The Heart of My Jewelry Journey: A Call to Action for George Brown College Jewellery program
In 2018, I made the life-changing decision to move to Canada to pursue my passion for jewellery making. I enrolled in George Brown College’s renowned Jewellery Arts program, a three-year journey that began in September 2018. Though I had some experience and had taken classes in jewellery making before, the program at George Brown was a revelation—a transformative and eye-opening experience that I will forever cherish.
The curriculum was thoughtfully designed, each assignment and course building upon the last with such purpose and care. The instructors were not just teachers but pillars in the jewellery community, bringing years of expertise and dedication to the classroom. I was in awe of how each lecture, each hands-on project, and each special learning session enriched my knowledge and passion for the craft. There was not a single assignment or course I didn’t love—it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Then, in my second year, the pandemic struck. The world shifted, and so did our education. As classes moved online during the final month of my second semester, we still received invaluable information and continued to learn, adapting to the new reality. When I returned to complete my final year in 2021, the jewelry arts program had a whole floor dedicated to it, and we were the only students allowed inside due to the ongoing restrictions. It was both strange and special to be in such an environment, but it also made me realize how dedicated the school was to nurturing its students, even under challenging circumstances.
After graduating, I moved to British Columbia, initially without any connections in the local jewellery community. But by joining the Vancouver Metal Arts Association, I slowly built a network. As I spoke with others in the industry, I quickly came to realize just how unique and comprehensive the George Brown program was. Many of my colleagues had never experienced anything like it—its curriculum, the support, and the knowledge we gained set it apart from other programs.
I was also fortunate to have had mentors like Martha Glenny, Paul McClure, Katharina Moller, Shona Kearney and many other exceptional teachers, who continue to shape the jewellery industry. Their guidance, alongside the education I received, has been invaluable to me, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities George Brown gave me.
But recently, I received some shocking news—news that shook me to my core. I learned that George Brown College is planning to close three out of four programs in the Jewellery and Gemmology department. This news is absolutely horrific, and I can’t imagine what might have led to such a decision. As someone who has deeply benefitted from this program, this is a call to action—not just for me, but for everyone who cares about jewellery, who has been part of this community, or who has ever experienced a truly great education.
George Brown College is the largest jewellery school in North America. Its students have gone on to receive awards in jewellery, artist residencies at the Harbourfront Centre, internships, and opportunities at some of the most prestigious jewellery institutions worldwide. To lose these programs would be a tremendous blow to the jewellery and gemmology industries, as well as to future generations of students who dream of learning this craft.
You can help by sharing this news and reaching out to those who have the power to change this decision. Let them know how important this program is to students, alumni, and the jewellery community as a whole. Ask them to reconsider and not move forward with this plan.
Your voice matters.
Please consider sending a letter of support. More information in the link below.
CALL TO ACTION
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