Elements and
Principles of Design
In the context of jewelry design
Jewelry 2 and Studio
Using Jewelry Design
Elements:
What is a jewelry design element?
An "element" is simply a design characteristic that
you will use to make interesting designs. Imagine a
bracelet that is made up of a single strand of all
white beads that are uniform in size and shape, and
closed with a plain spring ring clasp. Ok...simple
and classic perhaps, but also not very interesting to
look at. It is more of an accent piece that fades into
the background and doesn't draw much attention.
Now imagine a bracelet made with
* a few large, brightly colored handmade
lampwork glass beads,
* interspersed with smaller crystal beads,
* some dangly bead charms attached
* completed with a very interesting sterling
silver clasp.
Now there is a focal bracelet that draws
attention, and is a key part of your unique
style and look! (Both bracelets we've just
described have their place.)
What is the difference between
Elements and Principles?

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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Basic Jewelry Design Elements:

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 used in Jewelry
Shape can be organic
(curving, natural)
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Or it can be
geometric (angular,
precise, man-made)
Space is the most basic
element of design.
Positive space refers to the tangible
(touchable) parts of the piece.
 Negative space refers to the empty
places, the spaces where air shows
through.

All jewelry will have Texture. Use it
as an element of interesting design.
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
Basic Principles of Design in Jewelry:
Variety - use a couple of different size or shapes
in your design
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 is an element that is
repeated in some sort of predictable
way.
Rhythm creates a sort of “heartbeat”
to the piece. It gives life and energy.
Unity ~
a sense of “one-ness” is created
through repetition of shape, color, size, or
texture.
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.
Visual Balance, another important
principle for good design:
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.
Emphasis!
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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Good Design:
•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.