Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Gemology34263/3580/2627/1/19
Study guide

Gemology

34263/3580/2627/1/19
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 2
    Specialisation:
    • Jewellery Design, Gold and Silversmithing
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts
    Specialisation:
    • Jewellery Design & Gold and Silversmithing
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Co-ordinator: Jonckers An
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.03.2027 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 78,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning outcomes (list)

BA1 - The student has the necessary artistic skills to design and/or realize a personal project within the broad spectrum of the visual arts under supervision.
The student masters the basic practical skills.
BA2 - The student has the necessary knowledge, skills and insights regarding material, form, action, concepts, function and contents of the chosen medi
Student knows the properties and development processes of gems, imitations and syntheses.
The student knows the physical and optical properties of gems and can make adequate choices when incorporating gems into the visual work.

Course content

The emphasis is on gemstones in general; diamond is only one type of gemstone in the entire scope of gemstones. The focus is on establishing a broad general familiarity with the subject matter and with the practical application of the theory specifically necessary for jewellery designers during the process of buying and selling and when using gemstones in the production of a piece of jewellery.

In detail:
-General definitions concerning gemstones according to CIBJO
-Geology: Growth and origin of gemstones + general information about synthetics
-Overview of gemstone properties i.f.o. identification:
-Crystallography
-Optical properties
-Specific gravity
-Inclusions
-Overview of gemstone properties i.f.o. value:
-Colour
-Cut
-Clarity
-Hardness/Toughness/Cleavage
-Optical effects
-Overview of gemmological equipment
-Overview of gemstone varieties based on mineralogical groups (corundum, beryl, quartz, etc. and imitations and artificial products in question)

Study material (list)

Course material via DigitapMandatory
Gemstone tweezers and loupe (to be purchased in accordance with the instructions of the lecturer)Mandatory
Handbook of GemmologyMandatory€ 36,89
  • Author: Geoffrey M. Dominy
Personal lecture notesMandatory
List of handbooks is shared on DigitapRecommended

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Lectures and / or tutorials26,00 hours
  • Remark: The student is individually supervised, assessed and evaluated in the studio. This means that participation in classes and participation in the studio is necessary.
Work time outside of contact hours52,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00Written exam
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00Written exam

Evaluation (text)

Attendance at lessons is compulsory. If the student is absent more than three times, participation in the examination may be refused.

Written exam, closed book.