Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jewelry Design Assistant

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

DesignJewelryFashionCreativeProduct Development

🎯 Role Definition

The Jewelry Design Assistant is the creative and organizational backbone of a design team, playing a crucial role in bringing jewelry collections to life. This position is a dynamic blend of artistry and technical precision, supporting Senior Designers from the initial spark of an idea through to the final, polished prototype. You'll be deeply involved in every stage of the design lifecycle, from trend research and sketching to creating detailed technical specifications and liaising with manufacturers. This role is perfect for a passionate, detail-oriented individual eager to develop their skills and grow within the jewelry industry, acting as a vital link between creative vision and tangible product.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Jewelry Design Internship
  • Recent Graduate (BFA in Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, or Fine Arts)
  • Bench Jeweler or Production Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Jewelry Designer / Associate Designer
  • CAD/3D Designer
  • Product Developer (Jewelry)

Lateral Moves:

  • Merchandising Assistant (Jewelry & Accessories)
  • Production Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Technical Packet Creation: Develop and maintain highly detailed technical packets (tech packs) that include precise measurements, material specifications, stone setting details, and construction notes for our manufacturing partners.
  • CAD & 3D Modeling: Generate and refine 3D models and photorealistic renderings of new designs using CAD software (like Rhino or Matrix) for design reviews, prototyping, and marketing needs.
  • Concept Sketching & Rendering: Assist the senior design team by translating initial ideas into 2D sketches and digital renderings using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to explore and communicate design concepts.
  • Trend & Market Research: Conduct in-depth research on emerging jewelry trends, competitor landscapes, runway analysis, and consumer preferences to provide actionable insights that inspire new collections.
  • Sample Review & Quality Control: Meticulously inspect incoming prototypes and production samples for quality, accuracy, and adherence to design specifications, documenting all required revisions and feedback for vendors.
  • Material & Stone Sourcing Support: Assist in researching and sourcing gemstones, metals, findings, and other unique components, while helping to manage relationships and communications with suppliers.
  • Design Presentation Preparation: Prepare all necessary materials for internal and external design meetings, including physical mock-ups, rendered images, inspiration boards, and material trays.
  • Communication with Vendors: Act as a key point of contact for daily communication with overseas factories and local artisans, clarifying design details, tracking sample progress, and resolving minor production issues.
  • Maintenance of Design Archives: Diligently organize and manage the digital and physical libraries of design assets, including CAD files, sketches, component libraries, and finished samples for future reference.
  • Bill of Materials (BOM) Management: Create, update, and maintain the Bill of Materials for each piece, ensuring all components, materials, and labor costs are accurately recorded for costing and production.
  • Line Sheet Development: Collaborate with the design and sales teams to create and update seasonal line sheets, ensuring all product images, descriptions, and details are accurate and professionally presented.

Secondary Functions

  • Product Photography: Photograph new samples and finished pieces for internal archives, digital line sheets, and preliminary social media or website use.
  • Timeline & Calendar Tracking: Help monitor the product development calendar, tracking key deadlines for design, sampling, and production to ensure timely collection launches.
  • Inspiration Board Curation: Actively contribute to the creation and evolution of physical and digital mood boards that capture the aesthetic direction and storytelling for upcoming seasons.
  • Costing Assistance: Support the costing process by gathering quotes for raw materials and manufacturing, and inputting data into costing sheets for analysis.
  • Showroom & Trade Show Support: Assist in the setup, merchandising, and breakdown of showroom displays and trade show booths to effectively showcase the collections.
  • Administrative Support: Handle day-to-day administrative tasks for the design department, such as organizing files, scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, and managing shipments of samples.
  • Brainstorming & Ideation: Participate actively in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing fresh ideas and a unique perspective for new designs, collection themes, and capsule projects.
  • Repair and Rework Coordination: Document and coordinate minor repairs or reworks on samples with bench jewelers or manufacturing partners.
  • Sustainability Research: Research sustainable materials and ethical production practices to contribute to the brand's evolving social and environmental responsibility goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced CAD Proficiency: Strong command of 3D modeling software, specifically Rhino, with Matrix and ZBrush being highly advantageous.
  • Adobe Creative Suite Expertise: High-level skills in Adobe Illustrator for technical flats and vector drawings, and Photoshop for rendering and photo editing.
  • Technical Sketching: The ability to create clear, precise, and well-proportioned hand sketches and technical drawings that communicate design intent.
  • Knowledge of Jewelry Manufacturing: A solid understanding of the entire jewelry production process, from casting and stone setting to polishing and finishing.
  • Material & Gemstone Knowledge: Familiarity with precious metals, common alloys, and a good understanding of gemstones, including the 4Cs and different cuts.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets for creating spec sheets and tracking data, as well as Word and PowerPoint for presentations.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to work, with a keen eye for symmetry, proportion, and the finest details in both digital and physical forms.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: The ability to anticipate potential issues in the design and development process and resourcefully find creative and practical solutions.
  • Strong Organizational Skills: The capacity to manage multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing quality.
  • Clear & Collaborative Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively liaising with internal teams and external vendors across different time zones.
  • Aesthetic Sensibility: A strong, sophisticated design eye and a genuine passion for jewelry, fashion, and art that aligns with the brand's vision.
  • Adaptability & Eagerness to Learn: A flexible, "can-do" attitude with a deep curiosity and a desire to absorb new skills, techniques, and feedback.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a Bachelor's degree in a design-focused discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Jewelry Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Accessory Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of professional or internship experience within a jewelry design studio, fashion house, or a related creative product development role.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience assisting a Senior Jewelry Designer in a fast-paced environment, with a portfolio that demonstrates both creative and technical skills (including CAD work and technical flats).
Explore More Careers