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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Design Intern

💰 $20 - $25 / hour (dependent on experience)

DesignFashionInternshipJewelryCreative

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jewelry Design Intern, you will be an integral part of the creative engine of our brand. You will work directly under the guidance of our Senior Jewelry Designers to support the conceptualization, development, and execution of new jewelry collections. This role is designed to provide comprehensive, real-world experience, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge and creative talents in a fast-paced, professional environment. You will be involved in trend research, sketching, CAD modeling, and collaborating with cross-functional teams, playing a key role in bringing beautiful, innovative, and marketable jewelry to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Current student in a Jewelry Design, Industrial Design, or Fine Arts BFA program.
  • Recent graduate from a relevant degree program.
  • Design Assistant with a focus on accessories or fashion.

Advancement To:

  • Junior Jewelry Designer
  • Associate CAD Designer
  • Assistant Technical Designer

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Development Coordinator
  • Merchandising Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist Senior Designers in the research and development of concepts, themes, and mood boards for upcoming seasonal and core collections.
  • Create original and compelling jewelry designs through hand-sketching, digital illustration (Adobe Illustrator), and other mixed-media techniques.
  • Develop detailed 3D models and renderings of jewelry pieces using CAD software, primarily Rhino and/or Matrix, ensuring accuracy in scale and proportion.
  • Prepare comprehensive technical specification packets (tech packs) for manufacturing, including detailed measurements, material callouts, and construction notes.
  • Translate conceptual sketches into precise 2D technical drawings, providing clear multiple-angle views for production partners.
  • Participate in the prototyping process, including operating 3D printers and preparing models for wax casting or review.
  • Conduct in-depth research on current and emerging fashion and jewelry trends, materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques to inform design direction.
  • Collaborate closely with the Product Development team to ensure design concepts are feasible for production and align with cost targets.
  • Revise and refine designs based on feedback from design reviews, merchandising teams, and technical feasibility assessments.
  • Assist in creating compelling design presentations and materials for internal line reviews and cross-functional meetings.
  • Maintain and organize the digital and physical design archive, including sketches, CAD files, and material samples.
  • Support the sourcing and evaluation of new stones, metals, and other materials, helping to manage the in-house material library.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the design team with daily administrative tasks, including sample trafficking, scheduling meetings, and preparing documents.
  • Assist in the quality control process by reviewing initial prototypes and production samples for adherence to design specifications and quality standards.
  • Contribute to market and competitor analysis, providing insights on pricing, product assortment, and market positioning.
  • Help prepare and organize jewelry samples for photoshoots, marketing events, and trade shows.
  • Participate actively in team brainstorming sessions, offering fresh ideas and a unique perspective.
  • Liaise with the merchandising team to understand product performance and consumer feedback, applying insights to future designs.
  • Maintain a clear and organized workflow, ensuring all project files are correctly labeled and saved in the appropriate servers or PLM system.
  • Assist in documenting the entire design process, from inspiration to final sample, for internal records and potential marketing content.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Proficiency: High level of skill in 3D modeling software, specifically Rhino. Experience with Matrix, ZBrush, or JewelCAD is a significant plus.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Strong command of Adobe Illustrator for technical drawings and Photoshop for image editing and mood board creation.
  • Sketching & Illustration: Excellent hand-sketching and digital illustration abilities to clearly communicate design ideas.
  • Technical Drawing: Ability to create precise, multi-view technical drawings that clearly outline all design specifications for manufacturing.
  • Rendering: Experience with rendering software like Keyshot or V-Ray to create photorealistic images of jewelry designs.
  • 3D Printing: Hands-on knowledge of 3D printing technologies and FDM/SLA printer operation and maintenance.
  • Jewelry Construction Knowledge: Solid understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes, stone setting techniques, materials, and findings.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word for presentations, data tracking, and documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Creative Vision & Aesthetic: A strong, sophisticated design sense with a keen eye for detail, proportion, scale, and color.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and receive constructive feedback.
    -Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive and positive team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
  • Organizational Skills: Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Problem-Solving: A resourceful and adaptive mindset with a knack for creative problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Passion & Eagerness to Learn: A genuine passion for the jewelry industry and a strong desire to learn and grow within the field.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years. Academic projects and previous internship experience are highly valued.

Preferred: A strong, well-curated portfolio is required for consideration. Your portfolio should showcase your creative process, including inspiration, hand sketches, CAD models/renderings, and photos of any finished pieces. Previous internship experience within a corporate design, fashion, or jewelry company is a strong plus.

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