Jewelry designers are often tasked with creating intricate pieces of art that will captivate and inspire wearers. To do this, they must have a deep understanding of a variety of factors that influence design. These include balance, proportion, contrast, unity, movement, and emphasis. A mastery of these seven essential principles allows a jewelry designer to craft designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also balanced and harmonious.
One of the most critical components of jewelry making is the planning process. Some makers choose to immediately put metal to work, while others think through their ideas before stepping in with a hammer. Helen Davidson, a jewelry maker and teacher in Saratoga Springs, says that for her “sketching equals thinking.” Whether she’s designing an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or mother’s day piece, she works through a similar process to produce a handmade design that embodies the wearer.
The first step is determining the purpose of the jewelry and who for whom it’s being made. This helps set the style, value, and target audience. It’s also important to set reasonable boundaries on materials that will enable the artist to realize their design vision. With these parameters in place, the jewelry maker can then unleash their creativity.
A good jewelry design will make a statement, evoke an emotion, or tell a story. It will also be a functional, wearable piece of art. Ultimately, the goal is to create an heirloom that will be treasured for generations.
To accomplish this, a jewelry designer needs to understand how to balance scale, proportion, engineering, and manufacturability with an artistic vision. This is especially difficult when working with precious stones. The most successful jewelry designers are able to translate trends into their own aesthetic. They also know when to embrace a trend and when to steer clear.
One way to practice is by participating in an informal mastermind group with other jewelry artists. Each person takes photos of their newest pieces and shares them with the group. Then, they discuss their initial impressions and naming ideas. This exercise helps to sharpen their evaluative skills, as well as their ability to describe the pieces in detail.
In addition to balancing the overall look, a jewelry designer must consider the composition’s focal points and how they will draw the eye. This can be done by strategically using color and texture to highlight distinct gems or design elements. The use of form can also help achieve a sense of balance by adding visual weight to key elements.
A jewelry designer can also create movement by drawing the eye from one element to another. This can be accomplished by placing a dominant gemstone in a setting that is sculptural and bold. It can also be achieved through the use of lines and peaks that draw the eye upwards or down. For example, one couple had their wedding bands sculpted into the shape of an undulating river to symbolize their ever flowing relationship.
