Making of jewelry requires a wide variety of skills, which involves
training and creativity. The work in the jewellery industry involves casting
and molding of jewellery, and the identification and testing of jewellery
and gemstones. Designing, Manufacturing and Marketing are the major tasks
performed. One can work in the industry as a Designer, join the Manufacturing
section, Retailing department and even specialize in Gemology and deal
with identification and grading of various precious stones and diamonds.
The designer prepares sketches of the design on a paper by hand or on
the computer to conceputalise the design. After consulting with the customer
or the manufacturing team, the designers make detailed drawings, a structural
model, computer stimulations or a full-scale prototype. Then these designs
are created out of the regular or floral patterns and then forms are generated
by connecting different structures together. In the manufacturing process,
a model of the design is prepared by shaping the metal or by carving wax
and the individual parts are soldered together. After that, finishing
works like setting stone or gems, polishing, engraving etc are done.
Nowadays, computer-aided design (CAD) software's are used in the manufacturing
firms to facilitate product design and to avoid flaws during the designing
process. CAD allows to create a virtual-reality model of a piece of jewelry
and the designers can modify the design, change the stone or try a different
setting and see the changes on a computer screen before cutting a stone
or performing other costly steps. After that a mold of the prepared model
is produced in a wax like or other material with the help of Computer
aided manufacturing (CAM) process. CAM helps in the easier manufacturing
of numerous pieces of the same design which are then distributed to retail
establishments across the country.
The most essential factor in getting a job is to present a strong portfolio
of the work. More than qualification, it is the skills and experience
that makes an excellent jewellery designer. Graduates in jewellery
designing with excellent skills are in great demand in India and abroad.
After successful completion of a course in jewellery designing, one can
find outstanding job prospects in various jewellery manufactures &
designing houses, export houses and renowned jewellery brand names such
as Nakshatra, Tanishq, D-damas, Swarovski, Gili, Tribhuvandas Bhimji Zaveri
to name a few. One can opt for setting up their own Design Studio
and workshop; or can also work as a freelance designer.
Most designers start their career in jewellery industry as apprentices
in showrooms or in their family businesses. As they gain more skill in
jewellery design and repair, they may take advantage of opportunities
to specialize in a specific area of the field such as goldsmithing, wax
carving or stone setting. One can start their own business with a couple
of years experience, or once they have evolved their unique style and
has the ability to identify and rate a good gem or a stone. Jewellery
designer should be well aware of the current trends and carry on with
the latest models and styles.
Since most vacancies in this field are not advertised, it is handy for
a designer to make a good contact network within the industry by attending
trade fairs and exhibitions. Some of the career prospects in the field
of jewellery designing are :
• In Jewellery
Stores • Manufacturing
Companies • Self Employment • Teaching and
Research • Independent
Shop/ Private Studios • Fairs and Flea
Markets.
There are abundant job openings for jewellery designers in foreign countries,
especially in Bangkok and Singapore.
