Jewellery/Silver Designer

Also known as:

Designer, Jewellery/Silver
Silver/Jewellery Designer

Introduction

Jewellery/silver designers create designs for jewellery, silverware and other forms of decorative and functional metallic products. Designs may be used for mass production or for handcrafted items.

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Work Activities

Jewellery and silver designers create designs for a wide variety of jewellery, silverware and cutlery products.

Some designers begin their careers in industry, designing products for the mass market. They consider the products their company already makes and see how they can change them to suit new styles and trends.

They may also be asked to design and develop new products. This usually involves the following:
• looking at products made by their own and competitors' companies
• finding out if there are any new ways to make things, or new materials to make them with
• thinking about what kind of people are likely to buy the products.

Designers may do this research themselves or with the help of marketing managers. Then they prepare detailed drawings so that craftworkers can make the final product. Different companies use different methods of production. Some combine traditional and 'high-tech' methods. Others may use machines for all steps in the production process.

Many designers are self-employed or freelance, designing and making items for sale or as a commission for a client. Their work usually includes:

• developing designs
• mounting and setting stones
• polishing
• enamelling
• welding
• engraving.

They have to promote their work through galleries, shops and craft fairs.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a jewellery/silver designer, you must have creative and artistic ability. You need an eye for detail, together with drawing and computer design skills. You must display accuracy and attention to detail.

If you are also involved in making up jewellery, you need good practical skills with both materials and tools. You also need good eyesight for the fine and intricate work, together with good hand-to-eye co-ordination.

You will need in-depth knowledge of both traditional and modern production methods. Designers work closely with skilled craftworkers like diamond-mounters, turners, polishers and engravers.

Particularly if you are self-employed or freelance, you should be commercially aware, possess marketing skills and have the ability to negotiate with buyers and suppliers.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for jewellery/silver designers vary with employer and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Jewellery/silver designers earn in the range of £18,000 - £21,500 a year, rising to £28,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £42,000 a year.

Self-employed designer-craftworkers are likely to earn at the lower end of the range, especially when they start out.

Jewellery/silver designers work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Self-employed designers may work irregular hours, depending on how much work they have week-to-week. However, in both cases, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially to meet deadlines.

Employers include firms involved in producing jewellery, silverware and cutlery products. London is regarded as the traditional centre for fine jewellery. Birmingham is home to a wide range of fine jewellery and costume jewellery production, badge making, and gold and silver-smithing. Sheffield is famous for its cutlery and silver and steel products.

Some jewellery/silver designers set up as designer-craftworkers and work from home or a shared studio.

Consultancy and fixed-term contract work may be available for experienced designers.

Entry to this area of work is very competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained as an assistant in a design studio or workshop are valued. Commercial awareness and an understanding of the jewellery/precious metal industry is an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

To enter this work or relevant courses, you need to have a portfolio of work showing your creative ability.

Financial support is available from the South Square Trust for degree level study of silver/jewellery design.

• 45% of people in occupations such as jewellery/silver designer are self-employed.
• 22% work part-time.
• 5% have flexible hours.
• 0% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.