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What is Jewelry Design?

Jewelry design and crafts is the area of study and employment that deals with the design and creation of jewelry through the use of gems and metals in order to achieve appealing designs. Individuals in this field may create their own designs or work with customers to bring to life their desired design, or elements of design, in order to produce the given piece of jewelry. Though individuals may enter this field without having a previous education, individuals who have completed a program are generally considered more desirable hires.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$42,310

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

12.39%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

26,480

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Jewelry Design Classes

The University of Michigan is the number one Public University in America according to QS World University Rankings (2019–2020) and ranked 15th in the World Reputation Rankings by Times Higher Ed (2019). It offers more than 275 degree-granting programs across its 19 schools and colleges.

UM's Stamps School of Art & Design offers leading undergraduate and graduate programs taught by experienced faculties with occasional visitation lectures of respected emerging and established artists/designers— free of charge and open to the public. Stamps' BFA program emphasizes creativity: critical thinking, project development, community engagement, and collaboration, as well as mastery of technique and craftsmanship. Students start with foundational studio courses during their freshman year and take elective studio courses and academic courses beyond the Stamps School. The remaining two years after are usually flexible and culminates with advanced, 400-level studio work.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Founded in 1877, Rhode Island School of Design or RISD is one of the pioneering arts and design schools in America. The private liberal arts college is home to around 2,500 local and international students that engage in RISD's undergraduate and graduate programs.

Students enrolled at RISD's Jewelry + Metalsmithing BFA program benefit from regular contact from visiting artists from around the globe during critiques and individual studio visits. First-year students are required to partake in Experimental and Foundation Studies; they are introduced to essential design principles, the traditional skills of the gold/metalsmith, and the history of adornment for a year; they will officially enter the program during their sophomore year. The acquisition of fundamental computer design skills, casting and alternative materials usage, and formal rendering techniques and enameling basics are taught during their Junior years. The program culminates with the exhibition of a final body of work.

Acceptance Rate

25.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Comprising 13 schools and colleges and offering 200 customizable majors, 100 minors, and online degrees and certificates, Syracuse University is a large private research university that has been around for 150 years. It has a student body of around 22,000 promising individuals that makes up a community of innovators, thinkers, and creative solution finders.

The university presents a BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing that teaches students to manipulate an assortment of metals with tools for artistic ends. The curriculum is flexible; students can select the directions they wish their work to take, such as jewelry making, silversmithing, and many more. They are trained in jewelry and metalsmithing methods as forming, joining, molding, and surface decorating. Syracuse has exceptional studio facilities, and professional artists deliver a balanced experience in industrial processes and fine crafts making for students.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Ranked top on the recent Academic Ranking of World Universities, the University of Washington is a community of highly optimistic individuals. Every year, UW has over 54,000 enrolled students from different parts of the globe, with campuses located in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell.

Learning in the visual arts hones the crucial skills of problem-solving, writing, and presenting information. It develops technical proficiencies, promotes collaborations, advances knowledge of visual literacy. The School of Art, Art History, and Design offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art with four concentrations: Interdisciplinary Visual Arts, Painting + Drawing, Photo/Media, or 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture. Students in this major have a hands-on, experiential opportunity to learn and earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to declare the major.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

From its inception as the Classical School in 1828, SUNY New Paltz has established a reputation for excellence and creativity, a tradition that continues to this day. It was recognized by The U.S. News & World Report, New Paltz fourth among best public regional universities with bachelor's and master's degree programs.

The SUNY College at New Paltz has earned the #1 spot for the public university metal program. Department of Art: Metal tackles the study that engages a wide variety of ideas, objects, images, and modes of making. Its curriculum provides opportunities to explore the technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of contemporary jewelry and metalsmithing in a state-of-the-art facility with actively engaged artists who exhibit and lecture internationally.

Acceptance Rate

45.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising was recognized as one of the Top 10 Graphic Design Schools by College Magazine and ranked among the Top 10 Sustainable Fashion Schools in the World by the University Network. It offers MBA, B.A., B.S., and A.A. degrees taught by a prestigious faculty composed of notable talents in the entertainment and fashion industry.

The top ranked Jewelry Design degree program is uniquely positioned to link jewelry design to fashion and benefit from FIDM's incredible network of fashion industry connections. The jewelry design classes in FIDM's custom-designed state-of-the-industry Jewelry Design Studio are located in the heart of one of the largest Jewelry Districts in the world. Students learn the techniques to design and execute their jewelry pieces. The program features an in-depth study of jewelry's history to give students an artistic and historical context for their ideas. Graduates are prepared to design jewelry for private clients, start their lines, and play a part in notable accessories brands.

Acceptance Rate

36.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

One of New York City's premier public institutions, the Fashion Institute of Technology is recognized internationally for its design, fashion, art, communications, and business programs. It is an institution that strives to advance innovative design and strategic business solutions that will have a lasting and sustainable global impact on the community.

Fashion Institute of Technology's major in Jewelry Design program is the only one globally— integrating craftsmanship, professional design, and digital literacy. FIT's cutting-edge facilities provide classes that combine traditional craftsmanship with digital technology and rapid prototyping, master the hand-rendering, as well as digital model making and gemology. The graduates will have an in-depth understanding of jewelry design, manufacture, and merchandising, prepared to forge a successful career in this multifaceted industry with 80 pieces of finished jewelry to serve as a portfolio for work.

Acceptance Rate

53.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Recognized as Philadelphia's public university, Temple University has evolved into an international powerhouse in higher education and a top-tier research institution since its founding in 1884. Temple educates various future leaders from across the country to prepare for their careers and make a real impact.

The Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM (MJCC) program under Tyler School of Art and Architecture is a flagship program that offers traditional jewelry-making and cutting-edge digital practice. Tyler MJCC is acknowledged for its expansive, state-of-the-art facilities. It has nearly 6,000 square feet devoted to jewelry-making, metalsmithing, and 3D printing for students to learn techniques and transcends tradition through the latest technologies like Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and electroforming. Students graduate with a broad skill set, enhanced critical thinking skills, and the technological proficiency to succeed in various industries, establish an individual artistic practice or gain acceptance in graduate school.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

From 1853 up to the present times, Arcadia University – known initially as Beaver College – continues to be a leading university in studying abroad and competing with various institutions.  Arcadia University's pioneers global, liberal arts, integrated, and professional learning experience breeds leaders who are intellectually fearless and prepared for life and work.

Arcadia's BFA program features small, interactive art classes; practical, hands-on internships and apprenticeships; and exciting study abroad opportunities to give students the knowledge and skills they need to think creatively and make the most of whatever career route they desire. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and home to an internationally known art gallery, the university offers 14 various art concentrations and a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. The Metals and Jewelry concentration exposes students to an assortment of metalsmithing techniques and experimentation of traditional and non-traditional materials.

Acceptance Rate

65.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

With over 21,800 students and ranked as the no. 1 public university in Oregon, The University of Oregon is one of the two schools in the Pacific Northwest selected for membership in the prominent Association of American Universities— a consortium of 65 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. It is well-known for its research prowess and commitment to exceptional teaching.

The university created a Craft Center that offers jewelry and metalsmithing workshops and provides stone setting resources, casting, and polishing. It has studio spaces for darkroom photography, woodworking, glassworking, paper arts, printmaking, fiber arts, painting and drawing, and ceramics. Per the University of Oregon and EMU policy, the workshops should be through reservation and appointments to accommodate participants with focused learning. Previous experience in jewelry and metalsmithing is required, and Craft Center guidelines will be provided when participants enroll in the workshop.

Acceptance Rate

81.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Rochester Institute of Technology is a collaborative community of engaged, socially, and intellectually curious minds. With nearly 19,000 students and more than 135,000 graduates from all 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT has driven progress in industries and communities worldwide since 1829.

RIT offers an MFA program in metals and jewelry design and a BFA program in metals and jewelry design. The MFA in metals and jewelry design program is broad; it provides students with extensive exposure to metalworking techniques, expands their knowledge of applied design, strengthens their perceptual and philosophical concepts, and teaches them to develops an individual mode of expression. Students in the BFA program gain the opportunity to learn about hollowware, jewelry, sculpture, and furniture within the metals environment in the best of studio arts and American crafts traditions. With both degrees, students are assured to be well equipped for their professional goals.

Acceptance Rate

70.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Cleveland Institute of Art was formed in 1882 and is one of America's leading, accredited, and independent art and design colleges. CIA offers a more personal educational experience with 15 majors from design, craft, fine arts, and digital arts to choose from. 

The Jewelry + Metalls degree program at the Cleveland Institute of Art begins with studying the fundamental techniques and materials in jewelry design, metalwork, functional objects, and sculpture. Students learn about the field's history, contemporary attitudes across art and design, jewelry, items, and the artists and designers of the current time. They develop an intensive understanding of the artist and designer's creative process and contemporary practices. CIA's Engaged Practice before graduation provides better opportunities to learn and exercise the skills through experience by working on projects in real life with some external partners or clients or in the public setting.

Acceptance Rate

69.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Maine College of Art is located right in the center of a beautiful District of Portland Arts on the southern coast of Maine. It was voted to be one of the top 10 art towns in America, and America's most livable city, Portland. MECA takes pride in Maine's unique heritage as a site for inspiration and inquiry, and the students and faculty members carry on and contribute to the heritage.

At MECA, the 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is implemented to provide students with the best learning opportunities and experiences to be creative professionals in life. The Metalsmithing and Jewelry degree at MECA teaches students the history of jewelry and metalsmithing and the field's contemporary theories and practices and appropriate critical language. The program facilities are well-equipped for jewelry making and traditional hollowware. Each student will have their workspace and full access to studio equipment, including casting, forming, and raising facilities, enameling, a small-scale lathe, stone cutting equipment, and a new MECA Fab Lab.

Acceptance Rate

62.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Savannah College of Art and Design presents degrees in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, and online via eLearning, and provides additional study abroad opportunities in Lacoste, France, and other locations.  The institution prepares talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment.

The award-winning institution offers a minor in Jewelry Design with only 25 total course hours. Students are introduced to a range of basic techniques, materials, and processes within the broad historical and social context of jewelry and metalworking. They are expected to acquire a range of basic techniques and materials within the broad historical and social context of jewelry and metalworking by the end of the course.

Acceptance Rate

95.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth had records of accomplishments since its establishment 125 years ago. It maintains its tradition of educating students for successful careers and adapting to the ever-changing needs of the future of work originated.

UMassD's MFA Artisanry - Jewelry/Metals program is a 60-credit program that spans two to three years.  It offers students the opportunity for concentrated studio works involving technical and conceptual challenges. Students work with materials and processes through questioning and experimentation while developing abstract and expressive ideas. They work closely with the faculty advisor to be closely monitored to develop the advanced skills and self-discipline to fuel the ambitions and future artistic career.

Acceptance Rate

74.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

In 1907 a man named Frederick Meyer formed a private non-profit college that is now presently known as California College of the Arts. The college offers a rich curriculum of 22 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs and is noted for its curricular interdisciplinary, breadth of programs, and commitment to social responsibility.

One of the oldest and most acclaimed in the field, the Jewelry + Metal Arts program's founding dates way back to 1912. Its location in the Bay Area has swift access to world-class museum galleries, and a large metalsmithing community and materials suppliers are possible. With faculty guidance, the students operate rapid prototyping equipment, including 3D printers, jewelry welders, laser cutters, and blending craft-based processes with cutting-edge technology aids students to develop a unique aesthetic approach and original. Additionally, they undergo internships with the best Bay Area metal artists and continue to collaborate with other metalsmiths and artists locally and internationally after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

85.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

A long history of 150 years, Buffalo State College had been educating in Buffalo in 1871. The college has involved a community of learners, scholars, leaders, and global citizens in a diverse community that works together to achieve excellence, transform ourselves, and, in turn, change the world.

The B.F.A. degree in Metals/Jewelry Design is a studio-intensive program focused on developing the conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills necessary to foster creativity. Students work towards developing their own identities as visual designers/artists. It also prepares students for advanced or graduate studies or begins careers as professional designers or artists. Students get hands-on experience in fabricating large volumetric forms and jewelry-scale objects using traditional and contemporary digital fabrication technologies.

Acceptance Rate

67.01

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Instituted in 1891, Central Washington University stays true to its commitment to provide hands-on learning and discovery and individual attention that takes students beyond traditional limits. CWU is a consistent recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and many more achievements throughout the years.

CWU offers a Jewelry and Metalsmithing under the Art Major, B.A where students are taught how to design and construct jewelry and small-scale metal objects. The curriculum comprises six courses that tackle Jewelry/Metals—each of them being a prerequisite to other major subjects. It emphasizes technical skill development, applied technique, conceptual problems, and introduction to contemporary work to do what they are studying in real-world, professional settings, making learning exciting and relevant. 

Acceptance Rate

84.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

For the past 150 years, the University of Akron set sights, rising from one peak to another in engineering, business, technology, health care, and the arts and sciences, with a body of about 19,200 students representing 46 U.S. states 71 foreign countries. It offers a wide variety of in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs, including many nationally recognized for their excellence.

The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Metalsmithing program.  The program introduces various techniques to students and allows them to explore a wide range of objects, ideas, images, and modes of making. The curriculum combines art theory, craft history, contemporary issues, and personal influences with a comprehensive approach to making and materials. Students refine their skills as they study and create useful and non-functional objects, jewelry, and metal sculpture.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Ferris State University is one of the leading public universities in America, with its main University campus located in Big Rapids, Michigan. The university is known for its quality instruction and a large selection of academic programs, ranging from the associate to doctoral degrees and producing graduates with successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.

The Kendall College of Art and Design programs or KCAD under Ferris State University focuses on curating unique art styles and coming to life imaginations. The Jewelry Design program offers Furniture Design, Industrial Design, and Metals and Jewelry Design merged into one.  It is powered by a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and outward-facing studio culture that will expand perspective and enlarge the sense of possibility. Students get to experience beyond the classroom learning and connection with West Michigan's booming design industry professionals and subject matter experts. 

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Montgomery Community College provides a life-long educational opportunity that prepares individuals for existing and emerging careers and personal growth.  MCC is committed to the resources to serve the community in the achievement of its educational goals.

Jewelry Design is one of the topics under MCC's metal engraving program. Course work will include embellishments utilizing the hammer and chisel, power engraving devices, inlaying of precious metals and jewels into a metal base, acid etching, bas-relief graving, and the sinking of scenes into the medium. The program offers two options, Basic Metal Engraving Certificate and Basic Metal Engraving Certificate, for 12 semester hours. Potential careers can include gold and or silversmithing, gun-smithing, tool and die trades, printing plates, and jewelry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

As a practice-based art school, the Academy of Art University offers accredited art and design degree programs that provide hands-on experience with a disciplined approach. The Academy of Art University claims to be the only higher arts education institution in America with an NCAA athletics program. The Academy experience is filled with opportunities to work and network with numerous industry partners.

The School of Jewelry & Metal Arts offers a Jewelry Design course with techniques ranging from traditional jewelry skills to the latest laser cutters, electronics, and 3D modeling and also printing. Focusing on sustainability and eco-friendliness in materials and procedures, students learn about various quality metals and precious gemstones appropriate for successful outcomes. It encourages the cultivation of the student's artistic voice as one creates innovative new pieces and designs with the latest technologies. The school also offers revolutionary online courses that provide the same rigorous education offered on campus but with greater flexibility. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Haywood Community College was instituted in 1965 and is part of the North Carolina Community College System. Its campus has been recognized with Tree Campus USA designation by the Arbor Day Foundation and is a designated arboretum with an environment-friendly campus.

The college offers different affordable programs; 30 curricular programs are found in nine other clusters on a four-year school. The program Professional Crafts has a Jewelry Design curriculum that prepares individuals to become professional metalsmiths.  Students are expected to learn metal forming and decorative metal techniques and the essential information to start and operate a small business in the future.  The coursework will also include jewelry design, studio safety, and tool and machine orientation. Graduates of this program are able to start and operate their jewelry studio and or work for an established jeweler.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Recognized as North Carolina's first community college, the College of the Albemarle (COA) boasts its exceptional four campuses across all seven counties. It is famous for its excellent educational programs, a strong tradition in the Albemarle region, financial aids, and the safety in its campuses with compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

COA's Professional Crafts: Jewelry program teaches students metalsmithing, jewelry construction, design, and marketing skills needed to develop their unique style and production pieces and form a business from their artistic talent. The Professional Arts building contains COA's professional art gallery and jewelry studio equipped with the finest workbenches, hand tools required for jewelry fabrication, and three additional studios for different functions and purposes. Moreover, students can access a computer lab equipped with Rhinoceros 3D modeling software and Flamingo rendering software that renders images for the crafted jewelry pieces and makes a masterpiece.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) is a fully accredited California public community college that offers over 100 college degrees and certificate programs, serving Big Sur, Carmel, Del Rey Oaks, Carmel Valley, Marina, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Monterey, Sand City, and Seaside.

Students study metal arts and jewelry making and learn a wide range of historical and contemporary techniques through MPC's comprehensive Jewelry and Metal Arts degree. They are trained to hone their technical skills through practice, resulting in a well-rounded body of work that demonstrates proficiency at a level required for artistic and commercial pursuits.  The program is equipped with introductory courses that present students with a wide range of techniques, methods, and materials used to produce jewelry and small-scale metal artwork and objects and a course that focuses on the design and creation of classical and original chains and rings.
 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Educational Requirements for Jewelry Designers

Individuals who pursue a program through a vocational school or community college in this field will typically enter a program that last between six months and one year. The education received will vary by program, and can include courses in computer aided design (CAD), which is becoming common place in the design and creation of jewelry. Higher level degrees are available in design, typically up to the master degree level, and are generally awarded as a fine arts degree.

A curriculum may include:

  • Gemology
  • Design
  • Metal Working
  • CAD
  • History of Jewelry
Schools Others Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Jewelry Design

Individuals will typically pursue apprenticeship under aprofessional, working alongside seasoned designers and manufacturers as part of their on the job training. Many individuals in this field work alone as specialists and offer their products through shows, online sales, or to select clients. Others may work in design firms, working to produce designs yearly and of varying quality for the purposes of sale. The advent of new technologies has made the process of design and manufacture easier over the years, allowing for more intricate and varied pieces. Individuals in this field should also have an understanding of ratings of gem and precious metals and how to gauge and identify such products.

Job Growth, Salary and Related Design Fields

Job growth in this field is expected to decrease over the next decade due to outsourced manufacturing and easier design methodologies and technologies. The decline will hit lower skilled labor the most, due to the removal of need regarding such positions. Personal designers, firms and others will still continue to employ professionals, particularly those with excellent design skills and technical acumen. The average salary for an individual in this field is approximately $38,200 annually, but may vary greatly based on a number of factors that include skill, notoriety, and location.

Top 5 Paying States for Jewelers

  1. New Jersey $54,770
  2. Pennsylvania $53,960
  3. Arkansas $53,850
  4. Connecticut $50,680
  5. New York $49,510

Top Employers for a Jeweler

  • Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Stores
  • Manufacturing Companies
  • Durable Goods Wholesalers
  • Household Goods Repair and Maintenance Stores
  • Specialized Design Services

Individuals in this field may also be interested in ceramic arts, fine studio arts, machining, industrial design, or art history. Additionally, graduates may find benefit it becoming members of associations such as the Jewelers of American (JA) or the Jewelry Design Professionals Network (JDPN). Organizations of this caliber provide research, tools, and professional networking opportunities outside academia that may prove beneficial to graduates.

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