A jewelry designer seems like a cool thing to be. They have a long history because jewelry has always been popular, no matter what century it was. Even in ancient Greece, jewelry designers were originally called metalsmiths. Many designers simply carry on the family tradition, and in many countries that is the case. They grew up with gold, silver and precious stones and learned from their family how to make jewelry, often at a young age.
A modern example of this is Paloma Picasso, the daughter of the famous painter, who designs jewelry for Tiffany. Her pieces have a dynamic look and she certainly learned a lot about design from her father.
In today's world, a jewelry designer needs to know about gemology as well as metalworking. Sometimes designs are created specifically for jewelers in a wax model, sometimes in silver so the designer can create a mold. If the design is successful, it can then be produced in large quantities, for example in silver, platinum or gold.
There are also jewelry designers who work for individuals. For example, you can have your engagement ring made by a designer. During an initial consultation, you will get to know the designer and he or she will get to know you better.
You can explain what you want, and the designer will sketch some preliminary designs (or even use a computer design program) to see what you think. This way, you can keep going until you both agree on the perfect engagement ring for you. This way you can be sure that your ring is unique and that no one else has the same ring as you.
The designer also needs to know exactly how the work is done. Otherwise, he might design things that are impossible to make. That's why designers not only design but also make the jewelry. This means they have to know a lot of things, such as the setting, which is the actual frame for the piece in question, and that often means both shaping and drilling to make sure the gemstone fits just right.
The finished piece must be polished. Sometimes other processes are used, such as electroplating, where a precious metal such as gold is applied to a base metal. Sometimes jewelry is engraved or metal is welded together - today this can be done with lasers. Enamel jewelry is also a complicated process.
Only when the jewelry designer knows and performs all the related work, he can work on his own designs. Even today, in many countries, goldsmith means attending a special school and completing an apprenticeship that can last about three years.
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