Jewellery Designer
Who Is A Jewellery Designer?
Jewellery designers design the ornamental patterns of jewellery, which are then used by designers or companies to manufacture them for commercial purposes. As a jewellery designer, you would be working towards creating new and unique designs of jewellery, keeping in mind prevalent tastes and preferences as well as the requirements of the organisation seeking the designs.
Designs made by jewellery designers are not just used by popular brands to make and sell jewellery but are also appreciated in forums like exhibitions and fairs.
Roles & Responsibilities
Figuring out the various uses of jewels and precious stones. For example, the same diamond could be cut and used differently based on whether it will feature on a bangle or a nose-ring.
Understanding the requirement of the client or the manufacturer. The jewellery designer has to understand their expectations so the design meets expectations. He/she has to pay attention to understand the client’s vision so that he/she can accurately translate it into a design.
Creating sample designs, sketches and samples for the customers. In order to help the client come up with the exact design concept, the jewellery designer often needs to present them with sample sketches and designs and even range of jewellery designs for seasons or occasions.
Studying and understanding the jewellery-making process. Without understanding the process, the jewellery designer would not be able to carve out feasible designs. There is a possibility that he/she might end up creating designs that cannot be replicated during the manufacturing process.
Meeting deadlines. Designers will have to adhere to the agreed deadlines to ensure timely completion of manufacturing.
Staying updated with industry trends and developments. Every industry, especially the creative ones go through several changes. At any given point of time, you should keep in mind the buying pattern of customers as well as the trends that influence them.
Take the Mentoria career assessment, to find out how well-suited you are as a Jewellery Designer.
What Skills Will I Need To Have To Do This Job Well?
As exciting as this sounds, there are some things you’ll need to learn to do the job right:
FINE ART SKILLS
How can you design without sound fine art skills? From the hand-drawn design samples to conceptualising the stone-setting, electro-plating etc., a good jewellery designer must be backed by a proper sense of fine arts.
CREATIVE SKILLS
Creativity will be tested when a designer has to constantly come up with new, innovative and unique patterns and designs. One cannot be repetitive as a jewellery designer or a designer in any discipline. It is hence critical that you are extremely creative with your ideas if you are aspiring to be one.
KNOWLEDGE OF JEWELLERY-MAKING
The jewellery designer must be an expert at the tools used to make jewellery. Although his/her work is limited to the designing phase, without the mastery over the actual production process, picturing a practical design may not be possible.
VISUALISATION
The jewellery designer should be able to ideate the jewellery design to be created. The accurate and smooth portrayal of ideas is important for the finalisation of the intended design. From the larger items to the smallest of details, visualization is a skill that helps you take the first step for any particular project.
MARKETING SKILLS
Often, freelance jewellery designers might have to do a lot more than mere designing. One will have to also market his/her designs and build a reputation for clients to take notice. Therefore good brand-building and marketing skills are essential.
What Will My Workplace Look Like?
A jewellery designer is generally employed with large jewellery firms and companies. Such jobs will have fixed hours. However, if the employment is with a particular jeweller or if you are self-employed, your hours could be quite hectic.
You will usually work in a studio or workshop, maybe alongside other designers. A jewellery designer working on his/her own may have to travel to meet clients, attend fairs and exhibitions and meet suppliers from time to time.
What Is My Scope For Career Growth As A Jewellery Designer?
Jewellery is an evergreen commodity and so are the businesses and professions associated with it. With the increase in the number of branded ornamental jewellery companies, job opportunities have increased for jewellery designers.
A jewellery designer can go on to become a famous name in this field and be associated with leading brands. A jewellery designer can also start his/her own brand and enter the space of jewellery manufacturing as well.
Thinking of a career as a Jewellery Designer? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
The exact number will depend on the designer’s reputation, experience and expertise but we can give you a general idea.
Jewellery designers earn anywhere between INR 1,30,000 – INR 7,20,000 per annum In India. The average earnings of a jewellery Designer in India stands at INR 3,30,000. However, a designer of sound repute who is associated with large brands or a self-employed designer who enjoys a fair bit of popularity in the industry can command huge remuneration.
Okay, I'm sold. This is amazing
STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College
There are no specific curriculum requirements at this level. Short-term courses are also available after 10th standard. Of course, a keen eye for design and interest in art are recommended.
STEP 2: Diploma, Degree and Certificate
Graduation for aspiring jewellery designers is not always mandatory. Instead, courses varying from 3-6 months to 2-3 years are available. As part of their curriculum, the institutes offering these courses also conduct special workshops for students.
STEP 3: Internship/Training
You could take up internships or train with reputed designers/firms to learn more about gems, processes like electroplating, metal colouring, anodizing, enamelling, stone setting etc. and most importantly, develop your artistic skills.
STEP 4: Land a Job
Once you are equipped with the training and education, you can land a job as a Jewellery Designer.
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