Jewelry Design & Technology Program
The Jewelry Design & Technology diploma program covers topics essential to becoming a jewelry designer and CAD (computer-aided design) technician, including designing a piece of jewelry from a concept, creating it in CAD to engineering specifications and understanding the challenges that come with its manufacturing.
What You'll Learn
- Use fundamental design concepts, including texture, shape, form, balance, negative space, color and more
- Learn digital hand-rendering using Sketchbook software
- Create, render and prototype designs using Rhinoceros and ZBrush CAD software, and CAM hardware like a 3D printer
- Apply the CAD model engineering concepts to make durable and comfortable pieces that are long lasting
- Understand manufacturing processes for the creation of jewelry, like diestriking and casting
- Design and develop CAD models using the metrics of scale, proportion, and element relationships; and within the constraints of cost, time, size, style and manufacturing methods
- Develop digital and physical portfolios of class projects and custom designs that are ready for presentation to potential clients and employers, and display work in a final design exhibition
Possible Career Paths
- CAD Designer
- Jewelry Designer
- CAM Operator
- Product Developer
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- CAD/CAM Service Bureau Technician
Topics Covered
Here are some of the skills you’ll learn.
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN
Model jewelry in 3D using CAD software.
DIGITAL RENDERING
Create photorealistic images of your 3D designs.
Use a 3D printer to transform your digital designs into physical prototypes.
DESIGN
Explore theory and techniques to inspire your jewelry designs.
JEWELRY ENGINEERING
Apply CAD engineering parameters to create jewelry that is built to last.
DIGITAL SCULPTING
Use ZBrush to create a hand-sculpted look to your jewelry designs.
Jewelry Design & Technology Tour The Future of Design Lives Here
Your Future Begins
Show off your creations to friends and family at a design show at the end of the Jewelry Design & Technology diploma program.
Your GIA Experience
Personal attention from a seasoned instructor, immediate feedback on your work, creating mood boards for inspiration – that’s just part of the Jewelry Design & Technology diploma program.
Simply Complex
Jewelry Design & Technology alum Nelly Chhor’s clever use of simple geometric patterns made for elegantly complex cufflinks.
GIA’s Design Process
You’ll be inspired by important periods of jewelry history, and learn how to use these and other motifs as inspiration for your designs.
Collaborate with Classmates
Study with classmates from around the globe who share your passion for design and technology.
Inspiration Everywhere
Watch students study Japan’s Edo period, learn about beautiful motifs hidden in sword hilts and architecture, and give them a modern spin.
Learn by Doing
By 3D printing your CAD models and comparing the resin prototypes to your CAD (Computer-Aided Design) designs, you’ll learn about scale, proportion, engineering, and manufacturability.
A Spectacular Shank
A wonderfully ornate shank is the star in Jewelry Design & Technology alum Tyler Abe’s sapphire engagement ring. Creating such an intricate piece was a highlight of his GIA education.
Your Digital Portfolio
One step closer to success: a student adds to a digital portfolio that will be shared with potential employers and future clients.
Edgy Engagement Band
Jewelry Design & Technology program alum Jessica Meng gave her imagination free reign in this edgy wedding band. Get ready to channel your creativity to make beautiful jewelry.
Compelling Contrasts
Jewelry Design & Technology alum Tess Lecklitner’s statement ring is a study in contrasts. A labradorite is surrounded by diamonds and accented by rubies.
Tourmaline Design Challenge
Design five rings using tourmaline (real stones provided). That’s the challenge that was given to students. See what happened.
Hands-On Experience
Creating designs for your portfolio with a 3D printer are essential parts of the program – and ready you for a changing industry.
Learn ZBrush & More
Learn organic surface modeling software like ZBrush, and you’ll create sculpted pieces – like this one designed by Devon Chalmers, which was inspired by the Art Nouveau era.
Ornate Artistry
Ornate. Detailed. Negative Space. Jewelry Design & Technology program alum Ninad Prasad Sawant made use of these devices in his ring design.
Design Show Finale
What better way to end the Jewelry Design & Technology program than with a design show, and the opportunity for your design to win the Student Choice Award?
Get Started
Available in Carlsbad and New York.
STUDY AT THE GIA SCHOOL On campus, full-time learning
Immerse yourself in the world of gems and jewelry and earn your Jewelry Design & Technology diploma by studying at a GIA campus. This transformative program opens up a world of opportunity.
Offered at the following campuses
