Jewelry Design is a highly-skilled field in which creativity and technical expertise are equally essential. As an entry-level designer, you can expect to earn a modest salary, but with experience and recognition in the industry, your earning potential increases dramatically.
Creating the best designs requires a combination of critical thinking and visual communication. Many designers start their work with a sketchbook and pencil, getting the ideas and movements that are in their head down on paper. Then they transfer those drawings to the computer for further refinement. Those who want to make 3D models of their creations will need some specific software. There are numerous choices, from simple 2D CAD software to parametric 3D solutions that support various plugins for advanced modeling and fabrication.
The jewelery design process isn’t just about creating a model; it’s about creating a concept. You must think about the intended use of the piece, the client’s aesthetic, and how to create a sense of movement in the piece. The rhythm of repeated colors, shapes, or textures can establish a fluid sequence that leads the eye across the piece. Changing the scale of repetition or the intensity of color can express different emotions.
While you can find tutorials and documentation on the web for 3D Jewelry CAD software, most people prefer to learn it through a small training with an expert, either in a group or privately. This is what we recommend. The same is true for learning how to use the external 3D jewelry rendering software (Keyshot, VRay or Brazil). The knowledge gained from this experience will be useful in your daily work.
There are several programs that are popular with our jewelry designers: Matrix, RhinoGold, 3Design and Sculpteo. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are all great at making 3D prints!
Using a 3D jewelry design software is like driving a car: It’s important to have a good understanding of how to drive it before you can take it out on the highway. The best way to become proficient is to find a friend or colleague who uses the software and ask them for a few hours of mentoring! You can also attend events, open-door days or conventions to try out these programs, and get a feel for how they operate.
There is also the option of enrolling in a program at a college, university, or trade school that offers a degree in jewelery Design. These programs are a great way to immerse yourself in the community and to gain a competitive edge in the workforce. FIT’s Jewelry Design Program has a strong connection to the industry and its mentors bring that firsthand knowledge into the classroom, teaching students to develop their own niche in the market. The faculty at FIT are experts in their field and help their students navigate the complexities of today’s industry. FIT’s Jewelery Design graduates are at the forefront of new trends and developments in the field.
