A buyer's guide to pearls: natural, cultured and imitation

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 59 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

This one-day course will give you a valuable insight into the trade and culturing of pearls, exploring the many different varieties of pearls available on the market including the natural and the man-made. The course will teach you to assess and select pearls, and recognise imitations. There will be many images and samples of pearls and pearl-set jewellery to view as well as practical exercises.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- use a loupe to look at pearls
- understand how the pearl trade operates and the difference between cultured and natural, saltwater and freshwater pearls
- understand the grading and pricing of pearls and the certifying bodies
- demonstrate awareness of the different pearl simulants that are on the market
- understand how different types of pearl have been used in jewellery over the last century.

There are no other costs, and you do not need to bring anything with you.

The course will take the form of a talk with many images and samples being shown to the students to illustrate the different topics. There will be plenty of time for students to ask questions. There will be detailed hand-outs for the students to take away. There is no work outside of the class.

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Course programme

The course will cover the farming, culturing and grading/pricing of saltwater, freshwater and rare natural pearls. The topics will include the common shapes, lustre, colours, sizes and treatments (such as dyeing) of these organic gems. You will learn how to use a loupe to inspect pearls, and discover how to appraise, value, care for and use pearls in jewellery. We will also look at the common pearl simulants found in jewellery.

Additional information

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development. Have a look at our Summer School programme for July and August 2018. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

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A buyer's guide to pearls: natural, cultured and imitation

£ 59 VAT inc.

The best Other Fashion courses

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