Design & Visual Arts

Jewellery Designer

SOC 27-1029 · ESCO 2163 · OSCA 242233

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Designs and often handcrafts rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces, sketching concepts, selecting materials, and using techniques like soldering, stone setting, and polishing. Balances artistic expression with wearability and client preferences, translating ideas into tangible, beautiful, and functional adornments.

Creates personal and meaningful objects that celebrate milestones, express identity, and hold sentimental value. Contributes to the preservation of traditional craft techniques while pushing artistic boundaries.

On the job

  • Sketching and rendering jewellery designs by hand or using CAD software.
  • Selecting appropriate precious metals, gemstones, and other materials.
  • Using tools for cutting, filing, soldering, polishing, and stone setting.
  • Collaborating with clients to understand their vision and create custom pieces.
  • Managing project timelines and material sourcing.
Jewellery Designer at work

Tools & technology

CAD software (e.g., Rhino, Matrix)Jeweller's bench toolsTorch (for soldering)Polishing machinesHand rendering tools3D printer (for wax models)

Average salary

$65K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$40K Bottom 10%
$90K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Certificate or diploma in jewellery design, metalsmithing, or fine arts. A strong portfolio showcasing technical skill and creativity is essential.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Jewellery Designer
Jewellery Business Owner

CURRENT ROLE

Jewellery Designer

Design & Visual Arts

ADJACENT MOVES

Product Designer
Jewellery Apprentice
Metalsmith Assistant
Fine Arts Graduate

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

A

artistic · ARC

People who enjoy combining artistic creativity with precise, hands-on craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Curious

Eager to explore new materials, techniques, and design trends.

Meticulous

Possesses a high degree of precision and attention to detail in crafting intricate pieces.

Artistic

Driven by a strong aesthetic sense and a desire to create beautiful, unique objects.

Client-focused

Able to listen to client needs and translate their vision into a wearable design.

Resilient

Manages the challenges of intricate handwork, potential material waste, and client feedback without undue stress.

Best for

  • Individuals who love working with their hands to create beautiful, tangible objects.
  • Those who appreciate both artistic expression and technical precision.
  • People who enjoy the challenge of turning abstract ideas into highly detailed, finished products.

Watch out for

  • Can be physically demanding, requiring fine motor skills and prolonged focus.
  • Client expectations can sometimes be challenging to balance with artistic vision or practical constraints.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Jewellery Designer — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Studio setup & plan for the week
Concept sketching & digital rendering
Material research & sourcing
Tue
Bench work: metal fabrication
Client design review
Design revisions
Wed
Bench work: stone setting
Supplier call
Polishing & finishing
Thu
New design concept exploration
Marketing/social media content creation
Custom order production
Fri
Quality control & packaging
Client delivery/pickup
Studio maintenance & inventory
Skill development/experimentation
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

Does Jewellery Designer fit you?

Measure your personality and interests, then see how this career ranks against 1,300+ others — for you personally.

Take the free assessment →