Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
.jpg)
Jewelry Designers
Jewelry Designers typically create wearable pieces of jewelry using various precious metals, gemstones, beads, and other materials. Jewelry Designers may create original pieces for clients or new designs for mass production.
Table of contents
Rings, necklaces, earrings, and other pieces of jewelry do not magically appear from machines. Someone needs to take the time to draw a design, create a model, and craft the final piece.
The artists responsible for creating your favorite pieces of jewelry are called Jewelry Designers. It is a creative field that is mostly comprised of freelance contractors. However, Jewelry Designers also work for the top jewelry brands, such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
Designing and creating jewelry involves a lot more work than most people may imagine. Jewelry Designers often used computer-aided design (CAD) software and advanced equipment to craft new items.
What they do
Jewelry Designers typically create wearable pieces of jewelry using various precious metals, gemstones, beads, and other materials. Jewelry Designers may create original pieces for clients or new designs for mass production.
Draft Designs of Jewelry Pieces on Paper or Using Computer Software
Jewelry Designers first create a draft of a design by crafting the final piece. They may start with initial sketches on paper or use computer software. When designing jewelry for a specific client, Jewelry Designers typically receive a list of features or details that the client wants to be included.
For example, a client may present several examples of pieces that they want to emulate or request specific types of metal or precious stones. It is up to the Jewelry Designer to incorporate as many of the client’s requests as possible while designing an attractive piece of jewelry.
Create Wax Models or Sample Pieces to Assess the Design
After creating a new design, a Jewelry Designer creates a wax model or sample piece. They evaluate the model to look for issues that need improvement or modification.
Before the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) software, Jewelry Designers hand-carved blocks of wax. They used tiny instruments to cut pieces of wax until the block resembles the initial design. In some cases, Jewelry Designers add warm wax to the sculpted wax block to include more intricate details. However, most Jewelry Designers now create wax prototypes using CAD software.
The design is created in the software and printed using a specialized wax prototype machine. Using software and machines to create the wax model allows for greater precision.
Use Wax Models to Cast New Pieces of Metal
Jewelry is produced using several methods, including mass production and lost wax casting. Lost wax casting involves creating a mold around the wax model. The model is removed after the mold cools. The Jewelry Designer then pours heated metal into the mold. The metal cools inside the mold and comes out resembling the wax model.
The metal may be adorned with other pieces, such as diamonds or other precious stones. The stones are set in cavities designed into the metal base of the ring, necklace, or other types of jewelry. Jewelry Designers may also polish and clean the jewelry before distributing it to the client.
Oversee the Mass Production of Jewelry
Jewelry Designers who work for design studios, workshops, or manufacturing facilities may oversee the production of their designs. They may monitor the quality of the pieces to detect manufacturing flaws or design issues.
What is the job like
As a jewelry designer for Flor de la Vida, the first thing I have to say is that if there is not a deep connection with my feeling and my creative mind, it would not be possible for me to make any design, therefore the work day depends on three main factors, the same ones … Read More
I’m a fashion jewellery designer/maker and co-founder of our handmade jewellery business. This means that pretty much everything needs to be done by me or my husband at this point (with the exception of a few key things we decided to outsource like the design of our website). I start my day with a little … Read More
I’m a jewellery designer and textile artist. Because I’m self-employed and I make 100% of my inventory by hand, there is no typical day. I wear every hat imaginable to make a business run smoothly. Aside from the tasks associated with operating a retail boutique, I also am responsible for inventory management of both finished … Read More
Pros
You Get to Express Your Creative Side
The work of a Jewelry Designer revolves around original creations and creative expression, which artistic people should find very fulfilling.
The Training and Education Requirements are Minimal
Jewelry Designers do not need extensive training or college degrees, as they mostly learn through on-the-job training.
The Work Environment Is Relaxing
Most Jewelry Designers work in quiet, comfortable environments while surrounded by beautiful pieces of jewelry, which can be quite relaxing.
You Get to Create Priceless Heirlooms
The original pieces that you create may become someone’s treasure and get passed down through generations, which is something that few other professionals can say.
Cons
You May Have Unsatisfied Clients
Jewelry Designers occasionally need to deal with unhappy clients and requests for revisions, which can be frustrating and stressful.
You May Face Limited Job Security and Pay
Demand for Jewelry Designers varies, but it can be a competitive field with relatively low starting pay.
Where they work
Most Jewelry Designers work in jewelry stores where they create original pieces. Experienced Jewelry Designers may work for design studios, workshops, and large jewelry companies that mass produce jewelry at manufacturing facilities.
Some Jewelry Designers work at jewelry repair shops and spend their time fixing and restoring jewelry. Jewelry Designers with enough experience may also establish their own businesses and work with clients directly.
.jpg)
How to become one
Step 1: Study Art and Jewelry Making in High School
Art classes can help aspiring Jewelry Designers develop their creativity. High School students can also start experimenting with jewelry designs by purchasing amateur jewelry-making equipment.
Step 2: Complete a Jewelry Design Class
Completing a jewelry design class at a vocational school or community college is one of three educational paths for aspiring Jewelry Designers. Topics covered include computer-aided design (CAD) and how to design, cast, and set jewelry and gems.
Step 3: Earn an Associate’s Degree
A high school diploma is typically the minimum educational requirement but earning an Associate’s Degree may help aspiring Jewelry Designers find work more easily. A degree in Metalwork or Jewelry Design offers the training needed for this career.
Step 4: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Metalwork or Jewelry Design may lead to more career opportunities, including supervisory jobs. However, Jewelry Designers without a Bachelor’s Degree can also advance in this career with enough work experience.
Step 5: Seek Entry-Level Work or an Internship
Many Jewelry Designers enter the workforce with entry-level jobs in the jewelry industry, such as working at a jewelry store or with an independent jeweler.
Step 6: Build a Portfolio of Original Jewelry
Aspiring Jewelry Designers should continue to create original pieces and build a portfolio to showcase their work.
Step 7: Apply for Jewelry Designer Positions
After gaining a year or two of industry experience, start applying for Jewelry Designer positions. Common employers include jewelry stores and design studios.
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
Jewelry Designers are creative individuals as their job revolves around the creation of original designs. Successful Jewelry Designers are also good listeners, which is useful for understanding what a client wants in a jewelry design.
Jewelry Designers should also be detail-oriented due to the need to pay attention to small details on the pieces they create. Visualization skills are also helpful for this career, as Jewelry Designers need to visualize how a finished piece may look when designing the initial sketch.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
.jpg)
Don’t know which career to pursue?
Take the career quiz to find careers that match your personality type.
Take The Career Quiz
