Jewelry Design
Jewelry is art worn on the body. Or a fun fashion statement. A precious keepsake or the perfect touch that completes an outfit. With materials, processes, and markets so varied, the jewelry industry lets you find your own path to success.
This program’s breadth and depth are unique, covering design, fabrication, gemology, manufacturing, and business. Our outstanding resources include professional metal-arts studios, a substantial gem collection for study and use in student projects, and technology from CAD engineering and graphics software to high-resolution 3D printing. Technology, e-commerce, social media, and the global marketplace are opening new opportunities in this multifaceted field.
Program
Jewelry Design AAS
FIT’s Jewelry Design program is unique in how it integrates craftsmanship, professional design, digital literacy, and best business practices. Our two-year program trains you in the design and creation of jewelry, including presentation techniques, principles of production methods, CAD technologies for mechanical drafting and 3D modeling, the use of digital output technologies including 3D printing and CNC milling, the study of gems, and insight into the design trends of the past, present, and future.
Our Work
Jewelry Design students learn from expert instructors and benefit from personalized mentorship, enabling them to create truly unique pieces. Many graduates go on to pursue successful careers in the professional jewelry industry.
When Mardi Meshejian, Jewelry Design ’91, began crafting knives nearly 30 years ago, he didn’t intend to make art—but try telling that to the collectors who compete to own one of his stunning creations.
Graduating students like Katie McCants demonstrate their ability to balance design, craft, economics, ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Emily Chapman explains the creation of this jagged cuff from prototype to completion.
A sixth-generation jewelry designer, Alexis Mazza, Accessories Design, Jewelry Design ’13, won the 2017 Emerging Designer Competition with her minimalistic, gold-based work.
Impact
Dream it. Design it. Make it … Artistry, craftsmanship, and vision combine to create pieces with beauty and meaning in this global industry.
Outside the Classroom
Since New York City is the center of the American jewelry industry, opportunities abound. Students have interned at Miriam Haskell, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, Judith Ripka, and Christie’s auction house, and the Plumb Club is now offering a new mentoring and internship program for FIT Jewelry Design students.
Graduates work as designers, jewelers, and executives in the manufacturing and merchandising of fine and fashion jewelry for such companies as Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Carolee, Jones Jewelry Group, and Oscar Heyman, and as assistants to top designers such as David Yurman and Judith Ripka. Some recent graduates also market their own jewelry online.
Explore More
some related minors
Learn From the Best
Kim Nelson
Nelson is an assistant professor of Jewelry Design. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and an Associate in Applied Science degree from FIT.
Michael Coan
Coan is an assistant professor of Jewelry Design. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a diploma from the Gemological Institute of America.
Contact Us
Jewelry Design
Su Ku
Kim Nelson
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