Jewelry Design is a complex art form that requires skill, creativity, and an understanding of design principles. The seven key design principles of balance, proportion, contrast, unity, harmony, movement, and emphasis help jewelry designers craft pieces that are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable to wear, and coherent as a whole.
Aside from the intricate nature of jewelry, the design process itself is also challenging for some jewelers. 3D Jewelry CAD software helps streamline the workflow by providing tools for generating and editing curves, defining points, and generating arrays. It can also help in determining the number and weight of gemstones needed, preparing files for CNC machining, and preparing STL file for 3D printing. It is important for jewelry designers to learn the different facets of the software to fully utilize it.
The most popular Jewelry CAD software is JewelCAD, which provides a quick learning curve and friendly user interface. The program enables the user to create 3D models using intuitive tools and generates photo-like renders for presentations. It is ideal for creating rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings and allows the user to customize the size of the gems. It is compatible with most major design programs and can be used in conjunction with renderers and 3D print preparation software.
While there are many CAD solutions that can be used to design jewelry, not all of them are tailored specifically for the industry. Solid and surface modelers are excellent at creating geometric shapes and smooth, tightly controlled surfaces but lack the sculpting capabilities required for organic designs like rings or bracelets. Freeform sculpting environments such as TinkerCAD or Fusion 360 offer the flexibility to manually model geometry but can be cumbersome for more complicated features such as organic filigree wire networks and advanced gem settings.
FIT’s jewelry design faculty are experts in their fields who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. They teach students how to navigate the complexities of the field while helping them find their own unique voice. They are mentors who guide their students to becoming the next generation of artisanal jewelry makers.
As a result, the program’s graduates are uniquely equipped to meet the demands of today’s market, from designing high-fashion collections to creating customized pieces that will stand the test of time. With a strong emphasis on hands-on, interactive learning, FIT’s jewelry design courses provide the perfect environment for students to develop their skills and gain invaluable industry experience. The program is located in New York City, the hub of the jewelry industry, which gives students an advantage as they start their careers. The program offers an innovative curriculum that includes a wide variety of hands-on projects and a hands-on studio space, making it the premier place to begin a career in jewelry design.
