"dating back at least 7,000 years to the oldest-known human societies in Indus Valley Civilization, Mesopotamia and Egypt."
An understanding of the types of materials used in jewelry design, such as metals, gems, and beads.
Materials Science: The scientific study of the properties and behavior of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
Metallurgy: The study of the physical and chemical properties of metals, including their extraction, purification, and processing.
Gemology: The study of precious and semi-precious gemstones, including their properties, identification, and grading.
Chemical Composition: The study of the chemical elements that make up various materials and how their composition affects their properties and behavior.
Fabrication Techniques: The various methods used to manipulate materials into a desired shape, including casting, stamping, forging, and welding.
Surface Finish: The various techniques used to create a smooth or textured surface on a material, including polishing, brushing, and sandblasting.
Color Theory: The study of how colors interact with each other and how they can be manipulated to create desired effects.
Design Principles: The basic principles of good design, including balance, proportion, and harmony.
Jewelry History: The history of jewelry design and how it has evolved over time.
Fashion Trends: Current and past trends in jewelry design, including popular styles, materials, and techniques.
Jewelry Making Tools: The various tools used in jewelry making, including pliers, cutters, hammers, and torches.
Stone Setting Techniques: The various techniques used to set gemstones into jewelry, including prong setting, bezel setting, and channel setting.
Wire Wrapping Techniques: The various techniques used to wrap wire around stones or create wire jewelry designs.
Chain Making Techniques: The various techniques used to create chains for necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry.
Soldering and Welding: Techniques used to join pieces of metal together, including soft soldering, hard soldering, and welding.
Patination: The chemical process used to create a desirable surface color and/or effect.
Polishing and Finishing: The final process of refining and perfecting a finished piece.
Metal Properties: Understanding the differences in malleability, ductility, and other key properties between the various types of metal commonly used in jewelry.
Handmade Techniques: Understanding the unique techniques and characteristics of handmade jewelry and how they differ from mass-produced pieces.
Sustainability: The ethical considerations of sourcing materials in an ecologically and socially responsible manner.
Gold: A precious metal that is often used in jewelry due to its luster and durability. It comes in different karat options such as 18K or 14K.
Silver: A white metal that is often used in jewelry as well. It is more affordable than gold and has a timeless, classic look.
Platinum: A durable white metal that is often used in wedding bands due to its scratch-resistant properties.
Diamonds: A precious gemstone that is often used in engagement rings or as accents in other jewelry. Known for their hardness, durability and sparkle.
Emeralds: A green precious gemstone. They are often featured in vintage-inspired or classic jewelry designs.
Sapphires: A blue precious gemstone that is often used in engagement rings or as accents in other jewelry.
Rubies: A red precious gemstone, known for its rich color and durability.
Pearls: A gemstone that is often used in classic or vintage jewelry designs. They are produced by certain species of mollusks and are loved for their luster, iridescence, and organic look.
Topaz: A semi-precious gemstone that is often used as an accent in jewelry design. It comes in different colors such as blue, pink, and yellow.
Amethyst: A purple semi-precious gemstone that ranges in color from a pale lilac to deep purple.
Opal: A semi-precious gemstone that has a unique iridescence and play of colors that make it a popular choice in jewelry design.
Turquoise: A semi-precious gemstone that ranges in color from sky blue to green. It is often used in bohemian or Native American-inspired jewelry designs.
Brass: An alloy composed of copper and zinc that is often used in jewelry making. It is harder and more durable than pure copper.
Aluminum: A lightweight and affordable metal that is often used in costume jewelry designs.
Stainless Steel: A durable and affordable metal that is commonly used in men's jewelry or as a base metal for costume jewelry designs.
Enamel: A glass-like coating that is often used to add color and texture to jewelry.
Leather: A natural material that is often used in bohemian or rustic-style jewelry designs.
Wood: A natural material that is often used in eco-friendly or bohemian jewelry designs.
"a professional who is trained in the architectural and functional knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques, composition, wearability and market trends."
"Traditional hand-drawing and drafting methods are still utilized in designing jewellery, particularly at the conceptual stage."
"a shift is taking place to computer-aided design programs."
"a CAD model is generally used as the basis for a CNC cut or 3D printed 'wax' pattern to be used in the rubber molding or lost wax casting processes."
"24K gold was used in ancient jewellery design because it was more accessible than silver as source material."
"Once the discovery of gemstones and gem cutting became more readily available..."
"The earliest documented gemstone cut was done by Theophilus Presbyter (c. 1070–1125), who practiced and developed many applied arts and was a known goldsmith."
"Early jewellery design commissions were often constituted by nobility or the church..."
"enameling and repoussé became standard methods for creating ornamental wares to demonstrate wealth, position, or power."
"these early techniques created a specific complex design element that later would forge the Baroque movement in jewellery design."
"beginning in the 1900s, jewellery has started to be objectified."
"Art Nouveau (1900–1918), Art Deco (1919–1929), International Style & organicism (1929–1946), New Look & Pop (1947–1967), Globalization, Materialism, and Minimalism."
"Jewellery design trends are highly affected by the economic and social states of the time."
"the clear stylistic divisions of the past are harder to see during the 20th century."