Mae West once was quoted as saying, “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.” Truer words have never been spoken. If you have a love for the brilliance of a diamond or the array of colors that gemstones exude, perhaps you would like to try your hand at a true art form called jewelry design. Typically, online jewelry-related courses are offered as a combined program in design and repair. Courses are readily available through online programs and can easily be completed in a few months to less than one year.
Online jewelry design and repair programs often include the textbooks and other study materials needed to begin, such as, jewelry making supplies and small tools. Many lessons will need to be completed at home by using hands-on training and then uploaded for the instructor’s review.
Classes within your online jewelry design and repair program should include jewelry design and style, the anatomy of a gem, fabrication and forging, stone setting, diamond value metrics, the use of pearls and rarities, stone cuts, working with different types of precious metals and color theory. You will also learn about drawing designs and using today’s computer-aided design technology. Coursework in designing costume jewelry should also be included.
Online programs also include classes in jewelry design and how it relates to fashion, the essentials of colored gemstones, such as their carat weight and characteristics, as well as, the history of jewelry. You’ll learn about the use of molds in jewelry making, in addition to, how to use less traditional materials for your designs, such as, using wood, wire or copper in your designs to create interest.
You should also expect to gain knowledge in basic jewelry repairs such as sizing rings, repairing earrings and broken necklace chains. In addition, you will learn about setting stones and replacing or tightening prongs, as well as, the proper way to fit a ring by using sizing gauges. You’ll learn how to use repair tools such as polishers and torches, along with, the proper ways to clean jewelry, depending on the type of gem and metal they consist of.
Your course should also carefully cover the four “C’s of diamonds,” which pertain to a diamond’s clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Most programs also touch on the retail side of jewelry design and repair, such as the best way to communicate with customers and how to market and sell your designs, as well as, other professional and ethical practices.
Jewelry can make or break an outfit. If you love accessorizing, you will truly enjoy exploring your artistic ability through jewelry design. As we all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, we can probably also agree that the 69.42 carat pear-shaped diamond given to Elizabeth Taylor as an engagement ring was rather excessive and out of reach for most. The giver, Richard Burton said of the diamond, “This diamond has so many carats it’s almost a turnip.” Without a doubt, men and women alike can fully appreciate the talent, craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into a well-made, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
Large or small, diamonds and gemstones can adorn your neckline and frame your face to give you the boost of confidence you need. Through your own artistic ability and imagination, you can learn how to assist others in choosing jewelry that compliments and enhances their personality by creating your own designs! If you are interested in this field, please see our choices for the best Online Schools for Jewelry Design and Repair programs.