Jewellery Designer

Back to All Careers

Craft wearable art that captures emotions and tells stories.

As a Jewellery Designer, you will transform precious metals and gemstones into timeless pieces that adorn, commemorate, and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

As a Jewellery Designer, you are the visionary alchemist of adornment, blending creativity with craftsmanship to bring dreams to life. In this role, you will sketch intricate designs, select the perfect gemstones, and manipulate precious metals to create stunning pieces that reflect both your artistic vision and your clients’ desires. Your workshop is a realm where imagination meets precision, equipped with tools ranging from traditional jeweller’s loupes and soldering torches to cutting-edge 3D modelling software and laser engravers.

Your expertise will span from conceptualisation to final polish, requiring a deep understanding of metallurgy, gemmology, and current fashion trends. You’ll work with a diverse array of materials, from gold and platinum to exotic stones and alternative mediums, pushing the boundaries of wearable art. In this role, you will collaborate with clients to create bespoke pieces, develop collections for retail, and perhaps even set new trends in the industry.

As a Jewellery Designer, you’re not just crafting accessories; you’re creating tangible expressions of love, success, and personal style. Your pieces will adorn bodies, complete outfits, and become treasured possessions, carrying stories and memories within their gleaming surfaces.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Design unique jewellery pieces using sketches and CAD software
  2. Select and source appropriate gemstones and materials
  3. Craft prototypes and final pieces using various metalworking techniques
  4. Collaborate with clients to create custom, bespoke jewellery
  5. Stay informed about current trends and emerging techniques in jewellery design

Becoming a jewellery designer typically requires a combination of education, practical skills, and creative talent. While there are no mandatory qualifications, many jewellery designers have formal training in jewellery design, fine arts, or related fields. You can start by:

  1. Applying for entry-level roles with other jewellery designers
  2. Gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship
  3. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a focus on jewellery design
  4. Building a portfolio of your designs and creations
  5. Continuously updating your skills with workshops and courses in new techniques and technologies
Also Known As:
  • Advanced Jewellery Maker
  • Master Goldsmith
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a jewellery designer include:

  • Creativity
  • Gemmology
  • Metalworking
  • Precision
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a jewellery designer include:

  • Initiative
  • Precision
  • Integrity
  • Customer-focus
  • Persistence
  • Artistic – “Creator”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Design
  • Fashion
  • Visual Arts
  • Visual Arts (7-10)
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Design and Technologies (7-10)
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Sales Assistant can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$45,000
Median
$55,000
High
$65,000

If you are seeking employment in as a jewellery designer, a great way to start is by undertaking an apprenticeship. You can complete the following qualifications as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture (MEM30619)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 3 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

 

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

As a jewellery designer you may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Qualifications that may help you advance in your career include:

  • Certificate IV in Advanced Jewellery Manufacture (MEM40322)
  • Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design (MEM50322)
  • Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design (MEM60222)

While not mandatory, pursuing a formal education in jewellery design can be highly beneficial for aspiring designers. A bachelor’s degree in fine arts with a focus on jewellery design or metalsmithing is very useful.

This educational path typically combines classroom study with practical experience, covering essential skills like metalworking techniques, gemmology, CAD/CAM software, and art history. Developing business and marketing skills is also valuable. Gaining hands-on experience through projects, design competitions, and involvement in professional organisations can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many programs offer specialised tracks in emerging areas like wearable technology or sustainable practices.

Internships or apprenticeships with established designers or brands, while not required, provide invaluable real-world experience that goes beyond formal education. This combination of education, practical experience, and networking, though not mandatory, builds a strong foundation for a successful career in the dynamic field of jewellery design.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Jewellery Maker
Jewellery Maker

Start a glittering career as a Jewellery Maker in manufacturing, where your artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship will transform precious metals and gemstones into timeless pieces.

– Up to $70,000 salary

View Profile
Business Manager
Business Manager

As a Business Manager, you’ll leverage data-driven insights and industry knowledge to make pivotal decisions, streamline operations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

– Up to $150,000 salary

View Profile
Toolmaker
Toolmaker

Mould and shape the future of manufacturing through creating, maintaining and repairing the precision tools and equipment crucial to producing cutting-edge products, as a Toolmaker.

Strong demand for qualified tradespeople.

– Up to $90,000 salary

View Profile
Watchmaker
Watchmaker

This specialised role involves the manufacture, maintenance, repair, and restoration of watches, clocks, and other timepieces.

– Up to $75,000 salary

View Profile
Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

General manufacturing and engineering industry
Related Careers
Up to $85,000 Salary
Interior Decorator
Go to Career Profile
Up to $70,000 Salary
Screen Printer
Go to Career Profile