Academics
Why Calstone?
The program provides a 360° view: Students learn all aspects of the multibillion dollar jewelry design business, from concept to marketing a finished jewelry collection.
We’re connected: The Calstone College campus is minutes away from the heart of one of the largest jewelry districts in the U.S. We maintain and continue to develop an incredible network of jewelry industry connections.
We get technical: Our students master old-world techniques such as wax working and jewelry fabrication, as well as learn cutting edge design software vital to the success of jewelry designers worldwide.
What to Expect?
In our fully equipped studios, students learn the techniques to conceptualize and execute their own unique jewelry designs.
The Jewelry Design program features in-depth study of the history of jewelry to give students an artistic and historical context for their ideas. The program provides students with a broad understanding of the jewelry industry through in-depth study of the creative process, jewelry styles, and the technical properties of metals and gems.
Graduates are prepared to design jewelry for private clients, to start their own lines, or to design for major accessories brands.
Careers in Jewelry
We encourage you to explore the limits of your creativity and create your own path to creative fulfillment. Many of our classes can be taken without any prior experience or knowledge; all that's required is a desire to learn and explore.
If you'd like to take a class that has a prerequisite, please contact an admissions representative. Once you've demonstrated equivalent knowledge or completion of a similar course a representative will assist you with registration.
Jewelry Designer
Jewelry designers are usually drawn to their career because of a passion for artistic pursuits and fashion. Designers may work with jewelers and individual customers to create one-of-a-kind jewelry, or they work for manufacturers developing new pieces for the company’s collections. Some entrepreneurial designers go on to start businesses, selling designer jewelry under their own names.
Bench Jeweler
Bench jewelers use various hand and powered tools to cut, grind and polish metal, and utilize various liquid solutions for cleaning and plating metal and stones. Responsibilities may range from basic repair and sizing through to fine clean cast and detail work. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings.
CAD Jewelry Designer
Create jewelry designs using software for 3D modeling and printing. Realize designs using printed wax and plastic models, CNC machines, milling, and laser cutting for use with modern jewelry production techniques. Work side by side with production teams to ensure manufacturing consistency in this dynamic career path.
Technical Designer
As a technical jewelry designer, you are a part of the design team creating drawings and digital files for use in production. Plan, iterate, and create maquettes for rapid prototyping in this exciting career path.
Jewelry & Metal Arts Instructor
Teach students to apply traditional hand techniques and modern technology in the production of jewelry and metal arts while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Instruct the next generation of artists and designers in the latest fabrication methods, materials, and aesthetics used by leading jewelers and metalsmiths. Provide a historical context for the student's artistic exploration and practice.
Casting Specialist
Work with a variety of clients during the design, prototype, and final production stages. Utilize your expertise to provide solutions for intricate designs and challenging concepts. Stay updated on the newest metal alloys and technologies to ensure the best possible metal castings.
Gallery /
Museum Curator
Apply your knowledge of the jewelry profession to curate exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions in a gallery or boutique-style space. Inspire and educate the general public about the jewelry and artwork you represent. Introduce collectors and connoisseurs to new and emerging artists from around the world.
Appraiser
Evaluate gemstones, antique and contemporary jewelry, and fine watches. Write detailed descriptions and determine valuation.
Retail
Share your customers’ happiest moments and inspire team members to achieve their greatest potential in this fast-paced environment. A career in retail jewelry sales can be rewarding, exciting, and lucrative.
Buyer
Monitor industry and consumer trends and seek out gems and finished jewelry pieces to sell profitably.
Auction Specialist
Oversee buying and selling during the process of auctioning privately owned one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Wholesale
Import and sell diamonds, colored stones, cultured pearls, finished jewelry, and watches from locations around the world.
Manufacturer
Transform designs into jewelry that can be produced and sold on a mass scale.