History

Founded March 19, 1987 by two jewelers, Pierre Bélanger and Guy Audette, the school was intended to provide professional training leading to a recognized diploma and to meet the jewelry skill development needs of craftspeople, who, until that point, had learned their trade among colleagues on the job.

From left to right : Guy Audette, founder
Richard Lavoie, chairman of the board
Pierre Bélanger, founder

Since its inception, the École de joaillerie de Québec has been a partner of Cégep Limoilou for the jewelry option of the technical program leading to a diploma of college studies in crafts techniques, and in this framework, it is supported by the ministère de l’Éducation du Québec.

The École de joaillerie de Québec is also supported by the ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec through SODEC for its research, development, and publishing on crafts, as well as for its public education activities on crafts in general and art jewelry in particular.

In addition, with funding from Emploi-Québec through the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, the École de joaillerie de Québec offers skill development courses to practising craftspeople on a yearly basis.

In 1998, the École de joaillerie de Québec was approached by Cégep du Vieux-Montréal to revive and assume responsibility for the École de Joaillerie de Montréal.

Five years later and mission accomplished, both institutions now offer the same services independently but continue to maintain a spirit of partnership.