The phenomenon of adornment

TEXT BY Prof. Theo Smeets Head of Department

Students from all over the world, currently from 24 countries, come to Idar-Oberstein to study Gemstone and Jewellery in the bachelor's programme as well as in the English-language master's programme. The interest in stone working and the opportunity to use a fully equipped cutting workshop make these degree programmes unique worldwide. However, stone is not the only material worked with here: The campus in Idar-Oberstein has extensive workshops, including a wood workshop, a goldsmith's shop, a silversmith's shop and an electroplating room. A computer and 3D printing laboratory round off the range of workshops. For a master's degree, prospective students apply with a project proposal that is implemented during the four standard semesters of the programme. This makes up 60% of the course content, so the degree programme is highly tailored to the students' individual development. In recent years, the work has shown an increasing need to critically examine political and social issues that often could not be realised in the graduates' home countries. Trier University of Applied Sciences offers a protected space to explore and define one's own position in society through design work.

In 2013, the programme was changed from Master of Arts to Master of Fine Arts. This strengthens the artistic and free orientation. Since then, the focus is no longer predominantly on gemstone/jewellery as an object, but on the social phenomenon of “adornment ”. New aspects have come liegt der Fokus nicht mehr überwiegend auf Edelstein/Schmuck als Objekt, sondern auf dem gesellschaftlichen Phänomen »Schmücken«. Neue Aspekte rücken in den Fokus: Was passiert, wenn man sich schmückt? Wie beeinflusst das Schmuckstück sowohl Träger*innen als auch Betrachter*innen? Die Bearbeitung dieser Fragen führt zu erstaunlichen Ergebnissen. Seit 2013 gibt es auch einen Weiterbildungsmasterstudiengang. Berufserfahrene Profis ohne akademischen Titel können nach einer Eignungsprüfung direkt ins Masterstudium einsteigen. Die mitgebrachten Praxiserfahrungen tragen zum Austausch bei und sind für alle andere Studierenden sehr wertvoll. into focus: What happens when one adorns oneself? How does the piece of jewellery influence both the wearer and the observer? Working on these questions leads to astonishing results.

Mit rund 80% ausländischen Studierenden ist der Standort ein interkultureller »Schmelztiegel«. Durch das Zusammentreffen der Kulturen können sowohl Studierende als auch Lehrende ihre eigenen Positionen überprüfen und den Horizont erweitern. Der Campus in Idar-Oberstein ist ein eigener, kleiner Mikrokosmos. Ein großer Vorteil ist die sehr intensive Betreuung. Dies führt zu zahlreichen Auszeichnungen studentischer Arbeiten. Ein hoher Prozentsatz der Alumni sind nach dem Studium weltweit tätig und tragen somit dazu bei, das Berufsfeld aktiv mit- und weiterzuentwickeln.

Since 2013, there has also been a continuing education master's course. Experienced professionals without an academic title can enter the master's programme directly after passing an aptitude test. The practical experience they bring with them contributes to collaborative exchange and is very valuable for all other students.

With around 80% foreign students, the location is an intercultural “melting pot ”. Through the meeting of cultures, both students and teachers can examine their own positions and broaden their horizons. The campus in Idar-Oberstein is its own little microcosm. A great advantage is the very intensive supervision. This leads to numerous awards for student work. A high percentage of alumni are active worldwide after graduation and thus contribute to actively developing and advancing the professional field.