Jewellery Design is an art form that demands creativity, skill and knowledge of aesthetic principles. Jewelry Designers work with a wide range of materials to create intricate, wearable designs. They must also possess the ability to meet client expectations, budgets and timeframes. This is a fast-paced and highly competitive field that requires a high degree of professionalism and a strong understanding of technical skills and design theory.
While the final product of a piece of jewelry might look effortless, there are actually many complex, interconnected components that must come together in order for the design to be complete and successful. Jewellery Design is the process of taking a concept and transforming it into an object that will function as intended, wear comfortably and express the intended mood or emotion. To do this effectively, the designer must be able to apply and understand seven essential elements of Jewelery Design: balance, proportion, contrast, unity, harmony, movement, and emphasis.
In addition to having an in-depth understanding of a variety of manufacturing and fabrication techniques, Jewellery designers must also be able to visualize their creations before they are made. Some Jewellery Designers like to sketch their ideas out before they begin working, while others prefer to jump straight in with the hammer. Helen, a graduate of the Jewelry Design and Technology program, says that “sketching equals thinking” for her – she wants to be certain that the intangible, moving, spinning thoughts in her head make their way down to her hands and out in the form of a drawing.
Contrast adds visual interest to jewelry by contrasting colors and textures. For example, pairing vibrant gemstones with cool metals creates a dramatic effect. Juxtaposing smooth, rough, and matte surfaces also produces a dynamic impact. Strategically placed contrast draws the eye where the designer intends it to go, focusing and directing the composition.
Unity establishes a sense of oneness in the design by linking or combining elements that are related. For example, a bracelet featuring a repeating pattern of gemstones creates a unified look. Harmony involves blending or matching the components of the design to create a balanced and harmonious whole. For example, a necklace with a combination of pearls and crystals creates a pleasing blend of shapes and sizes.
Emphasis draws the eye to a particular focal point in the jewelry design. This can be achieved through size – for example, a larger gemstone or unique shape will naturally draw the eye – as well as by using ornate metalwork to frame and direct the eye to intended focal points. Dramatic slopes and peaks can also lend an impression of emphasis by creating visual weight around the intended focus.
To develop a strong portfolio and gain the skills needed to compete in the industry, graduates of the Jewelry Design & Technology program take advantage of a wide variety of educational resources, including professional software for 3D modeling and digital sculpting. Rhinojewel, a variant of the popular software Rhino3D, is specifically designed for jewelry design and offers a host of tools to help you create stunning, enticing jewelry pieces for luxury retail. Alternatively, you can learn organic surface modelling with ZBrush and Sculpteo to bring your bespoke jewelry designs to life online.
