The art of jewelery Design combines elements of line, form and texture to create unique accessories that elicit emotion. As the popularity of jewelry grows, so too does the demand for designers to produce innovative pieces that resonate with consumers at a deeper level and spark new trends. Embracing CAD technology expands creative possibilities while streamlining production to reduce time and costs.
The most successful jewelry designers possess a combination of technical expertise, artistic talent and business acumen. As a result, those interested in pursuing this career path should consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as fashion design, graphic arts or industrial design. Alternatively, they may pursue an associate degree in the field of art or obtain hands-on experience as a jewelry apprentice.
Aside from formal education, jewelry designers must also be proficient in the use of 3D modeling software. Fortunately, many industry-specific applications are available that offer a wealth of tools for the creation of intricate and organic shapes. These programs range from standard solid and surface modelers to freeform sculpting tools like Blender and Rhinoceros with Grasshopper-like generative design functionality.
In the video above, Michael shows us how he uses multiple variations of a single form to compose a stunning brooch. He then recombines the individual components into other types of accessories, including a necklace and a bracelet.
Jewelry designers often work with retail manufacturers to produce large collections of jewelry for brands and retailers. As such, they must have their finger on the pulse of current and upcoming fashion trends. In addition, the designs are typically manufactured for mass-production which means a focus on reducing cost while maintaining quality.
As a result, it is imperative that jewelry designers have the ability to generate a wide variety of different designs in order to maximize revenue opportunities. Using the latest CAD software, they must be able to generate both geometric and freeform shapes as well as organic textures that replicate realistic metal finishes. In addition, these models must be sized and weighted to ensure proper fit and comfort.
In a similar vein, jewelry designers need to be able to quickly iterate prototypes for client try-on sessions. This enables them to meet with the consumer and reach the moment where the piece feels “just right.” For fast prototyping, a 3D printer like Formlabs Grey Resin is ideal for enabling rapid design iterations that verify proportion and aesthetics. Having a physical prototype at hand can also help to increase client satisfaction and enable consultative sessions that lead to more sales.
