• A Critical Moment for Jewellery & Gemmology Programs: An Urgent Appeal to the Jewellery Industry, Alumni, Students, and Supporters

  • Save the George Brown Polytechnic Jewellery & Gemmology Programs

    For more than 55 years, the George Brown Polytechnic Jewellery & Gemmology Programs have been recognized in Canada and internationally for excellence in hands-on skilled-trades education.

    The programs have trained generations of goldsmiths, gemmologists, stone setters, designers, makers, repair jewellers, and business owners. They provide specialized technical training that is essential to Canada's jewellery industry.

    There is no equivalent college-level jewellery program in North America offering the same combination of goldsmithing, gemmology, stone setting, design, and technical bench training. The Gemmology program is the only college-level program of its kind in North America.

    The future of these programs is at risk

    George Brown has announced that all Jewellery programs will remain suspended to new intakes for 2027–28.

    The Polytechnic has stated that this is not a reflection of the quality of the programs or their impact on the sector, and that the decision does not constitute a formal closure. However, it has also confirmed that no future delivery model has been approved.

    At the same time, there has been a lack of transparency about the decision-making process, including who was consulted, what information was considered, and how the feedback from students, faculty, Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members, and industry partners influenced these decisions.

    This is particularly concerning at a time when the jewellery industry is facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople and a wave of retirements.

    These programs represent more than 55 years of specialized knowledge, skilled-trades training, industry connections, facilities, and equipment. Once this educational infrastructure is lost, it will be extremely difficult to rebuild.

    Where Have All the Goldsmiths Gone? Canadian Jeweller Magazine

    We are calling on George Brown Polytechnic to:

    • Reinstate new intakes to the Jewellery & Gemmology Programs.
    • Protect accessible, hands-on college-level jewellery and gemmology education
    • Be transparent about the decision-making process and consultation.
    • Meaningfully involve faculty, students, alumni, PAC members, industry partners, and the jewellery community in determining the future of the programs.

    The programs have not been formally closed. No future delivery model has been approved. There is still an opportunity to protect them.

    Stand with the jewellery community and help protect the future of jewellery education in Canada.

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