The designs they make can be used as a decorative item or can be worn by people. A jewelry designer must know what their clients want so a design can be created based on their specifications. This is a highly specialized and skilled job so the person must know the art and be creative as well as practical.
Job Description
A jewelry designer needs to sketch designs and design ideas as a first step to final designs. They make use of computers and other tools for this purpose so that the client can know how the design is going to look like. Jewelry designers can be self employed or work at companies that manufacture jewelry. Commercial awareness is a must in this field. The designers will meet and consult with the clients and get feedback about designs. During the meetings, a jewelry designer will give clients unique ideas to help fulfill their needs.
Additional tasks include mounting gems, stamping, presswork, model making, soldering, chasing and polishing. These tasks may be performed by the designers but they sometimes outsource the work to other people or companies as well.
Academic Requirements and Training
There are specialized courses in many colleges that you can opt for. In order to obtain a good job in a company that manufactures and sells jewelry, it is important to enhance your qualifications. A bachelor's degree in the field or specialized courses will help you get a good job in this field. This is necessary so that you can learn special skills and have knowledge of all aspects and methods of jewelry making.
It is important to know about new technology and methods that are being developed. This is to keep your skills up to date. If you are to get a job with a good company, you may also receive on the job training. There are part-time courses that will give you good exposure of the industry and the market. There are post graduate courses as well that you can take to improve your skills. Apprenticeships are provided by many companies.
Skills
This industry is lucrative for people who have excellent designing skills. The companies are flourishing and thus more job opportunities are available. It is easy to find jobs and apprenticeships in a good company. From there you can work your way up and become a part of the company. There will be many tasks that will need to be completed on a daily basis. Your creativity is what matters most.
A jewelry designer should be computer literate in order to draw a picture of what the final product will look like. Communications skills must be impeccable to understand what a client is looking for. Drawing skills are also important.
Job Prospects/Scope
If you are a skilled designer, there are many opportunities for you. Getting jobs in the industry will not be difficult for you if you are trained or have experience. You can have your own designer store and can design jewelry for your clients.
You can work as a bench jeweler at a store or company where you have received training. There are smaller jobs that you can take up in the initial stages of your career. This will give you an idea of the smaller fields to gain exposure and experience in the industry. Manufacturers are continuously seeking good designers with experience.
Salary
If you are self employed, your income will vary. Like other jobs, your salary will depend upon the company that employs you and the skills you have. When you have more years of work experience, you will be able to earn more. The beginning salary for a bench jewelry designer is approximately $10 per hour. If you have experience, you will be able to earn between $25,000 to $40,000 per year and possibly even more than this.
If you have a creative mind and the ability to design beautiful items then this field is perfect for you. Take a course that will help you in the field and seek employment in an industry that is in high demand. Work for a reputable company or work for yourself with the knowledge and skills you have. If you have resources, you can open up your own jewelry boutique and earn name for yourself.
