Designing stunning jewellery pieces as a career can be the most rewarding profession in art and fashion. Jewellery Design provides an opportunity to create pieces that would be loved, worn, and cherished by others. It is always gratifying to see one’s creative visions and interesting ideas turn into a beautiful piece of art that can be worn. For many, this gratifying feeling is all that is needed to become a jewellery designer. However, there are several other reasons that need to be taken into consideration before answering this question:
Why study Jewellery Design?
The fashion and jewellery industry is such that it opens up an opportunity for everyone who wants to establish a career in this industry. Ergo, there can be many reasons for one to choose this creative profession and become an expert jewellery designer.
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- For starters, jewellery design is a great career option for people with creative minds. Earlier, jewellery was considered just a symbol of status in society and a means of financial security. However, today jewellery has a major part to play in fashion. They are considered as trendsetters and fashion statements, giving jewellery designers a wider scope and growth prospects.
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- Jewellery design opens up a lot of job opportunities. There are different roles for both freshers and professional jewellery makers and designers. The pay packages vary depending on the experience and education qualification of the aspirants. The industry also offers opportunities to freelancers who like to create their own designs or work closely with clients.
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- There are numerous roles available in this industry. An aspirant can either work with a small jewellery store or become an employee of big brands like Tanishq or Malabar Gold and Diamonds. They also get the option to choose their specialization. For instance, they can work as a repair person, lapidary or as a designer.
Lastly, the jewellery design role offers a sense of freedom and the opportunity to work independently. A jewellery designing professional can become a freelance jewellery designer or can open their own jewellery boutique and create their own designs. They can also hire staff to help them in their boutique and can retail out of some stores. Read More.
The role of jewellery designer involves:
- Ideating a jewellery design for new ornaments
- Designing the sketches of the jewellery design
- Selecting the metals and gems for the ornaments
- Customizing and manufacturing them.
- Creating models of jewellery design that will be mass-produced by other staff or machinery
How to become jewellery designer?
If you are a person with good observant, creative imagination and have a fair share of designing skills, then a career in the jewellery industry is perfect for you. Jewellery designing offers various roles for different positions and specializations. You need to have the ability and skills to understand the market well and keep yourself updated with the latest jewellery trends in order to sustain yourself in this industry and make your jewellery designs popular.
Jewellery Design eligibility criteria
The first step to becoming a successful jewellery designer is to complete a bachelor’s degree or a diploma degree from a recognized college. For that, you need to complete your 10+2/HSC in any stream from a recognized board with the required passing marks. Post that you can either do a graduate in a designing course or do a short-termed diploma in any relevant course.
- You can pursue a course in jewellery design after completing your 10+2 from Arts/Commerce/Science
- In order to get admission in Post-graduation courses in Jewellery designing, you must complete your Graduation from a recognized college/university with the minimum passing marks.
Listed here are the three paths you can choose to get a degree in jewellery design.
Path 1:
- Complete 10+2/ HSC from Art/Commerce/Science with minimum passing marks.
- Pursue graduation degree in B. Sc. Fashion Designing/ B. Des. Accessory Design/ B. Des. Jewellery Retail and Export Management. A graduation degree is for 3-4 years.
- Enroll for Masters in Fashion Design/ M. Des. Accessory Design for 2 years.
Path 2:
- Complete 10+2/ HSC from Art/Commerce/Science with minimum passing marks.
- Then complete a Diploma in Fashion Designing/ Diploma in Jewellery Designing course for 1 year
- Apply for a course in Advanced Diploma in Fashion Designing or Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Designing
Career Path 3:
- Complete 10+2/ HSC from Art/Commerce/Science with minimum passing marks.
- Pursue B. Sc. Fashion Designing/ B. Des. Accessory Design/ B. Des. Jewellery Retail and Export Management for 4 years.
- Post-B.SC, you can pursue Masters’s in MA Design (Jewellery) or Fine Jewellery Design for 1 -2 years and study abroad.
Top Colleges in India and abroad offer Jewellery Design courses
There are several reputed and known colleges in India that offer both full-time and distance courses in designing, art, and jewellery making. Listed here are the best colleges:
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Multiple Locations – NIFT is one of the premier institutes in India for fashion education, offering a variety of courses including Jewellery Design.
- National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad – NID is internationally recognized for its design education, and it offers specialized courses in Jewellery Design.
- Pearl Academy, Multiple Locations – With campuses in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and other cities, Pearl Academy offers professional courses in Jewellery Design.
- Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ), Mumbai – IIGJ is an initiative by the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India, focusing on providing quality education in the field.
- Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID), Pune – SID offers a comprehensive program in Jewellery Design as part of its curriculum.
- Arch College of Design and Business, Jaipur – Known for its specialized design programs, Arch offers a degree in Jewellery Design.
- JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Multiple Locations – With centers across India, JD Institute offers diploma courses in Jewellery Design among others.
- Indian Institute of Crafts & Design (IICD), Jaipur – IICD is focused on the development of traditional Indian crafts and offers a specialized program in Jewellery Design.
- Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI), Multiple Locations – While known for footwear, FDDI also offers courses related to Fashion and Jewellery Design.
- Vogue Institute of Art and Design, Bangalore – Offers a variety of design courses, including those focused on Jewellery Design.
Apart from these India-based colleges, there are several international colleges and universities offering specified jewellery design courses for graduation and post-graduation. Here is a curated list of top colleges outside India offering numerous courses in jewellery design.
List of renowned colleges outside India:
1. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, USA
- Courses Offered: AAS and BFA in Jewelry Design
- Website: FIT Jewelry Design
2. Central Saint Martins, London, UK
- Courses Offered: BA (Hons) Jewelry Design, MA Art and Design with a specialization in Jewelry
- Website: Central Saint Martins Jewelry
3. Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School, Florence, Italy
- Courses Offered: Various levels from beginner to advanced, including BA and MA in Contemporary Jewellery
- Website: Alchimia School
4. Royal College of Art (RCA), London, UK
- Courses Offered: MA in Jewellery & Metal
- Website: RCA Jewellery & Metal
5. Parsons School of Design, New York, USA
- Courses Offered: BFA in Jewelry Design
- Website: Parsons Jewelry Design
6. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), USA
- Locations: Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong, and online
- Courses Offered: BFA, MFA, and MA in Jewelry
- Website: SCAD Jewelry Design
7. RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- Courses Offered: Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) specializing in Gold and Silversmithing, Master of Fine Art (By Research) in Gold and Silversmithing
- Website: RMIT Jewelry Design
8. Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Lahti, Finland
- Courses Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Design, with opportunities to focus on jewelry design
- Website: Lahti UAS
9. Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Courses Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts with specialization in Jewellery
- Website: Gerrit Rietveld Academie
10. Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Multiple Locations in Italy and Spain
- Courses Offered: Various courses including BA in Jewelry Design
- Website: IED Jewelry Design
Entrance exams for jewellery design
Certain undergraduate colleges conduct entrance exams to get into their elective courses. These exams are challenging and clearing which will help you grab a seat in some of the reputed jewellery designing colleges in India. Listed here are the top colleges and their entrance exams along with their eligibility criteria and website link.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam: NIFT offers courses in accessory design, which includes jewelry design. The entrance exam is a gateway for admission into their undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam: NID provides education in various design disciplines, including lifestyle accessory design, which covers jewelry design. Admission is based on the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) followed by a studio test and personal interview.
- Pearl Academy Entrance Exam: Pearl Academy offers courses in fashion and lifestyle business management and fashion design, which sometimes include modules on jewelry design. Their entrance exam consists of a written test followed by a personal interview.
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED): Conducted by IIT Bombay, CEED is for postgraduate studies in design (M.Des). Although primarily for industrial design, students may specialize in related fields, including jewelry design, at some institutions.
- All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED): Conducted by ARCH College of Design & Business, this exam is specifically for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in design, including jewelry design.
- Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) AIST: FDDI conducts the All India Selection Test (AIST) for admission into its various design courses, including accessory and jewelry design.
Career opportunities in jewellery design
When it comes to a career in the jewellery industry, there is a myriad of opportunities available. This is because the field of jewellery making is a booming one, and with frequent changes in fashion and trends, there is always a new demand for jewellery. Hence, if you have the skills and the required education for jewellery making, you can easily establish yourself in this industry.
Here is a curated list of career opportunities available for an aspirant jewellery designer
Retail Chains:
Retail chains offer exciting job opportunities in the field of jewellery design. As a jewellery designer, you will have the chance to create stunning and unique pieces that will captivate customers. Your role may involve sketching designs, selecting gemstones and materials, and collaborating with manufacturers to bring your creations to life. Working in a retail chain allows you to showcase your talent to a wide range of customers and gain valuable industry experience. You will also have the opportunity to stay updated with the latest trends and styles, ensuring that your designs are always on-trend and in-demand.
Jewellery Boutiques:
Jewellery design is a captivating field that offers exciting career opportunities in jewellery boutiques. Working in a jewellery boutique allows designers to showcase their creativity and passion for crafting exquisite pieces. These jobs involve designing unique jewellery collections, collaborating with clients to create custom pieces, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends.
Jewellery designers in boutiques also have the chance to work with precious gemstones, metals, and innovative materials. They play a vital role in translating the client’s vision into stunning wearable art. With attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics, jewellery designers in boutiques contribute to the beauty and allure of the industry.
Jewellery Designing Firms:
You can also work with reputed jewellery designing firms or even work with some of the popular jewellery designers like Farah Khan Ali, Suhani Pittie, Varuna D Jani, and the like and create designs that resonate with the ideology and style of that firm.
Goldsmiths:
You can work as a goldsmith and get hands-on experience in creating metal-based jewellery, ornaments, gold plates, pots, and other objects.
Film and Television Industries:
You can also be a part of the film and television industry by creating customized jewellery designs for multiple characters according to the various roles they play.
Gemologist
Gemologist jobs play a crucial role in the world of jewellery design. These professionals are experts in identifying, jewelry appraising, and grading gemstones. They possess extensive knowledge of gemology, including the characteristics, quality, and value of various precious stones. Gemologists work closely with jewellery designers to select the perfect gems for their creations, ensuring the right combination of color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
They also evaluate gemstone authenticity and can detect any treatments or enhancements. Moreover, gemologists may provide consultations to clients, educating them about gemstones and helping them make informed decisions. Their expertise adds value and credibility to the field of jewellery design.
Freelance/ Independent Jewellery Designers:
As a freelance jewellery designer, you can either open your own brand of jewellery designs or take up independent jewellery projects and create customized designs that go with the style and taste of the customers.
Career Tip: The best way to get your work noticed is to create a strong resume and apply for designers’ roles through the right portal. TryMintly.com has the largest pool of reputed and certified Jewellery designing brands from across countries. As a jewelry aspirant or an experienced professional, you will get all the help on this platform in seeking and connecting with some of the industry’s top recruiters.
Conclusion
Choosing the right place to study Jewellery Design is crucial for aspiring designers. With numerous renowned institutions worldwide, there are plenty of options to consider. Institutions like Central Saint Martins in London, GIA in California, FIT in New York City, RISD in Rhode Island, and Alchimia in Florence offer comprehensive programs covering design techniques, gemology, and business aspects.
These institutions provide a fertile learning environment for students, enabling them to develop their creativity and technical skills. When deciding where to study Jewellery Design, it’s important to consider personal preferences, career goals, and individual learning style to ensure a fulfilling educational experience that lays the foundation for a successful career in the field.
