Teaching Handmade Jewelry since 1974
The founder of Jewelry Arts Inc, Robert Kulicke, was fascinated by granulation and other ancient arts like Byzantine enameling and was determined to learn the processes. Starting in the late 1950s, he experimented and drew other like-minded individuals to work together in his home studio. It took Bob and his partner Jean Stark 23 years to understand and be able to teach granulation. Teaching was something Bob was particularly passionate about. He felt that keeping secrets in art was wrong, and he was determined to teach granulation and the other skills he mastered to all comers from his studio, which began formally in 1974 in New York City and still continues today as Jewelry Arts Inc. Bob’s students taught others and Jewelry Arts itself has continued to teach generations of students who, in turn, teach others. All modern granulation in America can be traced back to Robert Kulicke, who believed art was for the betterment of us all.
We continue today in the spirit of exploration, adding new skills and new school projects constantly.
Jewelry Arts specializes in one-one instruction, with a team-teaching approach that results in a student-teacher ratio of 4 to 5 to 1. All instructors are highly trained and experienced jewelers and teachers. Instructors work with students at each step of production and are thoroughly equipped to discuss and demonstrate techniques and help solve problems encountered by students at all levels.
Why isn’t there a set curriculum?
The primary reason we don’t have a set class curriculum is you. It was clear to the founders of JAI in 1974 (as it is to us today) that a set curriculum only benefits the teacher. Having all students do exactly the same thing, at the same time, regardless of their comprehension level is not good for students. It leaves beginner students lost and more advanced students bored. Every student learns at their own pace, so that is how we teach you. We have one teacher for every 4-6 students so each student gets individualized attention and can work on the jewelry projects that spark their interest. We strive to provide the very best learning experience for each student and that means letting you create at your own pace.
Our studio at Jewelry Arts is fully equipped to facilitate your learning experience. There is one kiln and one Smith acetylene torch for every two students. All of our rolling mills, hammers, drawplates, lapidary equipment, draw benches, flexible shafts, anvils, and grinding and polishing equipment are free for student use. Lockers are available for a rental fee. We also provide free wireless internet access. To-the-trade stone dealers are available.
Examples of Our Instructor’s Jewelry
