Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jewelry Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

As a Jewelry Cleaner and Polisher, you are the final touch of brilliance and the guardian of our clients' most treasured possessions. This role is far more than just cleaning; it's about restoring beauty, ensuring structural integrity, and upholding the standards of luxury and quality our brand represents. You will work hands-on with a variety of precious metals and delicate gemstones, utilizing specialized equipment and techniques to bring each piece back to its original, sparkling splendor. This position is a critical support function for both the sales and repair departments, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the overall presentation of our exquisite inventory.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Retail Sales Associate (with a focus on jewelry)
Hobbyist Jeweler or Metalsmith
Production Assistant in a manufacturing environment

Advancement To:

Bench Jeweler Apprentice / Bench Jeweler
Jewelry Repair Technician
Quality Control Specialist for Jewelry
Stone Setter

Lateral Moves:

Watch Polisher / Technician
Jewelry Engraver
Showroom Coordinator / Inventory Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously clean and polish fine jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, using ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and various polishing wheels to restore their original luster.
Perform detailed visual inspections of all jewelry pieces before and after cleaning to identify and document any loose stones, damaged prongs, thin shanks, or other potential repair needs.
Expertly operate and maintain a variety of professional jewelry polishing and cleaning equipment, including buffing machines, magnetic tumblers, and steamer units, ensuring safety and optimal performance.
Apply appropriate polishing compounds and techniques for different precious metals such as platinum, gold, and silver to achieve a flawless, high-gloss finish without damaging the piece.
Carefully handle and work with a wide array of delicate and high-value gemstones, understanding their unique properties and cleaning limitations to prevent damage.
Execute basic jewelry repairs such as stone tightening, clasp adjustments, and chain soldering under the guidance of senior bench jewelers.
Manage the workflow of incoming cleaning and polishing jobs, prioritizing tasks to meet customer deadlines and internal stock requirements.
Prepare newly received and newly repaired jewelry for a pristine showcase presentation, ensuring every piece meets the highest standards of quality and sparkle.
licate plating processes, such as rhodium plating, to refinish white gold pieces and restore their bright, white appearance.
Maintain meticulous records of all pieces handled, documenting the "before" and "after" condition and any services performed for quality assurance and client history.
Collaborate closely with the sales team to provide on-the-spot cleaning for customers' jewelry, enhancing their in-store experience and building trust.
Assess the condition of customer trade-ins and estate pieces to determine the level of cleaning and refurbishment required.
Follow all established safety protocols for handling chemicals, operating machinery, and securing valuable assets within the workshop.
Perform finishing and texturing techniques, such as creating satin or matte finishes, as required by custom design or repair specifications.
Ensure the structural integrity of pieces after polishing, double-checking that prongs and settings have not been compromised during the process.
Manage and organize the workshop's inventory of polishing compounds, buffs, brushes, and other consumable supplies.
Provide clear and concise communication to service advisors and sales associates regarding the status of jobs and any recommended repairs.
Deftly mask or protect sensitive gemstones and intricate details on a piece of jewelry before proceeding with abrasive polishing or chemical cleaning.
Conduct final quality control checks on all outgoing repairs and custom work to ensure they are flawlessly clean and polished.
Assist in the setup and breakdown of jewelry showcases, ensuring that all display items are brilliantly cleaned and presented.

Secondary Functions

Assist the sales team by cleaning customer jewelry while they browse, enhancing the overall customer experience and creating service opportunities.
Maintain a clean, organized, and impeccably safe workspace, adhering to all company and industry safety protocols for chemical handling and equipment operation.
Manage and track the inventory of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and small repair components, placing orders as needed to prevent any workflow interruptions.
Provide customers with professional advice and education on proper at-home jewelry care and maintenance to prolong the life and beauty of their pieces.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in using Ultrasonic Cleaners and Steam Cleaners
Expertise in operating Polishing Lathes and Buffing Wheels
Knowledge of Precious Metal Properties (Gold, Platinum, Silver)
Gemstone Identification and Sensitivity Awareness
Rhodium Plating and Electroplating Techniques
Basic Stone Tightening and Prong Inspection
Use of a Jeweler's Loupe and other Magnification Tools
Proper Handling of Polishing Compounds and Chemicals
Light Soldering and Laser Welder operation (preferred)
Finishing techniques (e.g., satin, matte, high polish)
Inventory Management for workshop supplies

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail and Precision
Superior Manual Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination
Patience and the ability to perform repetitive tasks flawlessly
Strong Organizational and Time Management Skills
Problem-Solving and Critical-Thinking Abilities
Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
Customer-Service Oriented Mindset
Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
On-the-job training is often provided.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a recognized Jewelry Arts, Metalsmithing, or Gemology program (e.g., GIA, New Approach School for Jewelers).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Jewelry Design & Manufacturing
Gemology
Fine Arts / Sculpture

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in a professional jewelry cleaning, polishing, or bench jeweler assistant role.

Preferred:

Experience working in a high-volume retail jewelry store or a repair facility.
Demonstrable experience handling high-end luxury jewelry, complex designs, and a diverse range of gemstones.
A portfolio or practical demonstration of polishing and finishing skills may be required.