Jewellery designers design, style and produce jewellery in a variety of materials including silver, gold, platinum and other precious metals. Over the last few years the fashion industry has promoted plastic beaded jewellery for its new age appeal and has been a permanent fixture on many a celebrity’s wrist. The days of bling are not numbered moreover we are seeing a fusion of natural materials with precious metals.

Jewellery design jobs
Many jewellery designers are self-employed and tend to produce their jewellery to order either working from home or renting affordable studio spaces with other jewellery designers.

Independent bespoke retailers
Specialist independent jewellers do hire designers to create a range of designs. This can range from traditional bangles and necklaces to one off pieces. More commonly the work of a designer revolves around customising and adjusting jewellery which is the bread and butter of many retail outlets.

Sell your own jewellery
For those of you who fancy the entrepreneurial route there are lots of opportunities available including:

• Become a bespoke jewellery designer. Clients will commission you to produce one off or limited runs of your designs.
• Sell your jewellery designs at craft fairs and arts exhibitions. This is a great way to network and exhibit your work.
• Become a jewellery design teacher. You could offer one-day courses in jewellery making e.g. produce a simple ring that the students can take home.
• Open a retail outlet. Sell and promote yours and other jewellery designers work in your very own shop. Many arts centres have small craft shops run by designers selling bespoke jewellery which appeals to the gallery visiting crowd.

Becoming a successful jewellery designer is not built on talent alone. You’ll need to become a slick marketeer and have an intuitive sense of what people are prepared to wear and pay for.