International Summer Academy of Gemstones and Jewellery at Campus Idar-Oberstein 2026

Intensive Professional Workshops in Jewellery and Gemstones at Hochschule Trier, Campus Gemstones & Jewellery.

The International Summer Academy (ISA) is a biennial professional development programme hosted by the Trier University of Applied Sciences, Campus for Design and Art, Department of Gemstones and Jewellery in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The ISA offers a curated portfolio of intensive workshops designed for students, emerging and established practitioners in jewellery, gemstone and related disciplines. The programme emphasises hands-on skill development, interdisciplinary exchange and professional practice in a focused academic environment, in the facilities of the Campus Gemstones and Jewellery in Idar-Oberstein.

Programme Dates and Structure
The ISA 2026 will take place from 27 July to 7 August 2026. Workshops are scheduled across two consecutive weeks, with daily sessions typically running from 09:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00. Courses are delivered by internationally recognised practitioners and faculty with expertise in technical craftwork and creative design methodologies.

Course Offerings
The ISA curriculum comprises a range of specialised workshops suitable for professionals and advanced learners.

This year's programme:

• Silvia Bellia: Gemstone Cutting and Carving – foundational and advanced techniques in lapidary.
  >> BOOKED
   
• Julia Maria Künnap: Gemstone Carving – precision surface articulation and decorative detail.
  - date: 27 - 31 July 2026 (week 1)
  - date: 03 - 07 August 2026 (week 2)
  - duration: 5 days, 35 hrs
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 10
  - language: English, Estonian
  - Extra costs: €105 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Danni Schwaag: Jewellery Enamelling  – traditional and contemporary metal-based processes.
  - date: 03 - 07 August 2026 (week 2)
  - duration: 5 days, 30 hrs
  - participants: min. 5 / max. 6
  - language: English and German
  - Extra costs: €15 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Peter Vermandere: Casting - traditional and contemporary metal-based processes.
  - date: 03 - 07 August 2026 (week 2)
  - duration: 5 days, 35 hrs
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 10
  - language: English, German and Flemish
  - Extra costs: €50 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Kadi Veesaar: Nanoceramic E-Coating – cutting-edge technology that involves the application of a thin ceramic layer onto the surface of jewellery.
  - date: 27 - 31 July 2026 (week 1)
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 10
  - language: English, Estonian, (German, Russian).
  - Extra costs: €30 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Susanne Matsché:  Filigree – classical forming and surface articulation: Diving into the traditional and giving it a contemporary expression and shape
  - date: 03 - 07 August 2026 (week 2)
  - duration: 5 days, 35 hrs
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 8
  - language: English, German, Russian, French
  - material costs: 125 € to pay cash at the first day of the workshop
   
• Tanja Falkenhayner: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for jewellery: You will work with the software programmes RHINOCEROS and SCULPTRIS
  - date: 27 - 31 July 2026  (week 1)
  - participants: min. 5 / max. 6  
  - language: English and German
  - Extra costs: €25 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Peter Vermandere: Material Song: Carving and sculpting, applied to organic materials
  - date: 27 - 31 July 2026 (week 1)
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 10
  - language: English, French, Flemish, German
  - Extra costs: 80€ in cash, to pay at the beginning of the workshop
   
• Amir Nawrozzadeh: Gemstone faceting - This course is about cutting facets, bringing out the colour of the stones and optimising the play of light and sparkle.
  >> BOOKED
   
• Kira Fritsch: Stone setting - “How do I integrate stones or small objects into my jewelry?” We are looking for new ways and possibilities with the objects that need to be integrated, placed and fixed.
  - date: 27 - 31 July 2026 (week 1)
  - participants: min. 6 / max. 8
  - language: English and German
  - Extra costs: €15 in cash, to be paid at the beginning of the workshop.
   
• Levan Jishkariani: Stone Sculpting - Sculptural forms are created using hammers, chisels, files, rasps, pneumatic hammers and angle grinders.
  - date: 03 - 07 August 2026 (week 2)
  - duration: 5 days, 35 hrs
  - participants: min. 5 / max. 8
  - language: English, German, Georgian

Each workshop is structured to balance technical instruction with studio practice and critical reflection. Where applicable, enrolment capacity is limited; high-demand courses may close early or maintain waiting lists

>> Registration: Deadline: 26th of July 2025.


Participation Fees and Conditions
Workshop fees depend on the number of workshops selected and participant status:

• One workshop: €700 (students: €500).
• Two workshops: €1,200 (students: €850).

Fees cover instruction, workshop access, and participation in scheduled ISA events. Materials listed in specific course descriptions may be included; however, personal materials, excursions, travel, accommodation, daily lunch and personal insurance are not included.
Registration is only confirmed upon full payment of fees or alternative arrangements agreed in advance. Cancellation policies impose administrative charges and graduated refunds depending on timing relative to the programme start date.

Registration Deadlines and Process

• Registration opens: 1 February 2026 at 12:00 (German time).
• Prospective participants must complete and submit the ISA registration form (link provided via the official ISA portal).
• After submission, an invoice is issued and payment is due within three weeks unless otherwise arranged.
• https://www.hochschule-trier.de/en/gestaltung/es/study/isa-io/fees-conditions

Participants are advised to register promptly; previous editions have reached full capacity within days of opening.

Eligibility and Professional Standing
The ISA is open to practitioners, advanced students and professionals with interest or experience in jewellery and related artistic practices. Teaching language is English; participants are expected to engage at a professional level of practice and inquiry.

Travel and Accommodation.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and accommodation. Idar-Oberstein is renowned for its gemstone heritage and is centrally located with regional transport access. Practical information on lodging, travel and local resources is provided through the ISA information pages.


Contact and Further Information.
Full course descriptions, registration forms, detailed conditions and mailing list subscription are available via the ISA official page at the Trier University of Applied Sciences website:


ISA–Organisation
The International Jewellery Academy was initiated by Tabea Reulecke as part of her masterthesis in 2015 and is organised by Carolin Denter, Oranna Kammann and Theo Smeets.
ISA–Contact
Carolin Denter (Management) C.Denter@ges.hochschule-trier.de
Theo Smeets (Website & Info) smeets@hochschule-trier.de
REGISTRATION (no info): apply@jewellery-summer.academy