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jewelry assembler

title: "Job Specification: Jewelry Assembler"
salary: $35,000 - $65,000
categories: ["Manufacturing", "Production", "Luxury Goods", "Arts & Crafts"]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a "Job Specification: Jewelry Assembler".

🎯 Role Definition

A Jewelry Assembler is a skilled artisan at the heart of the jewelry creation process, responsible for the hands-on construction and finishing of fine and fashion jewelry. This role is the critical link between raw materials and a finished, wearable piece of art. It demands a unique blend of technical proficiency with specialized tools, a meticulous eye for detail, and a genuine passion for craftsmanship. From precisely setting a delicate stone to polishing a piece to a brilliant, flawless shine, the assembler's work is fundamental to bringing a designer's vision to life and ensuring every final product meets the highest standards of quality and beauty.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Jewelry Making/Metalsmithing School Graduate
  • Apprentice Jeweler or Production Assistant
  • Experienced Hobbyist with a demonstrable portfolio of work

Advancement To:

  • Senior Bench Jeweler / Master Jeweler
  • Jewelry Production Manager or Workshop Supervisor
  • Custom Jewelry Designer or CAD Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Jewelry Quality Control Inspector
  • Gemologist (with additional certification)
  • Jewelry Repair Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Meticulously assemble various jewelry components, such as chains, clasps, settings, and charms, according to detailed design specifications and work orders.
  • Perform precision soldering and laser welding on precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum to join components securely and seamlessly.
  • Execute various stone setting techniques, including prong, bezel, channel, and pavé setting, ensuring gemstones are secure and properly aligned.
  • Operate and maintain a flex shaft with a variety of attachments for detailed grinding, sanding, drilling, and pre-polishing tasks.
  • Conduct multi-stage polishing and finishing processes using polishing lathes, wheels, and compounds to achieve specified surface finishes like mirror, satin, or matte.
  • Carefully clean finished pieces using ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners to remove all traces of polish, dirt, and oils before final inspection.
  • String pearls and beads according to specific patterns and lengths, ensuring proper tension and securely finishing with clasps.
  • Perform intricate wire wrapping and forming to create detailed elements or to secure stones and other components within a design.
  • Read and accurately interpret technical drawings, 3D renderings, and production orders to ensure each piece is created to exact specifications.
  • Conduct rigorous in-process quality control checks to identify and correct any defects, such as porosity, scratches, or improper stone setting.
  • Execute jewelry repairs, including ring sizing, chain repair, prong re-tipping, and clasp replacement, restoring pieces to their original condition.
  • Prepare and mix alloys for casting, ensuring correct proportions and temperatures for optimal results.
  • Assist in the wax injection and treeing process, preparing wax models for investment and casting.
  • Operate casting equipment and carefully devest cast pieces from the investment, preparing them for the next stage of finishing.
  • Apply enameling or other decorative finishes to jewelry pieces, following precise color and application guidelines.
  • Use a loupe and other magnification tools to inspect work for microscopic flaws and ensure the highest level of precision is maintained.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe personal workspace, accounting for all tools, materials, and precious metals daily.
  • Meet established daily and weekly production quotas and deadlines without sacrificing the quality and integrity of the craftsmanship.
  • Document all work performed, tracking time and materials used for each job order for costing and inventory purposes.
  • Collaborate with designers and other jewelers to troubleshoot complex assembly challenges and contribute to finding effective solutions.
  • Adhere strictly to all company safety protocols, especially when working with torches, chemicals, and heavy machinery.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and organize a personal inventory of findings, small gemstones, and other raw materials to ensure production flows smoothly.
  • Contribute to process improvement discussions, offering suggestions to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety within the workshop.
  • Assist in the training and mentoring of junior assemblers or apprentices, sharing knowledge of specific techniques and best practices.
  • Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of shared workshop tools and equipment, such as polishing lathes and casting machines, to ensure they remain in optimal working condition.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Soldering & Welding: High proficiency in torch control for soldering and/or laser welding of precious metals.
  • Stone Setting: Demonstrable experience with a variety of stone setting techniques (e.g., prong, bezel, pavé).
  • Finishing & Polishing: Expertise in using polishing lathes, flex shafts, and various compounds to achieve high-quality surface finishes.
  • Tool Proficiency: Skilled use of essential jeweler's hand tools including pliers, files, saws, burrs, and mandrels.
  • Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and accurately follow technical drawings, work orders, and design specifications.
  • Casting Knowledge: Familiarity with the lost-wax casting process, from wax preparation to burnout and casting.
  • Repair Skills: Competency in common jewelry repairs such as sizing, chain mending, and prong rebuilding.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for minute details and a commitment to perfection in every piece.
  • Manual Dexterity: Superior fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for handling and manipulating very small, delicate components.
  • Patience & Focus: The ability to concentrate and perform precise, often repetitive tasks for extended periods without a loss in quality.
  • Problem-Solving: The capacity to identify issues during assembly or repair and independently troubleshoot effective solutions.
  • Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage a queue of work orders and meet production deadlines consistently.
  • Artistic Sensibility: A good sense of proportion, form, and aesthetics to ensure the finished piece is visually appealing.
  • Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques and work with a wide range of materials and styles.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. Verifiable hands-on training or apprenticeship in jewelry making is highly valued.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a recognized jewelry design, metalsmithing, or gemology institute (e.g., GIA, New Approach School for Jewelers, North Bennet Street School).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Jewelry Arts & Design
  • Metalsmithing
  • Gemology
  • Fine Arts with a focus on sculpture or small-scale fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of professional experience working as a bench jeweler, production jeweler, or jewelry assembler in a workshop or manufacturing setting.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience in a high-volume production studio or a fine jewelry environment, supported by a strong portfolio that showcases a wide range of assembly, setting, and finishing skills.

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