What Will I Learn in a Jewelry Design Degree Program?

From precious metals to everyday objects, jewelry designers turn materials into beautiful and interesting wearable art. If you want to learn how to work with metal, stone, wire, thread and other materials to create your own jewelry, this degree program is for you. Students will discover how to create molds, repair jewelry, design new pieces, and work with a wide range of materials and styles. Course work varies, but students can expect to take at least some general classes on jewelry history, design, stone setting, metalsmithing, gemology and jewelry repair. 

Jewelry Design Cert.	Jewelry Design Cert.

What Can I Do With a Jewelry Design Degree?

Many who graduate with a jewelry design degree go on to work with a jeweler, designing, cutting and manufacturing pieces. Other graduates will use their degrees by working in a commercial jewelry store, or owning their own jewelry sales business. The degree can also come in handy when pursuing a career as a jewelry importer or exporter or working as a jewelry appraiser and gemologist. If you'd rather work on existing jewelry than create your own, there are always jobs for those who can repair pieces.

What Is the Career Outlook for Jewelry Design Degree Students?

Jewelry design and sales can be a rewarding field to get into but it may not be easy for new grads to find a job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the jewelry industry to grow more slowly than the average. This is due to a large portion of jewelry being imported, eliminating the need for entry level workers. But there is expected to be much growth in the field of custom jewelry design as consumers seek out personal pieces. Jewelry design students can expect to make $24,000 to $43,000 a year when starting out.