Comparing Jewellery Design Salary: Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters

Published by Shikha Kumari on May 23, 2025

Becoming a jewellery designer involves a full blown combination of artistic creativity and technical knowledge, especially while in India, you are reflecting the nation’s rich cultural legacy, where jewellery is more than just decoration. Here in India, it signifies tradition, status, and personal identity. Indian consumers are changing their jewellery design preferences too rapidly to keep up, which is why it becomes essential for upcoming jewellery designers to constantly innovate and invent something new. Jewellery is such a course that deals with these issues regarding jewellery making, refurbishing and designing.  Such courses also provide the students with the ability to visualize, sketch, and create distinctive jewelry pieces, seamlessly blending classic motifs with contemporary styles.

Jewellery design education in India provides students with three primary academic levels which include diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and  master’s degrees. Students can study jewellery design at various academic institutions in such programs that help students achieve their professional goals and develop their skills based on industry requirements. In this article we will be comparing jewelry designer salary at level of a diploma vs degree vs Masters

Diploma

A diploma in jewellery design typically lasts somewhere between six months and one year and provides students with basic design knowledge along with essential material understanding. The diploma is also said to be recommended for students who need fast access to industry jobs as well as those who want to work in supporting roles or operate their own small businesses. The basic skills acquired from this particular course might prevent the students from advancing their careers while reducing their salary prospects without obtaining  additional credentials.

A Bachelor’s Degree

The Bachelor’s Degree in Jewellery Design extends through 3 years to 4 years for students to learn advanced  jewellery design principles alongside gemology, computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing procedures and market analysis.  The degree provides graduates with better chances to secure jobs in established design houses as well as jewellery brands and  export companies. Students who complete the program are likely to work as designers, merchandisers, and  product developers while earning salaries at mid-level ranges.

Master’s degree

The Master’s Degree in Jewellery Design program lasts between one and two  years for professional students who desire to specialize in their field, assume leadership roles, or work within an  international context. The program emphasizes research activities along with luxury design development and innovation and branding development. When  alumni complete their Master’s degree they gain priority access to high-ranking positions that involve design strategy and creative  direction and educational roles while getting better salary prospects and international work opportunities.

Comparing Jewellery Design Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters

We made it easy for you to compare several aspects of three levels of educational qualification at one place. Check them out below: 

AspectDiploma in Jewellery DesignBachelor’s Degree (B.Des) in Jewellery DesignMaster’s Degree (M.Des) in Jewellery Design
Course LevelDiploma / CertificateUndergraduate Degree (UG)Postgraduate Degree (PG)
DurationFew months to 1 yearTypically 3 yearsTypically 2 years
Focus & CurriculumEmphasis on practical skills and basic jewellery design techniques; hands-on trainingComprehensive coverage of design principles, gemology, metalwork, CAD, business aspects, and production techniquesAdvanced design concepts, research, innovation, branding, marketing, and specialized technologies like Rhino CAD
EligibilityUsually 10th or 10+2 pass; often no entrance exams10+2 pass with minimum 50% marks; entrance exams (NID, NIFT, CEED) may be requiredB.Des or equivalent degree in Jewellery Design or related field
Depth of StudyBasic to intermediate practical skillsBalanced theoretical and practical knowledge, including design theory and industry practicesIn-depth research, creative experimentation, leadership, and strategic design management
Career PreparationPrepares for entry-level technical roles and craftsmanshipPrepares for professional design roles including CAD modeling, design consultancy, and productionPrepares for senior roles, design leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic/research careers
Typical Curriculum ExamplesBasic jewellery making, metalwork, stone settingDesign foundation, diamond grading, CAD, marketing, accessory designAdvanced design theory, history, branding, merchandising, Rhino CAD, international market studies
Flexibility & ProgressionLimited scope; often a stepping stone to degree programsFoundation for specialization or higher studies; recognized professional degreeSpecialized expertise; pathway to PhD, research, or senior industry roles

Jewellery Design Placement opportunities Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters 2025:

Jewellery design education provides students with three primary academic levels that include diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and  master’s degrees while these levels might be different given below is a table Comparing Jewellery Design Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters on the basis of their placement opportunities and salaries:

Experience LevelSalary Range (INR per annum)Average Salary (INR per annum)
Entry-Level Rs.1,50,000 – Rs.5,00,000Rs.3,00,000 – Rs.4,20,000
Mid-Level Rs.6,00,000 – Rs.10,00,000Rs.6,00,000 – Rs.8,50,000
Senior-LevelRs.15,00,000 – Rs.25,00,000+Rs.15,00,000 – Rs.20,00,000+
Freelancers / IndependentRs.6,00,000 – Rs.12,00,000+       —

Jewellery design education provides students with three primary academic levels that include diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and  master’s degrees. Students can study jewellery design at various academic institutions using a combination of diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs that help students achieve their professional goals and develop their skills based on industry requirements. In this article we will be comparing jewelry designer salary  at level of a diploma vs degree vs Masters

Jewellery design Diploma:

A diploma in jewellery design typically lasts between six months and one year and provides students with basic  design knowledge along with essential material understanding. The diploma is recommended for students who need fast access to industry  jobs as well as those who want to work in supporting roles or operate their own small businesses. The  basic skills acquired from this course might prevent students from advancing their careers while reducing their salary prospects without obtaining  additional credentials.

Jewellery design Bachelor’s Degree: 

The Bachelor’s Degree in Jewellery Design extends through 3 years to 4 years for students to learn advanced  jewellery design principles alongside gemology, computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing procedures and market analysis.  The degree provides graduates with better chances to secure jobs in established design houses as well as jewellery brands and  export companies. Students who complete the program are likely to work as designers, merchandisers, and  product developers while earning salaries at mid-level ranges.

Jewellery design Master’s degree: 

The Master’s Degree in Jewellery Design program lasts between one and two  years for professional students who desire to specialize in their field, assume leadership roles, or work within an  international context. The program emphasizes research activities along with luxury design development and innovation and branding development. When  alumni complete their Master’s degree they gain priority access to high-ranking positions that involve design strategy and creative  direction and educational roles while getting better salary prospects and international work opportunities.

Comparing Jewellery Design Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters

Here’s a table Comparing Jewellery Design Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters, focusing on their academic scope, duration, and depth without discussing placements or salaries:

AspectDiploma in Jewellery DesignBachelor’s Degree (B.Des) in Jewellery DesignMaster’s Degree (M.Des) in Jewellery Design
Course LevelDiploma / CertificateUndergraduate Degree (UG)Postgraduate Degree (PG)
DurationFew months to 1 yearTypically 3 yearsTypically 2 years
Focus & CurriculumEmphasis on practical skills and basic jewellery design techniques; hands-on trainingComprehensive coverage of design principles, gemology, metalwork, CAD, business aspects, and production techniquesAdvanced design concepts, research, innovation, branding, marketing, and specialized technologies like Rhino CAD
EligibilityUsually 10th or 10+2 pass; often no entrance exams10+2 pass with minimum 50% marks; entrance exams (NID, NIFT, CEED) may be requiredB.Des or equivalent degree in Jewellery Design or related field
Depth of StudyBasic to intermediate practical skillsBalanced theoretical and practical knowledge, including design theory and industry practicesIn-depth research, creative experimentation, leadership, and strategic design management
Career PreparationPrepares for entry-level technical roles and craftsmanshipPrepares for professional design roles including CAD modeling, design consultancy, and productionPrepares for senior roles, design leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic/research careers
Typical Curriculum ExamplesBasic jewellery making, metalwork, stone settingDesign foundation, diamond grading, CAD, marketing, accessory designAdvanced design theory, history, branding, merchandising, Rhino CAD, international market studies
Flexibility & ProgressionLimited scope; often a stepping stone to degree programsFoundation for specialization or higher studies; recognized professional degreeSpecialized expertise; pathway to PhD, research, or senior industry roles

Jewellery Design Placement opportunities Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters 2025:

Jewellery design education provides students with three primary academic levels that include diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and  master’s degrees while these levels might be different given below is a table Comparing Jewellery Design Diploma vs. Degree vs. Masters on the basis of their placement opportunities and salaries:

Experience LevelSalary Range (INR per annum)Average Salary (INR per annum)Notes / Placement Insights
Entry-Level (0-4 years)₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000₹3,00,000 – ₹4,20,000Freshers typically start around ₹3-5 LPA; CAD designers may earn higher due to technical skills.
Mid-Level (4-9 years)₹6,00,000 – ₹10,00,000₹6,00,000 – ₹8,50,000Mid-level designers with experience and specialization see significant salary growth.
Senior-Level (10+ years)₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+₹15,00,000 – ₹20,00,000+Senior roles, leadership positions, or luxury brand designers earn premium salaries; some reports cite averages near ₹20 LPA.
Freelancers / Independent₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000+ (varies widely)Varies widelyIncome depends on project load, reputation, and client base; can exceed salaried roles for top freelancers.
×
Kickstart your college journey with ImaginXP - let's connect and make it happen!
Share your contact Details and we will connect with you ASAP!