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Jewellery designer: Job description
They design and plan pieces that can have great sentimental significance or symbolic meaning, can be wearable or are decorative artefacts in their own right.
Designers must be able to relate well to their clients in order to understand design specifications, as well as master the creative and practical skills needed to make a product.
Designers can produce designs for mass production or can make small numbers of objects or individual pieces commissioned by a client.
Some jewellery designers focus more on design, using specialist companies to provide the different stages of the making process.
The majority of jewellery designers are self-employed so also require commercial awareness, marketing and business skills.
Typical work activities
For a self-employed jewellery designer, design activities include:
- holding consultations with commissioning clients;
- discussing a client’s range of options and formulating original ideas;
- sketching out ideas, sometimes using computer-aided design (CAD), to help the client visualise the finished design.
Making activities include:
- mounting - making the framework for the piece of jewellery. This involves handling, forming and drilling metal, and opening out holes in which to place the selected gems;
- model making (casting) – making an object or decorative detail using a mould;
- stamping and presswork;
- chasing - making a raised pattern on the surface of the metal;
- soldering and fabrication;
- polishing - ensuring the finish of the piece.
The following specialist processes may be performed by jewellery designers, but often pieces of work are sent on to companies (outworkers) for these processes to be completed:
- stone setting – making adjustments to the mount to ensure the stones fit perfectly. This can involve very intricate work, such as removing tiny fractions of metal;
- electro-plating – layering a precious metal onto a base metal;
- enamelling - fusing powdered glass to metal in a kiln to create coloured patterns and pictures;
- welding - joining pieces of metal using traditional methods or by laser;
- engraving - carving lettering or patterns into precious metals by hand or by computer-aided manufacture.
Promoting and developing the business is crucial for success as a self-employed jewellery designer. Many designers try to boost their reputation by networking, entering competitions and attending craft fairs.
Other activities include consulting with galleries, store buyers and suppliers, and researching jewellery and fashion trends.
When working for a company the jewellery designer produces designs that are then made by other members of staff.
Jewellery Designers
Jewellery Designers use creative and material expertise to design and oversee the planning and implementation of manufacturing jewellery products. They may create sample items to sell to customers or create custom designs based on clients vision or specifications. Many Jewellery Designers aspire to achieve recognition for their designs and some may create their own jewellery lines.
Duties and tasks
- Assess client requests and requirements and create designs that meet all aspects of clients requests; modify designs according to clients wishes
- Create new and innovative jewellery designs to sell to customers for fine and fashion jewellery
- Design jewellery based on category and market of jewellery, using research and market studies to keep up with emerging designs and preferences
- Oversee the creation of jewellery from design to production to achieve design objectives
- Prepare samples and drawings of jewellery designs for clients to review
- Suggest and order necessary materials and process requirements for small and large jewellery orders and create an estimated budget for total production costs
- Work closely with clients, managers, sales and manufacturing teams to achieve optimal design and finished product
Skills required
- Analytical
- Artistic Skills
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Strong Attention to Detail
Working conditions
Jewellery Designers usually work in offices, workshops or design studios. They typically work regular Monday to Friday hours but may need to work evenings or weekends in order to meet deadlines. Jewellery Designers may need to travel to meet with clients and potential buyers or to meet with jewellers.
As a jewelry designer, you’ll get to express yourself creatively using both technology and your artistic talents. You don’t even need a college degree to get the job! On the flip side, your creative endeavors might be compromised when your employer or clients have different ideas about the design than you do. Furthermore, you’ll probably encounter some stiff job competition due to a predicted decline in employment opportunities. Is this the right career for you? Read on to learn the pros and cons of becoming a jewelry designer to help you decide.
Pros of Becoming a Jewelry Designer |
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You can get a job without a college degree* |
Allows you to express yourself creatively** |
Can learn the trade through on-the-job training* |
Advances in technology make jewellery design easier* |
Might be opportunities for self-employment** |
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Great job outlook (expected five percent increase in jobs between 2014 and 2025)* |
Your creativity in meeting client demands, will |
Self-employed / Freelancing Jewellery designers |
