They need good vision and manual dexterity. But creativity is more important than drawing skills. I'll get ideas sitting in the bathtub or riding my bike. Templates and other tools help designers create good drawings and renderings. We produce designs that can be effectively translated from paper to actual pieces made from stones and precious metals.
Designers communicate their ideas in words and pictures.
The key to success for jewelry designers is their ability to communicate. There were 30,000 people working in these occupations in 1998. However, job opportunities should be good. That's because there are current shortages in these occupations and retirements will continually create space for new workers. Iris Wilson is an assistant director of a jewelry institute.