Jewellry Designer

Jewellery designers work with precious metals, diamonds, beads and gemstones to create wearable pieces of art. A jewellery designer may create one-of-a-kind pieces for high-end jewellers or an entire line for a mass-market fashion designer. They may also sell their jewellery themselves. Designers can create jewellery entirely by hand or they can begin the design process by using computer-aided design (CAD) software. As with many artists, jewellery designers are often freelance workers and must continually seek assignments or customers in a competitive market.

                                    

Complete Training
             Although a formal education isn't necessary to work in this field, liberal arts colleges, fashion institutes and universities offer jewellery design degree programs to those who don't plan to freelance immediately. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers may prefer to hire graduates of trade programs because they require less on-the-job training. Shorter term jewellery sales diplomas and certificate programs are also available.
           During these training programs, students learn the fundamentals of casting shapes and analyzing stones through courses in sculpture, metalwork and soldering. The art of jewellery design is developed through courses in jewellery sculpture, costume jewellery, gemology and fashion history. Although a student may elect a studio or design specialization, taking elective classes in both may offer more effective career preparation.

Success Tips

     Become a proffesion computer design Knowledge of CAD software is a valuable skill in jewelry design. Artists learn how to use these drawing programs to view design options and to determine accurate measurements and aesthetics. Although most degree programs offer CAD training as a core or elective course, students may want to supplement these programs with shorter diploma or certificate programs to gain greater proficiency using CAD software.

               

Gain Recognition

                  Jewellery designer can enter competitions as a means of gaining industry exposure and determining popular designs that might increase sales. Jewellery design competitions, like the American Jewellery Design Council New Talent Competition, are typically held annually and are judged by leading designers. These professional competitions offer participants an opportunity to cultivate valuable industry connections and increase potential sales.