What do metal/jewelry designers do?

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers use a variety of common and specialized hand tools and equipment to design and manufacture new pieces of jewelry; cut, set, and polish gem stones; repair or adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry; and appraise jewelry, precious metals, and gems. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas and may work for large jewelry manufacturing firms, for small retail jewelry shops, or as owners of their own businesses. Regardless of the type of work done or the work setting, jewelers require a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail. Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers do precision handwork.

• About 40 percent of all jewelers are self-employed.
• Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through distance-learning centers, or on the job.
• Prospects for new jewelers should be excellent; many employers have difficulty finding and retaining workers with the right skills to replace those who retire or who leave the occupation for other reasons.

Skills needed for success:

• Metal Smithing and Bench skills
• An aptitude for art and drawing
• A keen interest in style and fashion
• The Business of Jewelry Design
• Creativity and free thinking
• Self Confident, independent and patient
• Ability to work with clients and be socially comfortable

Careers for designers

• In-house retail Designer
• Large Design House
• Supervising Designer
• Transit Designer (moving from store to store)
• Design you own line
• Open your own store
• Appraiser
• Bench Jewelry
• Instructor

How do I get there?

• Get a job in Retail jewelry
• Buying or merchandising experience
• Education in art and design and jewelry fabrication
• Gemology knowledge
• Bench Skills
• Desire to continue your education

Job outlook and wage information

Jewelry designers with 1 to years experience are making $30, 00 to $49,000: Employment growth of Jewelers, metals and, precious workers is expected to decline slightly through 2014. However, employment opportunities will be excellent. New jewelers will be needed to replace many retired jewelers or those who leave for other occupations

Where Kendall graduates work.

• David Yurman Designs Inc
• The Colibri Group
• Bojiou Drive
• Medawar Jewelry

Job/Career Information search sites:

• www.jewelers.org/pdf/jacareers.pdf â?? Careers In the jewelry industry
• www.codyconsultants.com â?? recruiting firm specializing in jewelry industry
• www.gia.edu/careers/index.cfm â?? career information
• www.jobs4gems.com â?? Jobs
• www.jewelers.org/profdevelopment/certification.html â?? Bench Certification
• www.collegegrad.com/careers/produ18.shtml#ear â?? Career Information

Other resources

• www.gia.edu/careerfair/ Annual GIA Job Fair
• www.designerjewelrybrands.com/ List of Jewelry Brands
• www.smadesigngroup.com/jewelryguide/jorgs.htm â?? Jewelry Industry Gide

Get Involved:

• http://www.jewelrydesignersguild.com/ â?? International Guild
• www.womensjewelry.org Women’s Jewelry Association
• Join the Kendall Metals/Jewelry Club