to Jewellery Designing.

    Creative usage of stones with special properties in jewellery, exposure to types of gems, colour variations, importance of gemstones, durability in jewellery. Jewellery and gemstones care:
  • Market study of Jewellery houses - Indian - South, North, East and West and International. Project work: Portfolio (Advanced compilation with CAD designs).

    Rough Diamond Assortment:
  • Theory: Sorting of diamonds in the rough stage, central sorting office, sizes and melee. Planning, marking, cleaving, sawing, polishing, sorting bench, Formula for valuation. Practical: Sorting for size, quality, purity & colour.

    Similar competencies were found and the outcomes of the courses offered here match closely with the outcomes and key competencies. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation to a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) Degree or the Advanced Diploma. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.