Jewelry Designer

Local Eclectic is a 10 year old international e-commerce jewelry brand based in Chicago. We sell jewelry from emerging and independent jewelry designers from across the globe and have a handful of in house brands that we design and manufacture in house. We’re a social first brand that has built an authentic community of brand loyalists. We are dedicated to providing a best in class customer experience and offering exceptional, unique and one of a kind products. We are passionate about creating and selling high quality jewelry that is accessible to everyone. At Local Eclectic, we believe that every piece of jewelry is a work of art, a symbol of personal expression, and a connection to something greater; jewelry tells our story. Our mission is to inspire creativity and empower women and this is woven into every aspect of our business

Position Overview:
As a Jewelry Designer, you will play a pivotal role in supporting and expanding our in-house brands, which include both fine, solid gold pieces and fashion jewelry in plated finishes. You will work closely with the product team to conceptualize, design, and develop new collections that reflect our brand's ethos while introducing current jewelry trends. In addition to designing for our core collections, you will also create custom pieces for our customers in our new store, offering a personalized experience that highlights our commitment to craftsmanship and customer service. You’ll support managing the line plan and SKU count per brand, ensuring a balanced and strategic product offering. You will also collaborate with manufacturers, oversee the development of tech packs, and work closely with overseas factories to ensure quality production.

Key Responsibilities

Jewelry Design & Technical Expertise

• Create original jewelry designs that align with the brand's aesthetic and current trends, spanning both fine (solid gold) and fashion (plated) jewelry.
• Produce clear, detailed sketches and CAD models to communicate design concepts and ensure production accuracy.
• Apply advanced knowledge of jewelry manufacturing processes, including materials, stone settings, construction techniques, and feasibility assessments.
• Collaborate with jewelers and production teams to ensure designs meet quality standards and production requirements.
• Utilize CAD software (e.g., Rhino, Matrix) to develop precise, production-ready technical drawings for prototypes and final pieces.
• Experience with welding permanent jewelry, resizing rings, and engraving is a plus.

Custom Design Services

• Design bespoke jewelry pieces based on customer consultations, translating client visions into creative, personalized designs.
• Present clients with thoughtful design options that align with their preferences and the brand's style.

Collaboration & Product Development

• Partner with the product development team to align designs with seasonal goals, market trends, and production feasibility.
• Contribute to managing the product line plan and SKU count for in-house brands, ensuring a balanced and market-relevant collection.

Documentation & Production Support

• Create and maintain detailed tech packs for manufacturers, including specifications, materials, dimensions, and assembly instructions.

Trend Research & Innovation

• Conduct ongoing research into emerging jewelry trends to design innovative pieces that resonate with the target audience and reflect the brand’s identity.
• Explore and experiment with new materials, techniques, and design methodologies to elevate the brand’s offerings.

Material & Gemstone Knowledge

• Leverage expertise in materials and gemstones to create designs that maximize quality, cost efficiency, and production capabilities.

Customer-Centric Approach

• Develop jewelry that reflects a deep understanding of customer preferences, balancing creativity with commercial appeal.

Professional Growth

• Demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to expand technical skills, stay ahead of industry developments, and innovate in your craft.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in jewelry design or a related field.
• Strong sketching skills with proficiency in hand-drawn and digital design 
• Familiarity with creating and interpreting tech packs.
• Knowledge of jewelry materials and manufacturing processes.
• An eye for current trends and the ability to push creative boundaries while aligning with the brand’s identity.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and easily showcase your design vision
• A passion for design, innovation, and continuous learning.