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A History of Jewellery
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
The course will reveal how jewellery has evolved over centuries in a changing society, the personal meanings for the wearer, and how fashions and international art movements were inspirational for the designs.
On this online course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 20 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
On this online course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 20 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Leader
Beatriz Chadour-Sampson
Beatriz Chadour-Sampson is an international jewellery historian, author and lecturer. She was consultant curator to the redesign of the William & Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery and guest curator of the V&A's ‘Pearls’ exhibition. She curated the Alice & Louis Koch Collection in the Swiss National Museum, Zurich and Gübelin Gem Museum, Lucerne.
Beatriz Chadour-Sampson is not only phenomenal in the extent of her knowledge of the subject but is a very warm and down-to-earth lecturer. Previous V&A Academy Online Attendee
Course overview
This course reveals the history of jewellery - transcending borders and centuries - from the Middle Ages to today. You'll learn about the collection of 3,500 jewels in the V&A’s William & Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery, as well as other museum departments and major international collections. Beyond a chronology, various themes will be explored, including: the century-long traditions of making jewellery, the use of prints and drawings as inspiration, and the effect of innovative modern technologies.
Changes in economy and society were significant in the choice of jewels and materials, as were new trends in dress fashions. Styles were often influenced by historical events, international trade and art movements. Jewels are more than simply adornment and status symbols, they are worn as a sign of authority and distinction, as symbols of faith or protective amulets, and may be their wearer's expression of devotion, love, grief or hope. Jewellery is more than adornment - it accompanies the wearer through life, marking special occasions.
Guest speakers: Rachel Church, Emefa Cole, Sandy Jones, Clare Phillips and Silvia Weidenbach. Course leader: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson.
Changes in economy and society were significant in the choice of jewels and materials, as were new trends in dress fashions. Styles were often influenced by historical events, international trade and art movements. Jewels are more than simply adornment and status symbols, they are worn as a sign of authority and distinction, as symbols of faith or protective amulets, and may be their wearer's expression of devotion, love, grief or hope. Jewellery is more than adornment - it accompanies the wearer through life, marking special occasions.
Guest speakers: Rachel Church, Emefa Cole, Sandy Jones, Clare Phillips and Silvia Weidenbach. Course leader: Beatriz Chadour-Sampson.
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Enrol now
Online course: A History of Jewellery
21 April 2026 - 23 June 2026
£250.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
