Metals and Minerals: An Introduction to the Art and Science of Jewelry

Harvard Summer School

HUMA S-205

Section 1

CRN 35994

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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.

Instructor Info

Raquel Alonso-Perez, PhD

Curator of the Harvard Mineralogical and Geological Museum, Harvard University


Melanie Grant


Meeting Info

MTWTh 8:30am - 11:00am (7/14 - 8/7)

Participation Option: On Campus

Deadlines

Last day to register: June 17, 2025

Additional Time Commitments

Required labs to be arranged.

Prerequisites

While there are no formal prerequisites, students would benefit from having a basic understanding of art history and some foundational knowledge of geology, particularly in mineralogy and gemstones. Basic scientific literacy, especially in chemistry, is helpful and an open-minded, curious approach will enrich the exploration of the course's interdisciplinary themes.

Syllabus

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
35994 1 On Campus Team Taught Open MTWTh 8:30am - 11:00am
Jul 14 to Aug 7