The question of how to become a jeweler has not been relevant for the first hundred or even a thousand years - the ability to create exquisite jewelry, work with precious metals and stones has been valued since the time of ancient civilizations. Of course, over the past centuries, teaching methods have changed significantly: many years of “master - apprentice” relationships have transformed into full-time and part-time educational programs, thanks to which you can reach a professional level in just a couple of years. In addition, the approach to the profession has changed to a certain extent: now, not only those who see this as their profession, but also those who are looking for an interesting hobby, which can make money.
What is needed for those who want to become a jeweler?
Of course, before enrolling in courses or embarking on self-study, many try to figure out what it takes to become a jeweler and how much everything you need will cost. In general, jewelry business includes three main areas: sketching, 3D-modeling and direct work on the product (casting, processing, etc.).
So, you must keep in mind that for jewelry production requires a separate room with an extractor fan. Most of the standard tools are sold in an ordinary construction store: they are a jigsaw, mallet, metal scissors, files and files , round-nose pliers, wire cutters, vernier calipers, etc. Of course, there are masters in the arsenal and specific tools and devices that are mainly needed to create and process injection molds - a steel plate for dressing and straightening, a mold, etc. You will be familiarized with the complete list of necessary directly during the training.
Sketches will require paper, pencils, watercolors, gouache, brushes. Also, wire, plasticine and glue will be appropriate. 3D modeling is done on a computer. It may have average performance and not the most powerful graphics card, the main thing is to install specialized programs on it, such as Rhinoceros 3D and ZBrush . In addition, Photoshop and CorelDRAW come in handy for the jeweler.
Thus, if the future master has a suitable room, the most tangible expense item at the initial stage will be the acquisition of the necessary tools, as well as the purchase of licensed software.
Where can I become a jeweler?
It would seem that the World Wide Web has significantly expanded our opportunities for self-learning: you can find any textbooks and begin to learn this or that craft yourself. However, jewelry is an area where you only need to improve your technique yourself , and it’s better to learn the basics and bring mastery to the right level with a teacher. Firstly, he has a full-fledged program that covers all aspects and directions, while with self-study, the student, as a rule, composes a program for himself. It is not so easy for a beginner to cope with this task, because it is difficult for him to assess the correctness and completeness of the selected material.
Secondly, when learning under the supervision of an experienced master, you permanently receive feedback . The teacher will tell you what else to work on, immediately indicate errors, if any. Thirdly, there are also areas for which it is almost impossible to learn on their own. For example, for jewelry design it is very difficult to find specialized literature that would fully cover this area.
Thus, if you really want to master the skill of creating precious products, the question: “How to become a jeweler yourself?” Should be replaced by the question: “What should I do to become a jeweler?” And there are two main options: full-time and part-time courses (online programs). Pluses of correspondence classes: lower price and the opportunity to study at home, at the most convenient time . The advantages of full-time courses: training is faster and more effective, there is always contact with the teacher and other students, you can discuss any questions, ask for advice or help.
Where to learn to be a jeweler in Moscow?
Everyone who wants to become a jeweler, regardless of their training, is invited to the school of jewelry design . Here, both full-time and correspondence courses are organized, which are built in such a way that students learn step-by-step all the skills of a professional jeweler and at the end of the program can create their own products . Training lasts from six months (for the initial level) to two years (for the professional level).
In the formation of the program, considerable attention was paid not only to technical, but also to artistic aspects. Future masters are taught to think, analyze and evaluate, instill an artistic taste. That is why full-time students go with teachers to specialized exhibitions, where they get acquainted with products made by professionals and analyze them. School provides students with everything they need to become a jeweler, start the production of their own products and subsequently, possibly, open their own brand of exclusive jewelry.