Jewellery Designer Course

Lesson 1 • History of Jewellery Through the Ages

Traces jewellery evolution from ancient civilizations to contemporary design. Provides historical context that informs aesthetic decisions throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Core Design Principles and Elements

Introduces balance, proportion, rhythm, and unity as applied to jewellery. Students use these principles to evaluate and improve their own design sketches.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Target Markets and Styles

Analyzes consumer segments and how style preferences shape design decisions. Connects market awareness to purposeful, commercially viable design choices.

Lesson 1 • Precious and Base Metals Overview

Covers properties, alloys, and working characteristics of gold, silver, platinum, and base metals. Material knowledge directly informs fabrication and finishing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Gemstone Identification and Grading

Introduces the four Cs and optical properties used to evaluate gemstones. Accurate grading skills support ethical sourcing and accurate client communication.

Lesson 3 • Material Selection for Design Intent

Applies material knowledge to match metals and stones to specific design briefs. Students practice cost-benefit analysis and material compatibility assessment.

Lesson 1 • Technical and Orthographic Drawing

Introduces front, side, and top views with dimensions for production-ready drawings. Technical drawings bridge the gap between creative concept and workshop execution.

Lesson 2 • Basic Drawing Tools and Setup

Introduces pencils, markers, templates, and paper types used in jewellery illustration. Proper tool selection accelerates skill development and produces cleaner drawings.

Lesson 3 • Rendering Metal Surfaces and Gemstones

Develops shading and highlight techniques to convey metal finish and stone brilliance. Realistic rendering communicates design intent clearly to clients and craftspeople.

Lesson 4 • Design Ideation and Concept Sketching

Builds rapid ideation habits through thumbnail sketching and iterative refinement. Students generate multiple concepts quickly before committing to a final design direction.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Jewellery CAD Software

Orients students to the CAD environment, interface, and core navigation tools. Familiarity with the workspace is prerequisite to all subsequent modelling tasks.

Lesson 2 • Preparing Files for 3D Printing and Casting

Converts CAD models into print-ready files with correct tolerances and wall thicknesses. Proper file preparation prevents costly reprints and casting failures.

Lesson 3 • 3D Modelling of Basic Jewellery Forms

Builds ring bands, bezels, and prong settings using Boolean and surface tools. Mastery of basic forms is the foundation for all complex CAD jewellery models.

Lesson 4 • Advanced CAD Modelling Techniques

Covers pavé layouts, filigree patterns, and organic surface modelling. Advanced techniques enable complex, high-detail designs that are difficult to achieve by hand.

Lesson 1 • Setting Security and Durability Principles

Examines how metal thickness, prong count, and seat depth affect stone retention. Designers who understand security principles produce safer, longer-lasting jewellery.

Lesson 2 • Overview of Stone-Setting Styles

Surveys prong, bezel, channel, pavé, and flush settings with structural comparisons. Understanding setting types allows designers to specify the correct method for each design.

Lesson 3 • Selecting Settings for Stone Shapes

Matches setting styles to round, oval, cushion, marquise, and fancy-cut stones. Correct pairing protects the stone and maximizes its visual impact in the design.

Lesson 1 • Plating and Surface Treatments

Introduces rhodium, gold, and black plating processes and their design applications. Plating decisions affect color, durability, and maintenance requirements for the end customer.

Lesson 2 • Surface Finishing and Polishing

Details progressive abrasive finishing, polishing compounds, and surface treatment options. Finish selection affects both aesthetics and the perceived quality of the final piece.

Lesson 3 • Fabrication and Bench Techniques

Covers sawing, filing, soldering, and forming as core bench fabrication skills. Fabrication knowledge helps designers anticipate construction constraints during the design phase.

Lesson 4 • Quality Control and Production Standards

Establishes inspection criteria for dimensions, finish, setting security, and hallmarking. Consistent quality control protects brand reputation and reduces customer returns.

Lesson 1 • Defining a Design Concept and Theme

Guides students through concept development from inspiration source to design language. A strong concept ensures visual coherence across all pieces in a collection.

Lesson 2 • Building a Balanced Collection

Teaches how to plan a range of pieces that vary in price, complexity, and occasion. A balanced collection maximizes market reach while maintaining a unified aesthetic.

Lesson 3 • Brand Identity and Signature Style

Develops a personal or brand design signature through recurring motifs and material choices. A recognizable signature differentiates the designer in a competitive market.

Lesson 4 • Presenting a Collection to Stakeholders

Prepares students to present collections through look books, line sheets, and pitch decks. Effective presentation skills convert design work into commercial opportunities.

Lesson 1 • Pricing, Costing, and Profit Margins

Builds a costing model covering materials, labor, overheads, and desired margin. Accurate pricing ensures financial sustainability without undervaluing creative work.

Lesson 2 • Building a Professional Portfolio

Guides the curation of a portfolio that showcases range, process, and commercial viability. A strong portfolio is the primary tool for attracting clients, employers, and press.

Lesson 3 • Sales Channels and Distribution

Compares retail, wholesale, online, and pop-up sales channels for jewellery designers. Choosing the right channel mix maximizes revenue while fitting the brand's positioning.

Lesson 4 • Client Consultation and Custom Orders

Develops skills for conducting briefs, managing expectations, and delivering bespoke pieces. Strong client management builds repeat business and referral networks.