Senior Jewelry Designer

Senior Jewelry Designer — Sara Shala Design· New York, NY

WHO WE ARE

Sara Shala Design is an independent New York-based jewelry brand known for its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship. The work is architectural and restrained, with pieces made to be worn every day and kept for good. Everything is designed in-house, working directly with setters, casters, and stone dealers. The collection is carried by select luxury retailers and has been featured in international press.

THE ROLE

We are looking for a Senior Jewelry Designer to lead design development for our upcoming collection. Reporting directly to the Founder and Creative Director, the Senior Designer translates the Creative Director's written briefs and reference imagery into original sketches, renderings, and technical drawings, and carries designs from first concept through CAD, sampling, and production. The role is equal parts interpretation and invention: executing the Creative Director's vision precisely, and bringing original ideas that push the collection further.

This is a small studio, not a corporate design team. You'll work directly with the founder and our small team, and own the collection's development end to end. We are looking for a designer with a strong creative point of view who also understands how jewelry is actually made.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Translate the Creative Director's written briefs and reference images into sketches, renderings, and technical drawings that capture the intended design direction
• Bring original design ideas and fresh perspectives to the collection, proposing new concepts, forms, and directions beyond the Creative Director's briefs
• Research jewelry trends, materials, finishes, and competitive market direction to inform seasonal development
• Develop mood boards and design concepts that support the collection vision
• Design with construction, feasibility, and cost in mind, balancing creativity, wearability, and commercial viability
• Create detailed technical drawings, including section drawings, annotations, and full specifications with dimensions, construction details, stone placement, materials, and finishes
• Build and maintain complete specification packages for each style, ready for production handoff
• Coordinate CAD development with the house's CAD designer and review CADs for design accuracy
• Review prototypes and samples for proportion, construction, quality, and finish, and provide clear revision comments
• Communicate directly with Diamond District production partners on construction, specifications, and design intent
• Track styles through development and keep the collection on schedule
• Support trade show preparation and participate in market events as needed
• Guide and collaborate with the Junior Designer on collection work

QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of experience in jewelry design, with work spanning fine and demi-fine categories preferred
• Strong portfolio demonstrating both original design ability and technically resolved, production-ready jewelry
• Proven experience taking jewelry from concept through development and final production
• Advanced sketching and technical drawing skills;
  strong CAD fluency (Rhino 3D or Matrix preferred)
• Thorough understanding of jewelry construction, materials, stones, settings, and manufacturing processes
• Experience working directly with factories or Diamond District production partners
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple styles and timelines simultaneously
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Self-directed, resourceful, and effective in an entrepreneurial environment

TERMS

• On-site role in Manhattan
• Part-time independent contractor engagement
• $55–70/hour, depending on experience

Please include a link to your portfolio with your application.