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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jewelry Maker

💰 $45,000 - $85,000+

CreativeArts & CraftsManufacturingRetailDesign

🎯 Role Definition

A Jewelry Maker, often referred to as a Bench Jeweler or Goldsmith, is a skilled artisan responsible for the hands-on creation, repair, and modification of fine jewelry. This role is a blend of artistry and technical precision, requiring a deep understanding of metallurgy, gemology, and design. The ideal candidate will transform raw materials like precious metals and gemstones into exquisite, wearable art, whether crafting custom-designed pieces, performing intricate repairs, or contributing to a production line. Success in this position hinges on meticulous attention to detail, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and a passion for creating beautiful, high-quality pieces that meet and exceed client expectations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Jewelry Apprentice or Trainee
  • Fine Arts or Metalsmithing Graduate
  • Jewelry Retail Sales with a technical aptitude
  • Watchmaker or Repair Technician

Advancement To:

  • Master Jeweler / Head Goldsmith
  • Custom Jewelry Designer
  • Production Manager or Studio Head
  • Business Owner / Independent Designer
  • Gemologist or Jewelry Appraiser

Lateral Moves:

  • CAD/CAM Jewelry Designer
  • Gemstone Buyer or Sourcing Specialist
  • Watchmaker
  • Product Development for a jewelry brand

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute a full range of professional-level jewelry repairs, including ring sizing, chain soldering, clasp replacement, and prong re-tipping and rebuilding.
  • Expertly set a wide variety of gemstones, including diamonds and colored stones, using techniques such as prong, bezel, pavé, channel, and flush setting to ensure security and visual appeal.
  • Fabricate custom jewelry pieces from scratch, interpreting design sketches or CAD renderings to create unique, high-quality items in gold, platinum, and silver.
  • Perform intricate soldering and assembly tasks using both traditional torch methods and modern laser welding technology for seamless and durable construction.
  • Skillfully clean, polish, and apply various finishes (e.g., high polish, satin, matte, hammered) to new and repaired jewelry to achieve a flawless final appearance.
  • Conduct thorough quality control inspections on all completed work, ensuring each piece meets stringent standards for craftsmanship, durability, and design accuracy.
  • Carve and manipulate wax models by hand or utilize CAD/CAM software for the creation of detailed models used in the lost-wax casting process.
  • Manage the casting process for precious metals, including investing, burnout, and centrifugal or vacuum casting, to produce high-quality raw components.
  • Restore antique and estate jewelry with a high degree of precision, respecting original craftsmanship while ensuring structural integrity for future wear.
  • Collaborate directly with clients and sales professionals to discuss design possibilities, provide technical recommendations, and accurately quote repair or custom work.
  • Operate and maintain a variety of jewelers' tools and equipment, including flex shafts, rolling mills, draw plates, polishers, and ultrasonic cleaners.
  • Read and interpret detailed job envelopes, work orders, and technical specifications to ensure all client requirements are met accurately and efficiently.
  • Re-shank rings and rebuild complex settings, demonstrating advanced skills in metal fabrication and structural repair.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workbench and studio environment in compliance with industry and safety standards.
  • Manage and document the inventory of precious metals, findings, and gemstones, assisting with ordering supplies as needed to prevent work interruptions.
  • Provide expert technical support to the sales team, answering questions about jewelry construction, repair feasibility, and care recommendations.
  • Accurately document all work performed, including time and materials used for each job, for billing and record-keeping purposes.
  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with new techniques, tools, and industry trends.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and resolving challenging repair or fabrication issues, applying creative problem-solving skills.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to apprentice jewelers, sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and craftsmanship.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Stone Setting: Mastery of various setting styles, including prong, bezel, pavé, channel, and bead setting.
  • Soldering & Welding: High proficiency with traditional torch soldering and the operation of a laser welder for precision work.
  • Metal Fabrication: Skills in forming, forging, piercing, and joining precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver.
  • Casting: Experience with the entire lost-wax casting process, from wax model creation to final metal casting.
  • Finishing & Polishing: Expertise in using polishing lathes, magnetic tumblers, and hand-finishing techniques to achieve diverse surface textures and a high-quality finish.
  • Jewelry Repair: Comprehensive knowledge of common and complex repair techniques, including ring sizing, prong re-tipping, and chain repair.
  • CAD/CAM Proficiency: Familiarity with jewelry design software such as Rhino, Matrix, or ZBrush is highly desirable.
  • Gemological Knowledge: A foundational understanding of gemstone properties, identification, and appropriate handling procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An extremely high level of precision and focus is critical to producing flawless work.
  • Patience & Steady Hands: The ability to perform delicate, repetitive tasks with exceptional hand-eye coordination.
  • Problem-Solving: The ingenuity to diagnose issues and devise effective solutions for complex repairs or custom fabrications.
  • Creativity & Artistic Sensibility: A strong eye for proportion, aesthetics, and design, even when working from a provided concept.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage workflow effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Communication Skills: The capacity to clearly articulate technical concepts to clients, designers, and team members.
  • Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques and work with a variety of materials and styles.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Completion of a recognized jewelry trade program, apprenticeship, or equivalent on-the-job training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Metalsmithing, or a related field.
  • Professional certifications from institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), such as an Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) or Graduate Jeweler (GJ) diploma.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fine Arts / Sculpture
  • Metalsmithing / Jewelry Design
  • Gemology
  • Industrial Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of professional experience as a bench jeweler, goldsmith, or jewelry maker in a repair shop, custom studio, or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing a range of skills in fabrication, repair, and stone setting is highly valued and often required.
  • Experience working directly with platinum and complex stone settings is a significant plus.
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