Design sparkling masterpieces
What do Jewellery Designers do?
Jewellery Designers conceptualise and design all different kinds of jewellery and accessories, including rings, necklaces, piercings, watches, brooches, and much more. They can work with a variety of materials, including metals, precious stones, glass, plastic, and others. They may work individually with a client looking to create a specific vision, or design unique pieces to sell to retailers or direct to the public.
If you are creative with an eye for detail, can keep up with the latest fashions and trends, and want a job that can give you freedom and flexibility, becoming a Jewellery Designer could be ideal.
About you:
Creative and innovative
Good eye for design
Great attention to detail
Precise and thorough
Keeps up with fashion trends
Organised and efficient
Great communicator
Can work in teams and independently
The job:
Consulting with clients to determine their needs
Researching which materials will work best for the job
Sketching and refining concepts and ideas
Creating prototypes to ensure suitability
Staying within budgets and timelines
Overseeing the manufacturing process
Researching fashion and design trends
Ensuring designs are both beautiful and practical
Lifestyle Impact: Low
Part Time opportunities: High – around 45% of Jewellery Designers work part-time (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
Average hours for full-time workers: 46 hours a week, which is slightly above average (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
Jewellery Designers’ salary (average) $70,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
Future career growth: Very strong (source: joboutlook.gov.au).
Most of your work will probably be done indoors. You might work as a consultant or designer for a business or brand, or work on your own as a freelancer.
Jewellery Designers are most in demand in these locations:
This is a very small occupation, with only around 590 people working as Jewellery Designers in Australia in 2016 (source: joboutlook.com.au). Demand for Jewellery Designers is spread fairly evenly across Australia, with a large share of workers in New South Wales. Most Jewellery Designers work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Retail Trade industries.
How to become a Jewellery Designer in Australia
Although you don’t need any formal qualifications to work as a Jewellery Designer in Australia, you will need a strong portfolio of work to showcase your skills to potential clients. There are courses you can take to help boost your knowledge and skills as well.
Step 1 – Complete Year 10 with a focus on English and Arts or Design.
Step 2 – Start building a portfolio of designs.
Step 3 – Consider undertaking a relevant VET course, such as a Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology or Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design.
Step 4 – Consider upskilling with an undergraduate course, such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Design.
Step 5 – Continue to build on your portfolio and client base.
Find out more here –
Similar Careers to Jewellery Designer
Fashion Designer
Find out more about alternative careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do Jewellery Designers do?
Jewellery Designers use their creative skills and knowledge to design all kinds of jewellery and accessories.
Which industries employ Jewellery Designers?
Jewellery Designers are mostly employed in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Retail Trade industries.
What options are there for career progression?
Once you build up a good portfolio and lots of experience, you could find yourself working for some of the world’s best fashion and design brands. Or you might like to make a name for yourself working freelance.
Do I need to go to university to become a Jewellery Designer?
No, you don’t need any formal qualifications to work as a Jewellery Designer in Australia. However, they can help boost your skills and employability.
Where do Jewellery Designers work?
There is demand for Jewellery Designers across most of Australia, particularly in New South Wales.
What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Jewellery Designer?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Jewellery Designer is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:
Start working on your portfolio now. Come up with as many ideas and concepts as you can, and work on refining them. Ask friends and family for their opinions.
See if you can find work experience in a design or fashion-based setting. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
Talk to a Jewellery Designer to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in design or fashion.