North Hertfordshire College’s Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students were set a challenge by local renowned fine jewellery makers, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery for some valuable work experience.
The journey between Harriet Kelsall and our students started off with a session focused on the company’s origin and growth to their current award-winning status in the sector. Our learners were visited by Rebecca Howarth, Head of Design & Production, to learn about the company, the process of goldsmithing and designing, and her own career journey to her current role. There was even a discussion about the ethical and sustainability position in the company’s inhouse work and across the industry.
With the new knowledge of Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery under their belt, our learners received their employer-set challenge: to design and create a new piece of jewellery or body adornment which represented either themselves or an aspect of who they are.
Our learners needed to apply their understanding of the company’s business processes around designing, project planning, workflow, and customer deliverables. They were also asked to incorporate the company’s core principles regarding individuality, innovation, and social and environmental responsibility. They worked on the project as if it were a real commission, creating their ideas, designs, rationale, and 3D prototypes for a presentation to Rebecca when she returned to the College.
Kalel Zdidi, one of NHC’s Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students, commented: “The Harriet Kelsall project introduced me to a side of art and design that I have not really thought much about before. Harriet Kelsall was a very enjoyable work experience and I have learned a lot about the jewellery industry. They explained the process of designing and jewellery making thoroughly and gave us a lot of options and freedom of choice.”
Freya Gates, another of our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students, agrees. She told us: “I enjoyed working on this project, creating something personal to me that explore new methods and career avenues.”
Thank you to Rebecca and everyone at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery for joining our students on this project!
If you’re interested in starting your own career in the creative industries, why not check out North Hertfordshire College’s Creative Industries courses? With NHC, you can stay close to home and explore new opportunities, helping you go far in your future career.