Design PF
DE

Master of Arts in Jewellery

The new Master of Arts in Jewellery is uniquely positioned in the nexus between traditional know-how and craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and pioneering research and development. A rigorous approach to experimentation, analysis and critical reflection hones aesthetic self-confidence, independent thinking and confident craftsmanship 

The Master‘s course is characterized by expanding and shaping the broader concept of „jewellery“ and is involved in the contexts of material and technology, body and space, series and one-offs as well as tradition and innovation. Jewellery is interdisciplinary; the jewellery context imparts a special relevance in relation to the body, space, social development, culture and the environment. 

The international M.A. in Jewellery is open to motivated jewellery and object makers with a B.A. degree or diploma in jewellery. We also welcome applications from the disciplines of accessories, fashion or product design with a particular affinity for jewellery.

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Picture of student project: 'Generative Design + Craft' by Lifu Zhou; Photo: Petra Jaschke. GAN as an inspiration generator | Structures: 3d-generated and printed, combined with property-based forms made of self-developed tapioca-based bioplastic 'Generative Design + Craft' by Lifu Zhou; Photo: Petra Jaschke. GAN as an inspiration generator | Structures: 3d-generated and printed, combined with property-based forms made of self-developed tapioca-based bioplastic
Picture of student project: 'Water Worlds' by Jula Schmölzer; photo: Petra Jaschke. Processes in nature, the macro- and microcosm | silence, emptiness, transience, depth | objects made of porcelain, created from water. 'Water Worlds' by Jula Schmölzer; photo: Petra Jaschke. Processes in nature, the macro- and microcosm | silence, emptiness, transience, depth | objects made of porcelain, created from water.
Picture of student project: 'Plain Plastic' by Johanna Seibert; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Emphasizes specific properties of plastic: Transparency, intense color and lightness | Recycled acrylic glass with integrated shavings 'Plain Plastic' by Johanna Seibert; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Emphasizes specific properties of plastic: Transparency, intense color and lightness | Recycled acrylic glass with integrated shavings
Bild studentische Arbeit: ‚Sourire éclatant‘ by Charlize Felten; Photo: Petra Jaschke | grills ‚Sourire éclatant‘ by Charlize Felten; Photo: Petra Jaschke | grills

The program

The educational context of the new M.A. in Jewellery is exceptional: students draw on a network of practical materials and technology research, digital know-how, critical studies and liberal arts with expert supervision - supplemented by active knowledge transfer and development with the local jewelry industry, global companies and the world's only jewellery museum. The M.A. in Jewellery program is three semesters.

Experimentation, research and analysis lead to aesthetic confidence, independent thinking and sophisticated technical skills.

Picture of student project: 'Identity 02' by Tzu-Yun Hung; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Slate from Taiwan | Transforming and combining to jewellery with rice glue and urushi lacquer | Purchased 2023 by ISSP for the Pforzheim Jewellery Museum 'Identity 02' by Tzu-Yun Hung; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Slate from Taiwan | Transforming and combining to jewellery with rice glue and urushi lacquer | Purchased 2023 by ISSP for the Pforzheim Jewellery Museum

Curriculum
(simplified version)

1st semester

  • Investigation: expand preconceived concepts, re-think approaches to jewellery, push boundaries, acquire new insights through 3 four-week intensive workshop projects 
  • Amplification: theory competence in contemporary, critical thinking (compulsory electives) 
  • Material/Tech Lab l: material and technology research in-house, with industry or institutions 
  • Concentration: individual focus project

2nd semester

  • Intensification: individual project
  • Reflection: advanced jewellery theory skills, agency and ethics (compulsary elective)
  • Material/Tech Lab ll: advanced material and technology exploration in the home, with industry or institutions
  • Contextualization: staging and engaging of individual project

3rd semester

  • Thesis
Picture of student project: 'Liberating weight' by Elveda Bayrak; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Fragile relationship between glass, stone and water in space | Support by Michael Schwarzmüller 'Liberating weight' by Elveda Bayrak; Photo: Petra Jaschke. Fragile relationship between glass, stone and water in space | Support by Michael Schwarzmüller
Picture of student project: 'Mark Necklace' by Mira Kim. Research project with bioplastic based on gelatine and agar agar | Researching new jewellery forms and design languages with sustainable, transient material. 'Mark Necklace' by Mira Kim. Research project with bioplastic based on gelatine and agar agar | Researching new jewellery forms and design languages with sustainable, transient material.

 

"With the new M.A. in Jewellery, we explore the term 'jewellery' in a wide variety of contexts and perceptions. The DNA of our location in Pforzheim offers us unique, fertile ground for a free approach to traditional techniques and a mutually enriching dialog with industry."

Professor Christine Lüdeke

Career

Future graduates of the M.A. in Jewellery will provide innovative, enriching and viable impulses in the diverse field of jewellery and related areas through their strong, individual design language and attitude. They possess a high level of material and technical expertise and the ability to engage in critical discourse.

They are characterized by the complex development and implementation of ideas, concepts and design.

They reflect on the ethical and sustainable positioning, communication, production and marketing in their own work and are empowered to design jewellery in its symbolic and haptic manifestation of material and form in relation to its production, the wearer and the interaction.

Pictire of student project: ‚Adeleid‘ by Laura Stachon, Photo: Petra Jaschke | Neck/back piece; Project PF Revisited | exploring artisanal jewellery design ‚Adeleid‘ by Laura Stachon, Photo: Petra Jaschke | Neck/back piece; Project PF Revisited | exploring artisanal jewellery design
MAJ program flyer (pdf) MAJ program flyer (pdf)
Photo student project 'Der Massenmensch' by Janina Au and Lena Hetzel 'Der Massenmensch' by Janina Au and Lena Hetzel; Photo: excerpt from performance film.