In the context of jewelry design
Jewelry & Metal Smithing 1
What is a jewelry design element?
An "element" is simply a design
characteristic that you will use to make
interesting designs.
Here are a few that are used
most often in Jewelry Design.
• Line
• Shape
• Space
• Color
• Texture
• Elements are like the basic ingredients
you need if you are baking a cake.
(flour, sugar, eggs, etc.) A cake
can’t be a cake without a certain
combination of these things.
• Principles are the way in which
these elements are used. Using
the cake analogy, it might be
the flavor you include, the way
the ingredients are assembled,
or what you do with the different
ingredients.
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• Color - use of color to set the mood of the piece
• Shape - mix up the shapes to add interest
• S P A C E - Negative space and positive space are important design
elements.
• Texture
- mix up interesting textures, smooth and rough to draw
attention.
• LINE
is the visual path that enables the eye to move within the piece.
Color plays a role in jewelry design, which
can be bold or subtle:
Color can refer to the color of metal or to an added
element such as a stone, glass, beads, etc.
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Shape can be organic
(curving, natural)
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Or it can be
geometric (angular,
precise, man-made)
• Positive space refers to the tangible (touchable) parts of
the piece.
• Negative space refers to the empty places, the spaces
where air shows through.
Texture refers to the
surface quality.
Look at the use of Line:
- Horizontal lines suggest a sense of rest or repose
- Vertical lines communicate a sense of spirituality
- Diagonal lines suggest a feeling of movement or direction
- Curved lines send different meanings; Soft, shallow curves
suggest comfort, safety, familiarity, relaxation
•Variet
- use a couple of different size or shapes in
your design
y
•RhYtHm - is repetition. Repeat elements to show
rhythm.
• UNITY - Unify your design so it is cohesive - you can do
this with repetition.
• BALANCE - can refer to symmetrical, asymmetrical, or
radial visual balance
• Emphasis - where you want the viewer to look first.
Variety is important to relieve monotony in a
design. See how it creates interest in these
pieces.
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Rhythm creates a sort of “heartbeat” to the piece. It
gives life and energy.
Creating unity does not mean that variety is neglected.
Notice how both principles are used at the same time in
greater or lesser degrees in these pieces.
Symmetrical - both sides are
the same
Asymmetrical - both sides
are different, and yet
still balanced.
Radial - from a center point
radiating outward - or rotating
around a central point.
Another word for this is focal point. It is the place where
you want to make a “splash”
or have the viewer put their attention first.
Yet, not all jewelry must
include this principle, look at
the ring below.
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•Is essential for excellence.
~ Therefore, the design process (sketching,
planning, and allowing ideas to evolve, which
means more sketching) is an essential part of
making fine jewelry.
•Will Incorporate both elements and
principles, but not all of them are needed all
the time.