The jewelry industry is vast and so are the types of jobs and opportunities associated with jewelry. The term "Jeweler" itself can span multiple specialties. Bench Jewelers may be the most well known. They commonly work in retail stores and incorporate a wide range of skills and knowledge. This allows them to do a variety of work including cleaning, repairing, appraisals and designing of jewelry.  Jewelers may also choose to specialize in certain areas such as stone setting, mold making, casting and fabrication. Others build a career in the unique field of CAD/CAM designer, gemologist, goldsmith, watchmaker or diamond expert.

Regardless of the type of job you plan to seek, here are some things to consider:

Competency, Quality and Dependability

At a very minimum this is what employers expect from their employees. Competency means that you have the skills and are capable of doing the job you applied for; Quality is what you will try to achieve in all of your work; and Dependability means that they can count on you to show up and get the job done. Of course, in actuality there’s much more that than to being the ideal employee.

Your Resume

Regardless of the type of position you are seeking, take the time to create or update your resume. Make sure it outlines your education, skills and previous work history. Include each of the individual areas you are knowledgeable in like stone setting, waxes, working with platinum, designing with CAD/CAM etc.
Even as a sales associate it’s important for potential employers to understand how much you know about jewelry. In addition to your sales experience, be sure to include a detailed list of any courses you may have completed like diamond grading or gemstone identifying.
If you have never written a resume and aren’t quite sure where to start, do a quick search online for “Writing a resume”. There are countless articles and examples to guide you.

A Portfolio

If you are a jewelry designer a portfolio is essential. Employers want to see the quality and creativity of the work you completed. Along with the examples of your finished pieces, include additional information about the materials, skill and techniques that were used during the design and construction. If any designs were created using CAD/CAM, include in your portfolio an image of the design prior to its construction.

Just as with any line of work, employers in the jewelry industry want individuals that have the proper amount of education and/or experience to do the job.  Jewelers are often educated through a vocational or technical school or on the job training. Taking coursework from a certified and accomplished jeweler is an excellent way to learn the profession, perfect your craft and prepare for the job world. Industry credentials range from Certified Bench Jeweler Technician to Certified Master Bench Jeweler. Although certification is not required to work as a bench jeweler, it can be a great asset for your career.

The amount of experience required is dictated by the type of position and the employers’ individual requirements.  On average, a jeweler should have a minimum of 2 years of experience to work confidently in their profession. If they will be performing some of the more advanced tasks of the trade such as stone setting or complex designing, it’s not uncommon for a jeweler to be required to have at least 5 years of experience in the field.

If you lack the experience or just haven’t updated your skills in awhile, consider some additional training. Spending a little extra time to take a course related to the trade could make a big difference in your career. When deciding between 2 candidates applying for the same position, the employer may choose a candidate with a certification or diploma over someone without one.

Consider Freelance work

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 51% of jewelers are self employed. Working freelance is often a great option for both you and the employer. For you it offers flexibility and a chance to build a customer base. For the employer it eliminates the need to staff a full time jeweler and allows them to contract jewelers that specialize in different fields as stone setting, casting and custom designing. Keep in mind freelance work isn’t for everybody. Some people prefer the security of a steady paycheck even if it means less flexibility and income potential. Whether it is part-time, full time, or freelance, your individual situation will determine the type of employment best fit for you.

The Economy

The jewelry industry is no different than any other by the way it responds to changes in the economy. The demand for various types of jobs will fluctuate. In a down economy, jewelry designers and sales associates may be negatively impacted while bench jewelers become more in demand. This is a result of consumers opting to repair the jewelry they own rather than spending money purchasing new jewelry.

In Closing

Job opportunities exist in the jewelry industry, but so does the competition. There is no shortage of candidates contending for available positions. Having the right set of skills and knowledge can go a long way to help ensure that you will be the person hired into one of those positions.