How to Become a Jeweler
Dreaming of a job that requires little to no time on a computer? Are you creative and crafty? If working with your hands and precious materials sounds perfect to you, find out all about how to become a jeweler. This article will help you decide if this established and fascinating career is the best path for you.
What Is a Jeweler?
A jeweler is a skilled craftsman that designs, produces and repairs jewelry pieces made from precious metal, gems, and stones such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. In this sector, you might also hear the term “bench jeweler”. Funnily enough, this can refer both to a professional that mostly performs repairs and small metal works, and a more versatile artisan with wider knowledge. Finally, a jeweler can also be a goldsmith, meaning that they are able to forge jewelry from gold rather than soldering pieces together.
What Does a Jeweler Do?
A jeweler’s typical day at work may include tasks such as:
- Performing jewelry repairs like altering ring sizes or fixing broken mountings and clasps.
- Cleaning and polishing jewelry pieces with appropriate tools and chemicals.
- Designing and developing new jewelry pieces with various materials and precious stones.
- Picking materials for new designs, such as metals, stones, and tools.
- Estimating costs based on labor and materials.
- Smoothing, shaping, and soldering metals and stones.
- Using computer programs to design and create prototypes and product customizations.
- Appraising different gems and precious stones for clients.
- Selling products and advising clients.
Depending on the type of business you work for, your job may require you to perform all or just some of these responsibilities. You could also work in roles where you focus only on design, fabrication, appraisals, or repair and selling jewelry products.
How to Become a Jeweler
If you’re wondering how to become a jeweler quickly, you’ll be happy to know that possessing a high school diploma is usually the only requirement for entering this profession. You’ll then need to undertake on-the-job training to learn all the secrets of the craft.
However, if you want to step up your game and start your career with stronger sectorial knowledge, you have two options:
- A vocational jewelry making program. In six months to a year, you’ll learn all about repairing jewelry, stone setting, polishing, laser welding, casting, crafting, and more. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be ready for a jeweler role.
- A Bachelor of Arts degree. You can study jewelry design, gemology, jewelry fabrication and more. This is the ideal route if you wish to open your own shop, as you’ll be provided with all the necessary knowledge to run your business. You’ll learn to produce jewelry, but also how to market your products, build your brand and handle accounting.
For a comprehensive list of schools, check out the Jewelers of America’s directory.
Obtaining an industry certification is optional but it will certainly gain you more attention from employers. Two of the most important ones out there are the Bench Professional Certification Program Guide from the Jewelers of America and the Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser, ICGA from the American Gem Society.
To become a successful jeweler, you’ll also need skills such as:
- dexterity
- good near vision
- creativity
- attention to detail
- problem-solving
- customer service
How Much Do Jewelers Make?
The median salary for a jeweler is $42,199 per year. However, take this figure for what it is - an average. A jeweler’s wage also depends on your level of expertise, further education and location.
For instance, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data, jewelers earn the most in the following industries:
- non-depository credit intermediation
- management of companies and enterprises
- merchant wholesalers, durable goods
- jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores
- electronic shopping and mail-order houses
Looking at locations, the states that pay jewelers the most are:
Asking “how much do jewelers make?” is an essential part of understanding how to become a jeweler. Head to Monster's Salary Calculator to find out how much this career could pay you in your area. We’ll also help you understand what similar job salaries look like and what steps you can take to advance in your field.
How to Find Jeweler Jobs
To find your ideal role, learn how to write a compelling resume. You only need to follow a few simple resume writing tips to master this crucial step in how to become a jeweler.
Start by thinking about what prospective employers are looking for in a jeweler candidate’s resume and make it easy for them to spot it in yours. A simple yet effective layout with well-defined paragraphs is your best friend. Make good use of spacing, bullet points, and bold text to guide the reader’s eye.
Always include your portfolio and a cover letter along with your resume. The former helps you showcase your past work achievements, while the latter is extremely useful to explain why you want to work with that specific company.
Where Does a Jeweler Work?
Jewelers can be self-employed in their own stores or work as employees for jewelry retailers, pawnbrokers, appraisal firms, auction houses, or insurance companies. If you’re looking for the industries with the highest concentration of jeweler roles, check out:
- jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores
- other miscellaneous manufacturing
- personal and household goods repair and maintenance
- electronic shopping and mail-order houses
- specialized design services
If you’re ready to pack your bags and move for the right jeweler job, have a look at the following states where the employment level for is highest for this career option:
More specifically, here are the best U.S. metro areas by the number of jeweler opportunities:
Shine Bright Like a Diamond and Find Your Next Job on Monster
Once you’ve learned all about how to become a jeweler and polished up your resume, dive right into your job search. Monster is your best ally to appraise all the job postings out there and find the right fit for you. Get started today by setting up a free account. Turn on the customized job alerts and never miss an opening again. Plus, as a member of our community, you’ll have exclusive exposure to our partner recruiters and new opportunities.