Median annual earnings for jewelers and precious stone and metal workers were $26,260 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,550 and $35,310. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,620. In 2002, median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers were $30,000 in jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores and $22,650 in other miscellaneous manufacturing.
Most jewelers start out with a base salary, but once they become more proficient, they may begin charging by the number of pieces completed. Jewelers who work in retail stores may earn a commission for each piece of jewelry sold, in addition to their base salary. Many jewelers also enjoy a variety of benefits, including reimbursement from their employers for work-related courses and discounts on jewelry purchases.
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers use a variety of common and specialized handtools and equipment to design and manufacture new pieces of jewelry; cut, set, and polish gem stones; and repair or adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas and may work for large jewelry-manufacturing firms, for small retail jewelry shops, or as owners of their own businesses. Regardless of the type of work done or the work setting, jewelers require a high degree of skill, precision, and attention to detail.
Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Following their own designs or those created by designers or customers, they begin by shaping the metal or by carving wax to make a model for casting the metal. The individual parts then are soldered together, and the jeweler may mount a diamond or other gem or may engrave a design into the metal. Others do finishing work, such as setting stones, polishing, or engraving. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings.
In larger manufacturing businesses, jewelers usually specialize in a single operation. Mold and model makers create models or tools for the jewelry that is to be produced. Assemblers solder or fuse jewelry and their parts; they also may set stones. Engravers etch designs into the metal using specialized tools, and polishers bring a finished luster to the final product.
In small retail stores or repair shops, jewelers may be involved in all aspects of the work. Jewelers who own or manage stores or shops also hire and train employees; order, market, and sell merchandise; and perform other managerial duties.
Jewelers typically do the handiwork required to produce a piece of jewelry, while gemologists study the quality, characteristics, and value of gem stones. Gemologists usually sell jewelry and provide appraisal services. A few gemologists are employed by insurance companies that offer their own appraisal services for those customers who wish to insure certain pieces of jewelry. Many jewelers also study gemology in order to become familiar with the physical properties of the gem stones with which they work.
New technology is helping to produce jewelry of higher quality at a reduced cost and in a shorter amount of time. For example, lasers are often used for cutting and improving the quality of stones, for applying intricate engraving or design work, and for inscribing personal messages or identification on jewelry. Jewelers also use lasers to weld metals together in milliseconds with no seams or blemishes, improving the quality and appearance of the jewelry.
Some manufacturing firms use computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to facilitate product design and automate some steps in the mold- and modelmaking process. CAD allows jewelers to create a virtual-reality model of a piece of jewelry. Using CAD, jewelers can modify the design, change the stone, or try a different setting and see the changes on a computer screen before cutting a stone or performing other costly steps. Once they are satisfied with the model, CAM produces it in a wax-like or other material. After the mold of the model is made, it is easier for manufacturing firms to produce numerous copies of a given piece of jewelry, which are then distributed to different retail establishments across the country. Similar techniques may be used in the retail setting, allowing individual customers to review their jewelry designs with the jeweler and make modifications before committing to the expense of a customized piece of jewelry.
Employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow more slowly than the average through 2012. Employment opportunities, however, should be excellent, because jewelry sales are increasing. New jewelers also will be needed to replace those who retire or who leave the occupation for other reasons. When master jewelers retire, they take with them years of experience that require substantial time and financial resources to replace. Many employers have difficulty finding and retaining jewelers with the right skills and the necessary knowledge. Some technological advances have made jewelrymaking more efficient; however, many tasks cannot be fully automated. Jewelry work is a labor-intensive process that requires excellent handiwork.
The increasing numbers of affluent individuals, working women, double-income households, and fashion-conscious men are expected to keep jewelry sales strong. The population aged 45 and older, which accounts for a major portion of jewelry sales, also is on the rise.
Nontraditional jewelry marketers, such as discount stores, mail-order and catalogue companies, television shopping networks, and Internet retailers, have expanded the number of buying options and increased their sales volume. However, these establishments require fewer sales staff, limiting employment opportunities for jewelers and precious stone and metal workers who work mainly in sales. Because these marketers enjoy increases in sales, however, they will need highly skilled jewelers to make and repair the jewelry they sell.
Opportunities in jewelry stores and repair shops will be best for graduates from training programs for jewelers or gemologists. Despite an increase in sales by nontraditional jewelry marketers, traditional jewelers should not be affected greatly. Traditional jewelers have the advantage of being able to build client relationships based on trust. Many clients prefer to work directly with a jeweler, to ensure that the product is of the highest quality and meets their specifications. Many traditional jewelers expand their businesses as clients recommend their services to friends and relatives.
The jewelry industry can be cyclical. During economic downturns, demand for jewelry products and for jewelers tends to decrease. However, demand for repair workers should remain strong, even during economic slowdowns, because maintaining and repairing jewelry is an ongoing process. In fact, demand for jewelry repair may increase during recessions, as people repair or restore existing pieces rather than purchase new ones. Also, many nontraditional vendors typically do not offer repair services.
Within manufacturing, increasing automation will adversely affect employment of low-skilled occupations, such as assemblers and polishers. Automation will have a lesser impact on more creative, highly skilled positions, such as mold- and modelmakers. Furthermore, small manufacturers, which typify the industry, will have an increasingly difficult time competing with the larger manufacturers when it comes to supplying large retailers. Because of recent international trade agreements, exports are increasing modestly as manufacturers become more competitive in foreign markets. However, imports from foreign manufacturers are increasing more rapidly than exports, due to these same agreements.
Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through distance-learning centers, or on the job. Colleges and art and design schools also offer programs that can lead to a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Master of Fine Arts degree in jewelry design. Formal training in the basic skills of the trade enhances one’s employment and advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer jewelers with design, repair, and sales skills.
For those interested in working in a jewelry store or repair shop, vocational and technical training or courses offered by public and private colleges are the best sources of training. In these programs, which can vary in length from 6 months to 1 year, students learn the use and care of jewelers’ tools and machines and basic jewelry-making and -repairing skills, such as design, casting, stone setting, and polishing. Technical school courses also cover topics such as blueprint reading, math, and shop theory. To enter some technical school, and most college, programs, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required. However, some schools specializing in jewelry training do not require graduation from high school. Because computer-aided design is used increasingly in the jewelry field, it is recommended that students—especially those interested in design and manufacturing—obtain training in CAD.
Various institutes offer courses and programs in gemology and jewelry manufacturing and design. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including the identification and grading of diamonds and gem stones.
Most employers feel that vocational- and technical-school graduates need several more years of supervised on-the-job training or apprenticeship, in order to refine their repair skills and learn more about the operation of the store or shop. In addition, some employers encourage workers to improve their skills by enrolling in short-term technical school courses such as fabricating, jewelry design, jewelry manufacturing, wax carving, or gemology. Employers may pay all or part of the cost of this additional training.
In jewelry-manufacturing plants, workers traditionally develop their skills through informal apprenticeships and on-the-job training. The apprenticeship or training period lasts 3 to 4 years, depending on the difficulty of the specialty. Training usually focuses on casting, stone setting, modelmaking, or engraving. In recent years, a growing number of technical schools have begun to offer training designed for jewelers working in manufacturing. As a result, those in manufacturing now prefer graduates of these programs because they are familiar with the production process, requiring less on-the-job training.
The precise and delicate nature of jewelry work requires finger and hand dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, patience, and concentration. Artistic ability and fashion consciousness are major assets, because jewelry must be stylish and attractive. Those who work in jewelry stores have frequent contact with customers and should be neat, personable, and knowledgeable about the merchandise. In addition, employers require workers of good character, because jewelers work with valuable materials.
Advancement opportunities are limited and depend greatly on an individual’s skill and initiative. In manufacturing, some jewelers advance to supervisory jobs, such as master jeweler or head jeweler, but, for most, advancement takes the form of higher pay for doing the same job. Jewelers who work in jewelry stores or repair shops may become managers; some open their own businesses.
Those interested in starting their own business should first establish themselves and build a reputation for their work within the jewelry trade. Once they obtain sufficient credit from jewelry suppliers and wholesalers, they can acquire the necessary inventory. Also, because the jewelry business is highly competitive, jewelers who plan to open their own store should have experience in selling, as well as knowledge of marketing and business management. Courses in these areas often are available from technical schools and community colleges.
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers do precision handwork. Other skilled workers who do similar jobs include precision instrument and equipment repairers; welding, soldering, and brazing workers; and woodworkers. Some jewelers and precious stone and metal workers create their own jewelry designs. Other occupations that require visual arts abilities include artists and related workers, and designers. Finally, some jewelers and precious stone and metal workers are involved in the buying and selling of stones and metals or of the finished piece of jewelry. Similar occupations include retail salespersons and sales representatives in wholesale trade.
Information on job opportunities and training programs for jewelers is available from:
General career information is available from:
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Gray Jewelers best prices on new and preowned rolex watch and jewelry and diamonds WELCOME TO B. Rolex, Cartier, Patek, and other watches have recently increased their prices, so we will be updating the site to reflect these changes. All items are subject to prior sale, and prices listed are subject to change. We also reserve the right to charge a 20% restocking fee. If an item has been sold, we have the right to change it to one of equal quality and value.
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Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through correspondence courses, or on the job. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas, and may work for large jewelry manufacturing firms or small retail jewelry shops, or may open their own business. Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Because many of their materials are very valuable, jewelers must observe strict security procedures. Formal training in the basic skills of the trade enhances one’s employment and advancement opportunities.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos222.htm
If you benefit from what we're doing and want to give something in return, you can make a donation. You look up from your calculations and tell her the grand total of the repairs will be $275, and before you know it she-and the potential job-are out the door. If you ever find yourself asking these questions, the repair pricing strategies used by the three jewelers profiled below might help. Just remember, when it comes to pricing repair work, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy, but there are methods you can use to remain competitive-and profitable. Also, you need to spend time educating and training your salespeople to accurately describe all of the repairs you offer.
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Some design and make new pieces of jewelry. Repair work may include sizing rings, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps. Some jewelers design and make jewelry. Most jewelers use a variety of common and specialized hand tools to do their work. Jewelers who own or manage stores or shops also have managerial duties.
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Schalla Jewelers of Ouray offers a complete array of services for the repair and care of your fine jewelry. Garry Schalla has over 25 years experience. Watch Batteries and Band Repair With outside services provided for major watch repairs. Our Graduate Gemologist graduated in residence from the Gemological Institute of America, Santa Monica, California in 1976. This experience and professional documentation have brought clients from all over, including the FBI and DEA, as well as many state and local law enforcement agenicies.
Summary of: http://www.schallajewelers.com/service.htm
Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through distance-learning centers, or on the job. Jewelers usually specialize in one or more of these areas and may work for large jewelry-manufacturing firms, for small retail jewelry shops, or as owners of their own businesses. Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Typical repair work includes enlarging or reducing ring sizes, resetting stones, and replacing broken clasps and mountings. Formal training in the basic skills of the trade enhances one's employment and advancement opportunities.
Summary of: http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/produ18.shtml
Jewelers use such materials to make and repair rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. Jewelers who work in jewelry stores and repair shops generally provide a variety of services to their customers. Some jewelers also may design jewelry by hand, repair watches, and do hand engraving. Jewelers who work in manufacturing generally only do one specialized job. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Jewelers' skills usually are learned through training on the job or in technical schools.
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And yet, just about everyone owns several pieces of jewelry--rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, earrings, etc. Some design expensive, high-end jewelry using only the most precious of metals and gems. They sell their wares at craft shows, art galleries and in small shops. Still other jewelry-makers make costume jewelry. Making jewelry calls for skills other than a steady hand, good-eyesight and a flair for design.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/E-J/JewelryMakers.shtml
Nature of the Work Jewelers design, make, repair, and adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. Regardless of the type of establishment or work setting, however, their work requires a high degree of skill and attention to detail. Those working in retail jewelry stores, in addition to their primary responsibility to sell jewelry, may spend some time repairing or adjusting it. In manufacturing, jewelers usually specialize in a single operation. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Jewelers' skills usually are learned in technical schools, through correspondence courses, or informally on the job.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/223.htm
It is our policy not to sell or trade in gemstones that have been treated with vapor deposition enhancements. They derive from our desire to draw from nature's bounty the truest and purest color and brilliance. Darker hues of amethyst are rarely enhanced to perfect their color, although some varieties do respond well to heat enhancement. Aquamarine The very name aquamarine brings to mind the clear blue tint of the sea. Opal is prized for its unique play of color, the ability to disperse light into flashes of rainbow color.
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