University News Last updated 19 January 2023
An exhibition celebrating a 20-year partnership between Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery and jewellery manufacturer Weston Beamor is now on display in Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Titled Wedding Jewellery – Advanced Production Processes, the exhibition features the work of 17 Jewellery and Silversmithing students who were tasked with designing and making an engagement ring with a fitted wedding band. The exhibition features their design process, sketchbooks, prototypes and the finished products.
For over 20 years, BCU's Jewellery and Silversmithing students have engaged with a live industry brief run in partnership with Weston Beamor. This has developed from utilising component parts to this year’s full brief which involved design, development and finished product.
Students have used Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to generate their designs, which use recycled or Fairtrade precious metal and stones that can be easily sourced and reproduced.
The module aims to give students a more in-depth understanding of commercial manufacturing techniques, including laser technology and developing CAD skills, the commercial applications of lost-wax casting as a means of multiple batch production, and an introduction to advanced industry processes through field trips. Live projects like this are integral to students’ learning experience, and also provide industry skills.
Weston Beamor has been casting precious metals since 1947 and has worked with a broad spectrum of customers for over 70 years.
This exhibition also celebrates a selection of the outcomes and development work from previous years, as well as a display of this year’s cohort of student submissions.
The exhibition is on display on the second floor of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, outside the Bradshaw Hall, until 17 February.