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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Repairer

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Skilled TradesCraftsmanshipRetailLuxury Goods

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a meticulous and highly skilled Jewelry Repairer (also known as a Bench Jeweler or Jewelry Technician) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will be the artisan responsible for breathing new life into cherished pieces and ensuring the flawless quality of our jewelry. You will perform a wide range of complex repairs, restorations, and alterations on fine jewelry, working with precious metals and gemstones. The ideal candidate is a master of their craft with exceptional hand-eye coordination, a deep understanding of jewelry construction, and an unwavering commitment to quality and precision. This position is the backbone of our customer service promise, ensuring that every piece leaving the workshop meets the highest standards of excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apprentice Jeweler / Jewelry Trainee
  • Graduate of a Jewelry Arts or Gemology Program (e.g., GIA, New Approach School)
  • Jewelry Production Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Master Jeweler / Senior Bench Jeweler
  • Repair Shop Manager or Supervisor
  • Custom Jewelry Designer
  • Quality Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Jewelry Appraiser (with GIA certification)
  • CAD/CAM Jewelry Designer
  • Lapidary (Gemstone Cutter/Polisher)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform intricate ring sizing for a variety of designs, including those with channel or pavé set stones, ensuring seamless results in gold, platinum, and silver.
  • Execute all types of stone setting, including prong, bezel, channel, bead, and pavé, ensuring the security and proper alignment of diamonds and colored gemstones.
  • Re-tip and rebuild worn or broken prongs to securely fasten gemstones and prevent loss, matching the original design and metal type.
  • Expertly solder broken chains, charms, and other jewelry components using both traditional torch methods and advanced laser welding technology for delicate and heat-sensitive pieces.
  • Replace and repair worn or broken clasps, including lobster, spring ring, and box clasps, to restore full functionality and security.
  • Perform jewelry restoration on antique and heirloom pieces, carefully preserving their integrity while addressing structural issues.
  • Assemble and finish new jewelry pieces, including casting cleanup, filing, sanding, and pre-polishing to prepare them for final finishing.
  • Conduct thorough cleaning, polishing, and refinishing of all types of jewelry to restore its original luster and brilliance.
  • Apply rhodium plating to white gold jewelry to enhance its brightness and durability, ensuring a consistent and high-quality finish.
  • Set and replace small accent stones (melee) in intricate settings, ensuring a perfect match in size, color, and quality.
  • Perform shank repair and replacement on rings, including soldering cracks, addressing porosity, and installing new shanks for heavily worn bands.
  • Skillfully remove, reset, or tighten loose stones in any setting type, conducting a thorough security check on all settings.
  • Assess incoming jewelry repairs to accurately diagnose issues, determine the best course of action, and provide precise time and cost estimates.
  • Operate and maintain a variety of jewelers' tools and equipment, including laser welders, polishing machines, ultrasonic cleaners, and steamers.
  • Execute basic watch repairs, such as battery replacement, link removal/addition for band sizing, and clasp adjustments.
  • Engrave jewelry using both manual and machine-based engraving tools to personalize pieces for customers.
  • Inspect all finished repairs and custom work under magnification to ensure they meet stringent quality control standards before returning to the customer.
  • Manage workflow and prioritize repair jobs effectively to meet deadlines and manage customer expectations for turnaround times.
  • Fabricate custom jewelry components or complete custom design projects based on client specifications and technical drawings.
  • Maintain a precise log of all repair work, documenting the materials used, time spent, and procedures performed for each job.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide expert consultation to sales associates and clients regarding repair options, feasibility, timelines, and cost estimates.
  • Maintain and manage an organized inventory of repair supplies, including precious metals, solder, findings, and commonly used gemstones.
  • Work closely with the sales, design, and appraisal teams to ensure a seamless and high-quality customer experience from intake to delivery.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized, and secure workspace, including the proper handling of chemicals and secure storage of customer property.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Soldering & Welding: Proficiency in torch soldering and laser welding techniques for delicate and complex repairs on various precious metals.
  • Stone Setting Expertise: Mastery of multiple setting styles, including prong, bezel, pavé, channel, and flush setting for various gemstone shapes and sizes.
  • Metalworking & Fabrication: Comprehensive knowledge of working with gold, platinum, and silver, including forming, forging, casting cleanup, and assembly.
  • Polishing & Finishing: Ability to achieve a range of high-quality finishes, from matte to mirror polish, and expertise in rhodium plating.
  • Gemological Knowledge: Strong understanding of gemstone and diamond characteristics, including durability, heat sensitivity, and proper handling procedures.
  • Tool & Equipment Proficiency: Skilled in the use and maintenance of jewelers' hand tools, flex shafts, polishing lathes, ultrasonic cleaners, and laser welders.
  • Quality Assessment: Ability to accurately inspect jewelry for manufacturing defects, wear and tear, and quality of craftsmanship under magnification.

Soft Skills

  • Extreme Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to every task, ensuring flawless execution on even the smallest components.
  • Fine Motor Skills & Manual Dexterity: Exceptional hand-eye coordination and steady hands are essential for manipulating small parts and tools.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex repair challenges and devise effective, innovative solutions, especially for unique or damaged pieces.
  • Patience & Focus: Capacity to concentrate for long periods on intricate tasks without compromising quality.
  • Time Management & Prioritization: Skill in managing a queue of multiple repair jobs with varying deadlines and levels of complexity.
  • Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally articulate technical information about repairs to non-expert colleagues and customers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate or Diploma from a recognized jewelry trade school or technical college (e.g., GIA Bench Jeweler Program, New Approach School for Jewelers, North Bennet Street School).
  • GIA Graduate Gemologist or Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) diploma is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Jewelry Arts / Jewelry Design
  • Metalsmithing
  • Gemology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of professional, hands-on experience as a bench jeweler in a retail or manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience with a portfolio demonstrating a wide range of advanced repair and stone-setting skills.
  • Experience working with high-end luxury brands, complex antique restoration, and custom design fabrication.
  • Proven proficiency with laser welding technology is highly desirable.
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