New You
Online jewellery classes with Learning with experts - foundation course available now
I am extremely excited to announce the launch of Joanna Hardy's Fine Jewellery Foundation Course, with Learning With Experts, the world's first online foundation course in jewellery.
In eight video lessons, each around one hour, I discuss ways to understand and appreciate jewellery: from how to use a jeweller's loupe, to recognising hallmarks and examples of excellent craftmanship.
I visit the studios of celebrated craftspeople, including Shaun Leane and Fred Rich, as well as the workshop of renowned jewellers E. Wolfe & Co. to hear about the processes involved in crafting fine jewellery from the makers themselves. Pieces from these workshops are complemented by a discussion of historic jewels made by Lalique, Falize and Fabergé, all courtesy of Wartski, as well as the Goldsmiths' Company's highly important silver and jewellery collection.
Five lessons then focus on the gems: rubies, emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and the gem of the ocean - the pearl. We will discuss the inclusions and characteristics of each stone that makes them so unique and then how they have been famously used in wonderful jewels throughout history, aided by the beautiful jewellery of Bentley & Skinner.
Suitable for everyone, whether an enthusiast or a practising professional in the jewellery trade. Every student benefits from a unique learning environment in which you choose when you want to learn and the level of feedback you would like from me.
For teasers of the courses and booking head to the Foundation Course page.
I'm looking forward to seeing you in the classroom!
Blog - Van Cleef & Arpels Exhibition, Time Nature Love, Milan
In early 2020, Joanna visited Van Cleef & Arpels’s impressive exhibition in Milan. Read her thoughts in her most recent blog post for Learning With Experts.
Guest curator and jewellery design expert, Professor Alba Cappellieri took inspiration from the works of Italian writer Italo Calvino to interpret the Maison’s works like never before.
Delve into Van Cleef & Arpels’s commitment to craftsmanship and ingenuity in Joanna’s blog post. Read it at the Learning With Experts site and find out more about Joanna’s online jewellery school.
Read now
First Course Unveiled
The magic of jewellery - available now
London, June 29th, 2017. Acclaimed global jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy has launched her own online jewellery school at Masterpiece this year. The school features an interactive online classroom where you get personal advice from Joanna and is powered by award winning internet company, Learningwithexperts.com. You can book Joanna’s courses from today, wherever you are in the world. Joanna’s lectures include unseen and unique footage filmed at Masterpiece, as well as at top London jewellers and on location, so that students will learn what to look for in a good quality piece of jewellery. During your course Joanna answers your questions and marks your assignments.
Joanna commented: “My intention is to create a world class online jewellery school, where enthusiastic amateurs or professionals can be introduced to the world of jewellery. I’m expecting people ranging from interested hobbyists, career changers, professionals wanting to improve their knowledge – right through to members of the boutique high-end jewellery trade. Through my course I can teach you wherever you are in the world. I’m anticipating students from Europe, the US and Asia. I’m doing this because I’m passionate about sharing the real stories behind jewellery and ensuring future generations are appropriately educated the world over in this fascinating subject.”
Joanna’s first jewellery course within the school is: Jewellery Foundation
Students will learn the following:
• An appreciation of jewellery for the discerning student
• A story which involves and excites the student and immerses them into the heritage and context of jewellery and its properties
• An introduction to knowing what to be aware of and how
• How you select jewellery in an informed way
• What you need to consider
• The story behind their own jewellery
• Practical and technical considerations about the pieces
The format of the course is that you will watch video documentary style lectures with Joanna, who teaches you the secrets and stories of her trade. You are within an interactive classroom online watching your videos, with your classmates of up to 20 people at a time. Joanna will set you an assignment, and Joanna and her office will critique your response. She will also be on hand in the classroom to answer your questions throughout the course.
This course is not:
• A valuation course
• A one-way communication like Youtube
• A ‘how to’ course
Founder and CEO of Learningwithexperts.com Elspeth Briscoe commented: “We have been planning this project for several years now, and are delighted to be able to bring jewellery enthusiasts access to a true specialist wherever they are in the world."
Hardy concluded: "Jewellery is my passion and has been a major part of my life for the last 30 years. It gives me enormous pleasure to see jewellery being appreciated for its artistic merit and craftsmanship and if I can help to broaden people’s awareness and help them become discerning jewellery appreciators and collectors then my mission has been accomplished. Please make sure you ask me as many questions as you like in the classroom, I look forward to having you in my classroom soon.”