Programs
Rare Earth Studio Pre-Apprenticeship Program
(Pre-requisite to Rare Earth Studio US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Status)
Rare Earth Studio Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a pre-requisite to the Rare Earth Studio U. S. Department of Labor’s Office of Registered Apprenticeship status. The program’s courses are designed to teach the basic concepts in jewelry design and production, advancing students to designing, creating and producing fine jewelry and objets d’arte, ultimately using high caratage of gold & silver. Students have the opportunity to learn all production levels of materials, including precious metals and raw gemstone materials (lapidary). The students’ production is evaluated by instructors assisting them, and upon meeting the highest quality standards for fine jewelry, they are then enabled to become participants in PURE CARIBBEAN® registered certification program.
Education Prerequisites - High School or Equivalent plus Rare Earth Studio’s SKILLS DISCOVERY EVALUATION. This is an assessment of individual capabilities through aptitude testing and evaluation of those with a desire to learn an alternative form of education (fine art & true crafting) along with the discipline and desire to succeed in completing the program (s) with jewelry industry ethics and integrity.
The 2011-2012 Program of Study – Jewelry & Gemology courses will yield the following:
- Rare Earth Studio Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion
- Gemological Institute of America Accredited Jewelry Professional Intensive Diploma, or
- GIA Diamond Grading Letter of Completion, or
- GIA Pearl Grading Letter of Completion, or
- GIA Gem Identification Certificate, or
- GIA Colored Stone Grading
GIA Certificates and Diplomas earned are globally recognized. Rare Earth Studio Certificates are recognized through the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Islands.
The Virgin Islands jewelry industry offers multitudes of opportunities for people who have trained in our programs. Students can find employment in retail sales and marketing, administration, buying, or become entrepreneurial and self-sustaining with their own creativity in design and production of fine jewelry.
In the Rare Earth Studio portion of the studies, students are tested/evaluated on a monthly basis depending on the type of instruction. In precious metals production, the evaluation process is conducted bi-weekly, as the student must submit detailed drawings of an art project. The instructor, or Director, reviews the drawing with the student with discussions on implementation and tools required for its production. The student begins construction of the design project with constant supervision and instruction. At the end of the studies, students will have the opportunity to participate in the organizing, staging and final exhibition of class productivity, which will be open to the public.