Metals and Minerals: An Introduction to the Art and Science of Jewelry
Harvard Summer School
HUMA S-205
Section 1
CRN 35994
In ancient civilizations around the world, jewelry straddled the lines between art and science. Gemstones were considered to have healing and scientific properties; metals such as gold were offered to the gods and the jewels that combined both provided spiritual protection. In this course, we explore the spell-binding history of jewelry, covering the following periods: Greek, Roman, Mayan, Aztec, Egyptian, Benin, Byzantine, Persian, Chinese dynasties, Japanese shogun, Indian maharaja, Mogul, Celtic, French royal courts, Italian renaissance, and the modern day. The course has a lab component to identify gemstones using the collections at the Mineralogical and Geological Museum, Harvard University (MGMH). We also visit the Harvard Art Museum to see key collections and texts, take a field trip to a local mine to understand the scientific implications of mining, and visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History to handle and discuss stones in depth.
Registration Closes: June 17, 2025
Credits: 4
View Tuition Information Term
Summer Term 2025
Part of Term
4-week session
Format
On Campus
Credit Status
Graduate, Noncredit, Undergraduate
Section Status
Open