Advanced Jewellery course
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
The “Advanced Jewellery” course by SSEF is a jewellery crash course on the history of jewellery and practical training in jewellery identification and classification.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Basel, Switzerland
Language: English
Group size: 9 students maximum
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Interest in jewellery and gemmology
Certificate: Advanced Jewellery Course Participation Certificate
Upcoming courses: 13 – 17 October 2025
What will I learn ?
Is a piece of jewellery real or fake? What period is it from, what metals are used, what hallmarks can be seen and what kind of stones does it feature? Learn to understand the historical, cultural, economic and social contexts of jewellery as well as the influence of fashion and industry trends. This SSEF course follows the institute’s usual practice-based approach and offers the unique opportunity to collect experience in handling authentic antique and vintage jewellery. Engage in small groups with renowned experts and gain confidence in identifying and classifying various styles of jewellery.
Testimonial
“This course is a great resource for getting a comprehensive and relevant overview of the history of jewellery. There is no other equivalent of this quality on the market. What I loved: the balance between the theoretical and the practical part of the course, the handling of jewellery, discovering the mines, which stone was used in which period as well as Kathia’s great knowledge and professionalism about all the periods. Thank you!”
Violaine Bigot, Head of Heritage at Chaumet in Paris
Who is this course for?
Cataloguers, resellers, appraisers, collectors or jewellery entrepreneurs: this course is ideal for professionals working in the gemstone and jewellery trade, for auction houses or a vintage business. People who want to broaden and deepen their knowledge of jewellery or even pursue a career in these fields.
Course structure
This course is designed in two parts: theory and hands-on training using gemmological instruments. In this course specifically, you will be able to examine and practice with authentic antique and vintage pieces of jewellery. Small groups guarantee intensive training and dynamic dialogue.
The course is taught in small groups and much of the afternoons is dedicated to practical workshops handling jewellery. Originally set up in part by Vanessa Cron (@jewelsandthegang), founder of Research Jewel, this completely revised and expanded course is now taught by jewellery historian Kathia Pinckernelle, with Dr. Laurent Cartier and Dr. Akitsugu Sato providing insights into the history of gemstones.
Aim of this course
We will cover a complete timeline in Western jewellery design, materials and techniques, important makers, gemstone history and additional topics such as what some jewellers do with their heritage today. A considerable amount of time will be spent on examining jewellery closely. The exact daily schedule is subject to change.
Long-term benefits
With this course, you will be able to recognise and classify different jewellery styles with confidence. You will acquire practical skills that can be applied instantly in everyday business.
What you’ll learn during the Advanced Jewellery Course
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
13 – 17 October 2025
Price for this course:
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Module 1
Prehistory to Egypt
- From the Origins of Jewellery in Prehistoric Times to Egypt
- Materials & Techniques I
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Prehistory to Egypt
- From the Origins of Jewellery in Prehistoric Times to Egypt
- Materials & Techniques I
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Module 2
From Antiquity to Renaissance
- From Antiquity to Renaissance
- Materials & Techniques II
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
From Antiquity to Renaissance
- From Antiquity to Renaissance
- Materials & Techniques II
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Module 3
17th-19th Century
- From the 17th Century to the 19th Century
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
From the 17th Century to the 19th Century
- From the 17th Century to the 19th Century
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Module 4
Art Nouveau to Art Deco
- Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque and Art Deco
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Art Nouveau to Art Deco
- Art Nouveau, Belle Epoque and Art Deco
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Module 5
Retro to Today
- From Retro to Important Contemporary Jewellery
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Retro to Today
- From Retro to Important Contemporary Jewellery
- Practical: Handling Jewellery
Registrations status:
Open for registration
Next sessions:
13 – 17 October 2025
Price for this course:
4000.- Swiss Francs excl. VAT
Want to learn more about our courses?
Please visit our page dedicated to frequently asked questions. For additional details, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why choose us?
SSEF guide to Basel
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Apply for a scholarship
Each year, we award two educational scholarships named after past SSEF directors.