The jewelry industry can call for both the creative and business side of a person, or primarily one or the other. The creative side presents many challenges. As is the case with most any artist, it can be a struggle to become a recognized and successful jewelry designer. But if your career goal is self-expression and you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can have a rewarding career. As a designer you have many choices. You can work in gold, silver or platinum; with or without gemstones; work with alternative materials; specialize in enamel or mosaic pieces; or experiment with color. If you are a designer with a head for business, you have great potential to design your own line of jewelry and even open your own retail store.