Jewelry + Metalsmithing Career Resources
The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!
Common Career Paths for Jewelry + Metalsmithing Majors
If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field.
Jewelry Designer - Create original pieces of jewelry, designing collections for brands or personal clients. This role often involves sketching designs, selecting materials, and overseeing the production process.
Gemologist - Specialize in the study and identification of gemstones. Gemologists may work for jewelers, auction houses, or gemological laboratories, helping to certify the quality and authenticity of gemstones.
Jewelry Stylist/Consultant - Advise clients on accessory choices, coordinating outfits for photo shoots, and working with designers and brands to create cohesive looks. This work is often done on a freelance basis, with clients ranging from individuals, brands, or media publications.
Jewelry Buyer / Merchandiser - Select and purchase merchandise for retail stores, often based on aesthetics, trends, customer preferences, and sales data.
Accessories Designer - Specialize in designing various fashion accessories that complement clothing collections including, handbags, watches, belts, scarves, and other items. Often involves knowledge of fashion and design principles.
Bench Jeweler - Utilize abilities as a skilled artisan to perform a variety of tasks related to the creation, repair, and modification of jewelry. Often working at jewelry stores, manufacturing facilities, or repair shops.
Jewelry Historian or Curator - Work in museums or historical societies to study and exhibit historical and antique jewelry. This role often involves research, curation, and educational outreach. May require graduate level education.
Fine Artist - Produce original artwork that express a unique vision, concept, or idea. Work may be exhibited and sold via galleries, museums, art fairs, and private collections.
Art Educator - Teach and guide students of various ages in developing their artistic skills and knowledge, often through work in educational settings such as schools, colleges, universities, community art centers, and museums.
Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List
This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.
Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities
Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.
Organizations, Directories, & Communities
This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.
Jewelry Design Professional Network
International Sculpture Center
Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies
Explore this selection of internal grant and fellowship opportunities available to RISD students.
RISD Managed Grants and Awards
Student & Alumni Stories
Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.
RISD Partners with Tiffany & Co. on Jeweler Apprenticeship Program
Curating a Retro-Futuristic Show at MAD
CreativeStudy
This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!