Online Certificates & Programs in Jewelry

From an artistic statement to an expression of lifetime commitment, few objects in this world carry as much meaning as a piece of jewelry can. From engagement rings to anniversary diamonds, these items are both truly aesthetic and functional. When jewelry makers set about their work, they understand that their creation will probably have special significance to whoever purchases it—not... to mention to whom it might be given. Artisans in this field produce fine jewelry, costume jewelry, and design pieces for fashion and personal adornment.

What kind of skills do jewelry designers use to create such beauty? Some forms of jewelry, such as beading, are often done by hand, while others require sophisticated electronic equipment. The design phase requires jewelers to create models by sketching, computer modeling, or wax molding. To turn the vision into a reality may require casting individual pieces or sending the design off for mass production. Small, boutique jewelers may run this process from beginning to end, while designers in large firms are more likely to specialize in a certain method.

To get started as a jewelry designer, one must literally learn to use the tools of the trade. Many aspiring jewelry makers attend classes or follow degree programs in Jewelry that teach them what they need to know to succeed in the field, from gemology to metal work to industry trends. Coursework in this field tends to blend hands-on training with practical lecture topics, and classes are often run by faculty with established careers in design or fine art.

Many students choose to take some or all of their jewelry courses online because of the flexible nature of distance learning programs. However, students do not have to forgo hands-on training for convenience—many programs lend students tools, gems, and the advice they need to set up their personal workstations at home. Finally, online jewelry courses are a perfect model of jewelry's latest trend: Hawking hand-made pieces through online retailers like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon.

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2 Programs in This Area