Frequently Asked Questions

The New York Jewelry Design Institute

I don’t have any drawing skills. Can I still learn how to design jewelry?

Absolutely. Many of our students begin with little or no drawing experience. Our step by step approach is designed to take you from learning the fundamentals of drawing and design to creating professional jewelry concepts of your own. Whether you have never picked up a pencil or simply want to refine your skills, we will meet you where you are and help you build confidence along the way.

Most beginners start with either our Jewelry Design Foundations course or our Intro to Wax Carving course. Both provide an excellent introduction to the jewelry design process and help students develop the fundamental skills needed to bring their ideas to life.

No prior experience is required. Our programs are designed for beginners as well as those looking to enhance their existing skills. We guide students from the very basics of jewelry design through the process of creating original pieces of their own.

For most students, Jewelry Design Foundations is the best place to begin. This course introduces the core principles of jewelry design and provides a strong foundation for future studies in rendering, CAD, wax carving, and collection development.

Yes. Students who successfully complete Jewelry Design Foundations, Advanced Jewelry Design & Rendering, High Jewelry Rendering in Gouache, and CAD will earn a Professional Jewelry Design Certificate from the New York Jewelry Design Institute.

No. One of the advantages of our program is its flexibility. While we often recommend a particular learning path, students are welcome to begin with the course that best aligns with their interests and goals.

Yes. Our private courses are scheduled based on both the student’s availability and the instructor’s schedule, allowing for a highly personalized learning experience.
 
Absolutely. In fact, private instruction is one of our specialties. Private lessons allow students to progress at their own pace while receiving individualized guidance tailored to their goals and skill level.
At this time, we primarily focus on in person instruction. We believe students benefit most from hands on learning, direct feedback, and the immersive studio experience that comes from working alongside professional instructors.

We typically offer group programs and intensive workshops in the spring and fall. Private instruction is available throughout the year and can be customized to fit your schedule and learning objectives.

Because group classes have limited enrollment, makeup classes cannot be guaranteed. However, if space is available in a future class and the instructor approves, students may have the opportunity to attend a makeup session.

Students may request a refund within seven days of registration. After that period, tuition becomes nonrefundable. Please contact us directly if you have questions regarding your registration.
 
Not immediately. We generally recommend that students first explore CAD through our training program to determine whether it is the right fit for their needs. If you decide to continue using the software after the course, we can connect you directly with the software provider.
Students receive a temporary CAD license that is typically valid for 90 days from the start of their course. In some cases, we may be able to arrange an additional 30 day extension, allowing students extra time to practice and reinforce their skills.
 
Yes. Helping students bring their ideas to life is one of our greatest strengths. Once you have developed your design skills, our team can guide you through the process of transforming your concepts into finished jewelry. From design development and gemstone selection to manufacturing and production, we can help you take your collection from sketchbook to showcase.
Schedule a consultation with us. We would be happy to discuss your goals, experience level, and help you determine the best path forward.