Jewelry Basics – Introduction to Design & Manufacturing

Workshop Title: Jewelry Basics – Introduction to Design & Manufacturing

(A 4-Week Online Zoom Series)

 

Class Description:

Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the jewelry design and manufacturing process in the USA. Whether you’re an aspiring jewelry designer or looking to have your designs manufactured, this 4-week Zoom series will guide you through the fundamentals of creating a jewelry line from concept to production. In this introductory session, we’ll provide an overview of the process and what to expect in the upcoming classes.

 

What to Expect During the Introduction Session (30 minutes):

1. Welcome & Overview (5 minutes)

• Introduction to the instructor and participants

• Objectives of the 4-week series

• What makes jewelry manufacturing unique in the USA

2. Understanding the Jewelry Creation Process (10 minutes)

• Overview of design, materials, and production methods

• Key terms and industry insights

3. What to Expect in the 4-Week Program (10 minutes)

• Breakdown of weekly topics

• Resources and materials needed

• Interactive Q&A

4. Q&A and Next Steps (5 minutes)

• How to prepare for the next session

• Recommended tools/software

 

4-Week Jewelry Design & Manufacturing Course Breakdown

 

Week 1: Jewelry Design Fundamentals

Objective: Understand the foundational elements of jewelry design, including trends, styles, and sketching techniques.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Jewelry Design Principles

2. Finding Inspiration & Defining Your Style

3. Sketching & Rendering Techniques

4. Choosing the Right Materials for Your Designs

 

Week 2: Prototyping & Materials Selection

Objective: Learn how to turn a jewelry design into a prototype and select the best materials for production.

Topics Covered:

1. Creating Prototypes (Wax Models, 3D Printing, Handmade)

2. Selecting the Right Metals and Stones

3. Understanding Quality Standards and Sourcing

4. Working with Suppliers and Vendors

 

 

Week 3: The Manufacturing Process

Objective: Understand the steps involved in manufacturing jewelry, whether producing in-house or outsourcing.

Topics Covered:

1. Different Manufacturing Methods (Casting, Stamping, Hand Fabrication)

2. Working with Domestic Manufacturers vs. Overseas

3. Production Timelines and Quality Control

4. Cost Considerations and Scaling Production

 

 

Week 4: Branding, Packaging & Marketing

Objective: Learn how to present your jewelry line professionally through branding, packaging, and marketing strategies.

Topics Covered:

1. Developing Your Brand Identity

2. Packaging Options and Considerations

3. Pricing and Positioning Your Jewelry Line

4. Marketing Strategies for Online and In-Person Sales

Additional Resources Provided:

• Recommended design and manufacturing tools

• Supplier directories

• Jewelry industry terms glossary

• Templates for production planning