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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jewelry Intern

💰 $ - $

JewelryDesignFashionMerchandisingInternshipProduct Development

🎯 Role Definition

A Jewelry Intern serves as a dynamic and integral member of a jewelry brand's core team, providing foundational support across multiple departments. This role is a unique, hands-on apprenticeship designed to immerse an aspiring professional in the complete lifecycle of a jewelry piece—from initial concept and design to production, marketing, and final sale. The intern gains invaluable, real-world experience by collaborating with seasoned designers, product developers, and marketing experts. This position is not just about observing; it's about contributing fresh perspectives, developing practical skills, and building a strong foundation for a successful career in the competitive and creative world of fine or fashion jewelry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Bachelor's Degree programs in Jewelry Design, Metalsmithing, or Fashion Design.
  • Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or other accredited gemology programs.
  • Business, Marketing, or Communications students with a demonstrated passion for the jewelry industry.

Advancement To:

  • Junior Jewelry Designer / CAD Designer
  • Product Development Coordinator / Assistant
  • Assistant Jewelry Buyer / Merchandiser

Lateral Moves:

  • Jewelry Marketing or Social Media Coordinator
  • Public Relations Assistant (focus on accessories/jewelry)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist senior designers in sketching new concepts and creating detailed technical drawings for production, ensuring all specifications are accurately captured.
  • Support the creation and modification of 3D models and renderings for new jewelry designs using CAD software such as Rhino, Matrix, or ZBrush.
  • Participate actively in brainstorming sessions for new collections, conducting in-depth research on emerging fashion trends, historical jewelry motifs, and innovative materials.
  • Help prepare and maintain comprehensive design specification sheets and tech packs for manufacturers, including details on dimensions, stone settings, and finishing.
  • Collaborate with the product development team to source new materials, gemstones, and findings, managing communication with potential suppliers.
  • Manage the physical and digital library of jewelry samples, ensuring pieces are meticulously organized, tracked, and prepared for press loans, photoshoots, or internal reviews.
  • Conduct thorough quality control checks on incoming production samples and finished goods, flagging any deviations from design specifications or quality standards.
  • Perform comprehensive market and competitor analysis, presenting findings on pricing strategies, product assortments, and marketing campaigns to inform business decisions.
  • Support the merchandising team with assortment planning, line sheet creation, and maintaining the accuracy of product information across all systems.
  • Aid the e-commerce team by preparing product for photography, writing compelling and accurate product descriptions, and ensuring new items are launched correctly online.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the preparation of materials and presentations for design reviews, sales meetings, and buyer appointments.
  • Help maintain the organization of the design studio, including the management of raw materials, tools, and gemstone inventories.
  • Provide support for jewelry photoshoots, including prop styling, on-set assistance, and coordinating sample logistics.
  • Contribute to social media content creation by capturing behind-the-scenes footage, styling flat lays, and brainstorming content ideas relevant to the brand.
  • Update and manage internal databases and tracking documents related to product development timelines, sample status, and production progress.
  • Support the repair and customer service process by assessing damaged items and coordinating with the production team for necessary fixes.
  • Assist with the setup and execution of trunk shows, trade shows, and other in-person sales or marketing events.
  • Conduct research on sustainability practices and ethical sourcing within the jewelry industry to support brand initiatives.
  • Support administrative tasks within the design and production departments, such as processing invoices, ordering supplies, and shipping packages.
  • Engage in continuous learning about gemology, manufacturing techniques, and the history of jewelry to enhance contributions to the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Proficiency: Foundational knowledge of 2D/3D design software such as Rhino, Matrix, ZBrush, or AutoCAD.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Competency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for creating technical flats, renderings, and marketing assets.
  • Technical Sketching: Ability to create clear, detailed, and proportioned hand sketches or digital drawings of jewelry.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Excel for data management and analysis, as well as Word and PowerPoint for presentations.
  • Gemstone & Material Knowledge: Basic understanding of common gemstones, precious metals, and jewelry manufacturing processes.
  • Measurement & Specification: Familiarity with using calipers and understanding technical measurements (e.g., millimeters, carat weights).

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to all tasks, from quality control to updating spreadsheets, is absolutely critical.
  • Creativity & Aesthetic Sensibility: A strong creative vision and a keen eye for design, proportion, and fashion trends.
  • Organizational Skills: Excellent ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain organized systems for both physical and digital assets.
  • Proactive & Eager to Learn: A genuine curiosity and a self-starter attitude with a strong desire to absorb information and develop new skills.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and professional verbal and written communication for collaborating with team members and external vendors.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A positive, team-player mindset with the ability to take direction and work effectively within a creative group.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program.

Preferred Education:

  • Enrolled in or recent graduate of a BFA or BA in Jewelry Design, Metalsmithing, Industrial Design, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing
  • Fashion Design & Merchandising
  • Gemology
  • Industrial Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years. This is an entry-level position designed for individuals with limited or no professional experience.

Preferred:

  • Previous internship experience in a related field (fashion, accessories, design).
  • A compelling portfolio showcasing design projects, sketches, CAD work, or finished pieces.
  • Retail experience, especially in a jewelry or luxury goods environment, is a plus.
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