I often receive emails from people who'd like to design jewelry some day, on a large scale. If you are interested in seriously studying jewelry design, then I suggest looking around at some serious design schools. For example, there's the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). They offer a number of degree programs, including one in Metals and Jewelry. Per the school's website:

" The undergraduate program promotes a thorough understanding of the fields of metalwork and jewelry while allowing students to explore avenues of specialty through electives. Students build a vocabulary of design and technical competencies while learning to manipulate a wide range of tools and materials. The curriculum provides a foundation of traditional jewelry and silversmithing techniques in combination with new technologies, concept development, electronic design and rendering, as well as production methods. Students prepare a portfolio of work, a résumé and other promotional materials for presentation to potential employers, galleries or graduate schools."

SCAD is also in the jewelry news right now because they are cosponsoring a design competition with The Southern Jewelry Travelers Association. Find out more about it at " Third annual design competition to be held at Atlanta Jewelry Show."