How to become a jewellery designer

Pathways to this career

1. Expand your skills and knowledge with a TAFE qualification in design or visual arts majoring in jewellery design or related areas.
2. Complete a degree in a related field majoring in product, furniture and jewellery design.
3. Create and maintain a portfolio showcasing your jewellery designs and past works to impress potential employers.

What does a jewellery designer do?

Jewellery designers use creative and material expertise to design and oversee the planning and implementation of manufacturing jewellery products. Many create sample items to sell to customers or create custom designs based on clients vision or specifications.

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.

Professional bodies

• The Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA)
• The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA)

Related jobs

• Craftsperson
• Engraver
• Gemmologist
• Signmaker