Careers in Fashion: Jewelry Designer
Designing jewelry is one of the most rewarding professions according to most experts. It is also an artisanal craft that requires great precision in the use of tools, a vast knowledge of gems, stones, precious metals and the appropriate treatment for each of these, as well as a great aesthetic sense in order to create and design the pieces that will later take shape.
Thousands of years ago, the person in charge of crafting the most spectacular jewelry meant for kings and aristocrats was the goldsmith. Nowadays, techniques have evolved and are studied in technical schools with scientific tools that give this artisanal craft a much more specialized and functional nature.
How is a piece of jewelry designed?
Compared to fashion design, designing a piece of jewelry is a much more labor intensive. In fashion, once the designer has an idea in mind, it is expressed on paper and the project moves forward from there, while the creation of jewelry is a more involved process which requires the designer to first create a mold. The designer must be an expert in not only the techniques of composition and form, but also in the creative realm as it relates to fashion and trends.
Once the first mold has been created, a prototype is made (or the product is directly manufactured). Next, materials are selected that will be used in the manufacture of the jewelry piece, always respecting the highest standards of quality.
The importance of jewelry to the major labels
The major jewelry houses such as Rabat and Carrera have devoted years and years to the business, and they know just how to exploit the need for luxury, offering incredible pieces worthy of being shown in the best museums.
The big fashion labels want nothing less for themselves. Though some houses like Chanel have always carried jewelry pieces, others have recently discovered this huge market and have fully immersed themselves in it.
It is essential for a jewelry designer to have the support, both in terms of financial backing and image, provided by these labels, since a substantial budget is needed to design jewelry given the cost of materials and machinery. One of the more famous names is Dior, with designer Victoire de Castellane in charge of the jewelry line.
Undoubtedly, this is a perfect duo. The exclusivity sought after by the labels is met by the luxury par excellence of fine jewelry. |
