Jewelers

At a Glance

Design, make, repair, appraise, and sell jewelry
Often specialize in one or more areas
May work with customers
Train on the job
Use their hands for fine detail work

Career summary

Jewelers design, make, and repair rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry.

Jewelers who work with silver may be called silversmiths.

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Jewelers usually specialize in one or more type of jewelry. They may specialize in a type of jewelry such as rings or they may specialize by material such as gold or silver.

Jewelers shape metal using hand tools or lathes. Sometimes they use wax to make models and use the models to cast and shape pieces. They solder pieces together. They mount gems or stones on some pieces. On other pieces they may engrave a design.

Repair work may include sizing rings, resetting stones, straightening twisted silver, and replacing broken clasps.

Most jewelers use a variety of common and specialized hand tools to do their work. These include hammers, pliers, drills, and hand engravers. Some jewelers use computers to design and create custom pieces according to their customers’ wishes.

In jewelry manufacturing, jewelers will usually do one operation in the process of completing a piece. For example, some jewelers shape pieces on which others do finish work such as polishing or engraving.

Many jewelers now use lasers to cut stones, engrave designs, or do other precise work. Some firms use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD and CAM) in the production process.

Jewelers may specialize one of several areas:

Precious metals

Precious metal workers work primarily on gold, silver, and other metals.

Gemologists

Gemologists analyze and certify gemstones. They use microscopes and grading instruments to examine stones and finished pieces of jewelry. They write reports based on their findings.

Jewelry appraisal

Jewelers who are knowledgeable about the quality and value of gems appraise jewelry. To make appraisals, they examine jewelry and gems to determine if they are genuine and to appraise their value.

Benchwork

Bench jewelers usually work for jewelry retailers making repairs and cleaning jewelry.

Jewelers who own or manage stores or shops also have managerial duties. They hire, train, and supervise employees. In addition, they order and sell merchandise.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to jewelers.

Clean or repair jewelry.
Design jewelry, or follow designs created by designers or customers.
Shape the metal, heat alloys, or carve wax to make a model for casting the metal.
Arrange jewelry parts and solder together. Smooth joints and rough spots.
Mount stone or gem, or engrave a design into the metal.
May use computers to design jewelry.
May specialize in one operation, such as silversmithing, model making, or finishing work.
May use lasers and lathes to cut stones, engrave designs, or perform other precise work.
May use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD and CAM) programs.
Use a variety of common and specialized hand tools to make and repair jewelry.
Examine jewelry and gems to evaluate genuineness and appraise value.
Order, market, and sell jewelry.
Sharpen, adjust, or replace tools used specifically for diamonds.
Hire and train new employees. Perform other managerial duties.

Common work activities

Jewelers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Think creatively
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Make decisions and solve problems
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Get information needed to do the job
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Identify objects, actions, and events
Update and use job-related knowledge
Control machines and processes
Handle and move objects
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Establish and maintain relationships

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, jewelers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have limited responsibility for the health and safety of other workers near them when using certain tools.
Communicate by telephone or in person on a daily basis.
Have a medium level of job-related social contact. They often work alone. However, jewelers who run stores may spend time interacting with customers.

Physical work conditions

Always work indoors. Those who work with pewter may on occasion work outdoors.
Are sometimes exposed to contaminants, such as cleaning solutions.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions.
Sometimes wear protective attire, such as gloves and masks.
Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sound and noise levels, especially when using cutting tools and soldering equipment.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or minor burns.

Work performance

Must be very exact in their work to prevent injury to self or damage to jewelry.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Make decisions that impact customers and their company's reputation. They rarely consult another before deciding a course of action.
Usually set their daily tasks and goals without talking to another first. Their day is often organized around clients.

Hours/travel

Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
May work weekends if employed in a retail jewelry store.

Physical demands

Jewelers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Sit for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.

It is important for jewelers to be able to:

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for jewelers to be able to:

Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Determine the distance between objects.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Jewelers need to:

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Work with things

Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a jeweler, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some jewelers learn their skills at vocational or technical schools. You can also learn the trade through correspondence courses or on-the-job training. Colleges and art and design schools offer bachelor's and master's degrees in jewelry design.

If you are interested in working in a jewelry store or repair shop, vocational and technical schools are good sources of training. These programs vary in length from six months to one year. In these programs, you learn to use and care for jewelers' tools and machines. You also learn basic jewelry making and repairing skills. Technical school courses also cover topics such as blueprint reading, math, and shop theory. In addition, you need training in computer-aided design (CAD) if you are interested in jewelry design and manufacturing.

Work experience

If you are interested in starting your own business, you should first build your skills and reputation. Having experience as a jeweler makes it easier to gain credit from jewelry suppliers and obtain inventory. In addition, you should have sales experience and knowledge of business management. Courses in these areas are available from technical schools and community colleges.

On-the-job training

Many jewelers develop their skills through on-the-job training. Training usually focuses on casting, setting stones, making models, or engraving. Training typically lasts at least at least one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Art
Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
Drawing and Painting

Many jewelers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have formal training. They prefer graduates of technical school or college programs in jewelry making and design. Many employers prefer jewelers with design, repair, and sales skills.

Employers look for jewelers with good finger and hand control and good hand-eye coordination. Patience and the ability to concentrate are also important. In some jobs, employers look for artistic ability and a good fashion sense. For jobs where jewelers will have customer contact, employers prefer applicants who are neat and who get along well with people. Knowledge of the merchandise is also important. In addition, employers want workers who are trustworthy, because jewelers work with very valuable materials.

Tips

Additional study of geology, gemology, and business management is helpful.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. They may also need to purchase one or more tool sets that includes hand and power tools.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers (SOC 51-9071)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$13.08	$15.10	$18.76	$22.64	$25.52
	Monthly	$2,267	$2,617	$3,251	$3,924	$4,423
	Yearly	$27,200	$31,400	$39,010	$47,080	$53,090
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$15.67	$17.83	$21.08	$23.87	$27.20
	Monthly	$2,716	$3,090	$3,653	$4,137	$4,714
	Yearly	$32,585	$37,087	$43,856	$49,659	$56,570
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.83	$13.83	$16.05	$23.55	$27.72
	Monthly	$2,223	$2,397	$2,781	$4,081	$4,804
	Yearly	$26,683	$28,754	$33,384	$48,979	$57,653
Vancouver	Hourly	$15.69	$17.51	$20.89	$25.94	$35.74
	Monthly	$2,719	$3,034	$3,620	$4,495	$6,194
	Yearly	$32,640	$36,421	$43,445	$53,947	$74,341
United States	Hourly	$11.31	$14.36	$18.96	$25.10	$32.33
	Monthly	$1,960	$2,489	$3,286	$4,350	$5,603
	Yearly	$23,530	$29,860	$39,440	$52,210	$67,250

Wages vary based on the jeweler's duties and level of experience. Wages also vary by area of the country and by employer. Jewelers in larger companies usually earn more than those in small shops.

Benefits vary by employer. Salaried jewelers who work full time generally receive benefits such as paid vacation and health insurance. Many employers also provide payment for work-related courses and discounts on jewelry purchases. Self-employed jewelers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers (SOC 51-9071)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	761	6.0%	16.1%	92
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	113	1.8%	11.9%	12
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	37	5.4%	15.2%	4
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	14	0.0%	14.1%	1
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	32	6.3%	14.6%	4
King County	217	-1.8%	19.6%	21
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	108	35.2%	13.8%	21
Pierce County	49	16.3%	15.2%	7
Spokane County	167	-3.6%	13.9%	16
United States	38,100	-7.6%	5.2%	4,400

National employment

About 32% of all jewelers are self-employed. Some own their own stores or repair shops. Others specialize in designing and creating custom jewelry.

Major employers:

Jewelry stores
Jewelry manufacturers

National outlook

This occupation will experience significant decline because most jewelry is made outside the US. Traditional jewelry stores have lost customers to department stores and online sellers. Bench workers who can clean and repair jewelry will still be in demand. This is because jewelry stores are one of the few places customers can get jewelry repaired.

The outlook for those who manufacture jewelry is mixed. Workers who do basic jobs may be replaced by machines. However, workers who do creative or highly skilled tasks are less likely to be replaced.

Most job opportunities will occur as jewelers retire. The best opportunities will be for graduates from a jeweler or gemologist training program.

Other resources

American Craft Council
1224 Marshall Street NE, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.206.3100

American Gem Society
8881 West Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89117
866.805.6500
702.255.6500

Careers in Gems and Jewelry
(from the Gemological Institute of America)

Gemological Institute of America
The Robert Mouawad Campus
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
800.421.7250

Jewelers of America
120 Broadway, Suite 2820
New York, NY 10271
800.223.0673

Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America
8 Hayward Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
800.444.6572
508.316.2132

Metalcyberspace
Metalsmithing and jewelry design schools and related resources

National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
PO Box 18
Rego Park, NY 11374-0018
718.896.1536

National Endowment for the Arts
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

Society of American Silversmiths
PO Box 786
West Warwick, Rhode Island 02893

Society of North American Goldsmiths
PO Box 1355
Eugene, OR 97440

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.