Jewelry Designer Resume examples & templates
Copyable Jewelry Designer Resume examples
Ever wondered what it takes to transform a rough sketch into a piece of wearable art that might be passed down for generations? Jewelry design blends artistic vision with technical precision, creating pieces that capture moments, express identities, and sometimes, change lives. The field has evolved dramatically since the days of traditional apprenticeships—today's designers work at the intersection of ancient techniques and cutting-edge technology, with CAD programs and 3D printing revolutionizing the production process while hand-finishing still reigns supreme for luxury pieces.
The market for custom and artisanal jewelry has grown by 31% in the last five years, fueled by consumers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces and more transparent sourcing practices. Sustainability has become a driving force, with recycled metals and lab-grown gemstones gaining mainstream acceptance. Independent designers now compete alongside heritage brands through direct-to-consumer platforms and social media showcases. For creative minds with steady hands and an eye for detail, jewelry design offers diverse paths—from boutique studio work to launching your own collection or joining design teams at established houses. As personal expression continues to dominate consumer preferences, the jeweler's bench remains a place where imagination takes physical form, one precious millimeter at a time.
Junior Jewelry Designer Resume Example
MAYA RICHARDSON
Boston, MA | 617-555-8942 | maya.richardson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mayarichardson
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Recent graduate with a BFA in Jewelry Design blending traditional metalsmithing techniques with contemporary digital fabrication. Completed two internships focusing on CAD design and small-batch production. Known for creating delicate, nature-inspired pieces that balance creative vision with commercial viability. Looking to grow my technical skills at an established jewelry studio.
EXPERIENCE
Junior Jewelry Designer | Silver & Stone Collective | Boston, MA | Jan 2023 – Present
- Assist lead designer in creating seasonal collections, translating concept sketches into CAD models using Rhino 3D
- Produce technical drawings and prototypes for 14 unique pieces in the Spring/Summer line
- Help manage relationships with 3 local casting partners, ensuring quality standards are maintained
- Photograph finished pieces for online catalog and social media (increased engagement by 27%)
- Handle minor repairs and size adjustments for customer service requests
Design Intern | Eliza Marks Jewelry | Providence, RI | Jun 2022 – Dec 2022
- Supported production team in crafting small-batch fine jewelry pieces using sterling silver and 14k gold
- Learned bench techniques including soldering, stone setting, and metal finishing
- Created digital renderings of existing inventory for website refresh
- Assisted with quality control during busy holiday production season
Jewelry Design Assistant (Internship) | Morgan & Co. | Boston, MA | Jan 2022 – May 2022
- Organized design materials and maintained design archive of past collections
- Assembled marketing materials for trade show displays
- Observed and documented casting and finishing processes
- Helped research sustainable material options for upcoming eco-friendly line
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Jewelry & Metalsmithing | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston, MA | Graduated May 2022
- Senior thesis: “Botanical Influences in Contemporary Jewelry Design”
- Technical focus: Lost wax casting, stone setting, and CAD/CAM
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
Certificate in Computer-Aided Design for Jewelry | Continuing Education | Rhode Island School of Design | Aug 2022
- Intensive 8-week program focused on Rhino 3D and Matrix
SKILLS
- Technical: CAD design (Rhino 3D, Matrix), casting techniques, soldering, metalsmithing, stone setting
- Materials: Sterling silver, gold, precious/semi-precious stones, alternative materials
- Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Keyshot
- Design: Sketching, technical drawing, rendering, prototype development
- Production: Small-batch manufacturing, quality control, tool maintenance
- Other: Photography, inventory management, basic French language
PORTFOLIO
Online portfolio available at: mayarichardson.portfolio.com
Mid-level Jewelry Designer Resume Example
Melissa Ramirez
Chicago, IL | (312) 555-8764 | m.ramirez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/melissaramirez
Creative jewelry designer with 5+ years of experience crafting unique pieces that balance artistic vision with commercial appeal; Skilled in various metalworking techniques with specialization in silver and gold fabrication. Proven track record of designing collections that increased quarterly sales by 32% while maintaining production costs under budget.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Jewelry Designer, Lunar & Tide Designs, Chicago, IL (January 2022 – Present)
- Lead designer for seasonal collections, creating 24-36 new pieces annually while managing a team of 2 junior designers
- Spearheaded transition to CAD-based design process, reducing prototype development time by 41% and saving $11,400 in annual production costs
- Collaborate with marketing team to develop cohesive brand aesthetic that led to features in 3 national fashion magazines
- Implemented sustainable sourcing practices for gemstones and metals, resulting in certification as an ethical jewelry brand
Jewelry Designer, Artemis Jewelry Co., Milwaukee, WI (June 2019 – December 2021)
- Designed and fabricated custom pieces for 75+ clients annually, maintaining a 96% customer satisfaction rating
- Created the “Urban Nature” collection which became the company’s top-selling line, generating $87,000 in first-year sales
- Trained 4 apprentices in metalsmithing techniques and stone setting
- Managed inventory of precious metals and gemstones, reducing waste by 17% through improved tracking system
Junior Designer/Bench Jeweler, Silver Cloud Studios, Milwaukee, WI (August 2018 – May 2019)
- Assisted lead designer with collection development while learning advanced fabrication techniques
- Performed repair work on customer pieces including stone replacement, resizing, and chain repair
- Managed social media accounts, increasing Instagram following from 1,200 to 3,800 in 9 months
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI (2018)
Certificate in Advanced CAD for Jewelry Design, Jewelry Arts Institute, New York, NY (2020)
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) – Accredited Jewelry Professional (2021)
SKILLS
- Metalworking techniques: soldering, casting, engraving, filigree, repoussé
- Material expertise: silver, gold, platinum, bronze, gemstones
- CAD software: Rhino 3D, Matrix, ZBrush
- Manual rendering and technical illustration
- Stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé, channel)
- Jewelry photography and styling
- Production planning and cost estimation
- Trend forecasting and market research
- Adobe Creative Suite (mainly Illustrator & Photoshop)
ADDITIONAL
Finalist, Emerging Designer Award, American Jewelry Design Council (2021)
Fluent in Spanish
Volunteer instructor at Chicago Youth Arts Center teaching basic metalsmithing to teens
Senior / Experienced Jewelry Designer Resume Example
OLIVIA WESTBROOK
Portland, OR • (503) 555-8794 • olivia.westbrook@email.com • linkedin.com/in/oliviawestbrook
Innovative jewelry designer with over 9 years of experience crafting distinctive pieces that blend artistic vision with commercial appeal. Skilled in both traditional metalsmithing techniques and CAD design, with a portfolio featuring pieces sold in high-end boutiques and department stores nationwide. Known for creating cohesive seasonal collections that consistently exceed sales projections while maintaining brand identity.
EXPERIENCE
SENIOR JEWELRY DESIGNER | Radiance Artisan Jewelry | Portland, OR | January 2020 – Present
- Lead the creative development of 4 seasonal collections annually, managing the entire process from concept to production
- Increased online sales by 37% by designing a new “everyday luxury” line that appeals to younger demographics
- Collaborate with marketing team to create cohesive brand storytelling through jewelry design
- Supervise a team of 3 junior designers, providing mentorship and technical guidance
- Reduced production costs by 19% through strategic material sourcing and design modifications while maintaining quality standards
JEWELRY DESIGNER | Luxe Gems & Co. | Seattle, WA | March 2017 – December 2019
- Designed and developed over 75 unique pieces annually for the company’s signature collections
- Created custom bridal and special occasion pieces for clients with budgets ranging from $2,500 to $15,000
- Introduced CAD/CAM technology to the design process, reducing prototype development time by 40%
- Selected to represent the company at the 2018 International Jewelry Design Expo in New York
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER | Sterling Creations | Portland, OR | June 2014 – February 2017
- Assisted lead designer with development of seasonal collections, focusing on earrings and necklaces
- Managed relationships with 7 local artisans who produced components for limited edition pieces
- Developed a line of minimalist silver jewelry that became the company’s fastest-selling collection in 2016
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and consumer preferences
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Jewelry & Metalsmithing | Rhode Island School of Design | 2014
Certified Gemologist | Gemological Institute of America (GIA) | 2016
Advanced CAD for Jewelry Design | Portland School of Art & Design | 2018
Sustainable Jewelry Practices Certificate | Ethical Metalsmith Association | 2021
SKILLS
- Traditional metalsmithing (soldering, casting, stone setting)
- CAD design (Rhino, Matrix, JewelCAD)
- Materials expertise (precious metals, gemstones, alternative materials)
- Trend forecasting and market analysis
- Production workflow optimization
- Client consultation and custom design
- Technical illustration and rendering
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Supply chain management
- Sustainable jewelry practices
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Portfolio: www.oliviawestbrookdesigns.com
Featured in Northwest Jewelry Quarterly (Spring 2019) and Artisan Jeweler Magazine (Winter 2021)
Fluent in English and conversational French
How to Write a Jewelry Designer Resume
Introduction
A strong jewelry designer resume isn't just a document—it's your portfolio in text form. I've reviewed hundreds of applications over my years in the industry, and the difference between those that get interviews and those that don't often comes down to how well the resume translates artistic ability into professional value. Your resume needs to showcase both your creative vision and technical skills while speaking directly to what employers in this competitive field are looking for.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and visually balanced—much like your jewelry designs. While you might be tempted to get creative with the layout (you're a designer, after all!), restraint often works better here.
- Stick to 1-2 pages maximum—1 page for those with under 5 years of experience
- Use plenty of white space to create visual breathing room
- Choose 2 complementary fonts at most (one for headings, one for body text)
- Include subtle design elements that showcase your aesthetic without overwhelming
- Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless specifically asked for a Word doc)
While your portfolio shows what you can create, your resume demonstrates how you've applied those skills professionally. They work together, but serve different purposes!
Profile/Summary Section
Your professional summary should be 3-4 sentences that capture your design identity, technical abilities, and professional background. Think of it as the "statement piece" of your resume.
For example: "Versatile jewelry designer with 6+ years crafting fine and fashion jewelry pieces for both independent boutiques and commercial retailers. Proficient in traditional metalsmithing techniques alongside 3D modeling software including Rhino and Matrix. Known for balancing artistic vision with production feasibility while maintaining tight deadlines. Specialized in creating wearable art that blends contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship."
Professional Experience
Here's where many jewelry designers miss opportunities. Don't just list job duties—showcase your contributions and achievements. For each position:
- Begin with company name, location, position title, and dates (month/year)
- Include 4-6 bullet points that demonstrate impact, not just responsibilities
- Quantify results whenever possible (increased sales by 17%, reduced production time by 3 days per piece, etc.)
- Highlight collaborative projects and cross-functional work
- Mention specific materials, techniques, and technologies you've mastered
Education and Certifications
List your formal education and any relevant certifications. For jewelry designers, specialized training often carries significant weight.
- Include degree, institution name, location, and graduation year
- Highlight relevant coursework if you're early in your career
- Add certifications from recognized institutions (GIA certifications, metalsmithing programs, etc.)
- Mention software proficiencies (Rhino, Matrix, JewelCAD, Adobe Creative Suite)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many jewelry design positions at larger companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before human eyes see them. To get past these digital gatekeepers:
- Study the job description and mirror key terms in your resume
- Include technical skills like "CAD/CAM," "lost wax casting," "stone setting," etc.
- Mention specific materials you've worked with (14k gold, sterling silver, platinum)
- Don't hide information in headers or footers (many ATS systems can't read them)
Industry-specific Terms
Incorporate jewelry-specific terminology naturally throughout your resume. This signals industry knowledge and helps with ATS screening. Some terms to consider:
- Technical processes: pavé setting, filigree, granulation, repoussé
- Manufacturing methods: die striking, casting, fabrication
- Design elements: proportion, negative space, texture, dimension
- Commercial terms: production costs, markup, wholesale vs. retail
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After reviewing thousands of jewelry designer resumes, these are the pitfalls I see most often:
- Focusing solely on artistic aspects while neglecting business acumen
- Including every design project ever created (quality over quantity!)
- Forgetting to mention experience with sourcing materials or managing costs
- Omitting collaborative skills (jewelry production is rarely a solo endeavor)
- Writing overly flowery descriptions that lack substance
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for creating jewelry designs for the company."
After: "Designed 37 pieces for the Spring 2023 collection, including a signature pendant necklace that became the season's top seller with 1,200+ units sold. Collaborated with production team to reduce material costs by 14% while maintaining design integrity."
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Jewelry Designer resume
- Client interpretation – translating abstract ideas and emotional needs into physical designs while managing expectations
- Cross-functional communication with vendors, gemologists, and metalworkers to bring complex designs to life
- Adaptability to shifting material costs and availability (I’ve completely redesigned pieces mid-production when certain stones became unavailable)
- Creative problem-solving – finding workarounds for structural limitations while maintaining design integrity
- Time management across multiple custom projects with competing deadlines and revision cycles
- Constructive feedback reception, especially during collaborative design refinements
Hard skills for your Jewelry Designer resume
- CAD software proficiency (JewelCAD, Matrix, Rhino 3D)
- Gemstone grading and evaluation
- Metal fabrication techniques (soldering, casting, forging)
- Wax carving and model making
- Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for design rendering
- Stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé, channel)
- Technical drawing and jewelry illustration
- Laser welding and micro-pave techniques
- Knowledge of precious metal properties and alloys