How To Become A Jeweler

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Jewelers

Jewelers fabricate and repair jewelry articles. Make models or molds to create jewelry items.

Salary
$48050
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Jewelers do not require formal education but many seek training through vocational schools or technical schools.
Degree field Some Jewelers may obtain Associate’s Degrees or Bachelor’s Degrees in Fine Arts or Jewelry Design.
License or certification Optional. Bench Jewelers often seek voluntary certifications from the Jewelers of America.
Duration to become one A few months to four years
Difficulty to become one Medium

Jewelers Requirements

Step 1: Explore Jewelry Design During High School

A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a Jeweler. Before graduating high school, you can start learning more about the world of jewelry making to prepare you for your potential career. You may purchase books or guides on jewelry making and start practicing the craft.

Taking art classes in high school may also help with your career. Art classes allow you to explore your creativity and learn the fundamentals of design.

Step 2: Complete a Jewelry Making Program

A common path to becoming a Jeweler is to complete a Jewelry Making program through a technical or vocational school. Many institutes specialize in jewelry training and jewelry arts.

The programs may last six months to one year and may include flexible scheduling, allowing you to work while completing your training. You also gain valuable hands-on experience with various professional jewelry equipment. Along with practical training, the programs cover topics such as polishing, stone setting, laser welding, enameling, crafting, and repairing jewelry.

Step 3: Learn How to Use CAD Software

Many Jewelers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to craft jewelry. The software allows jewelers to create 2D or 3D models that provide a blueprint for crafting the pieces.

Some training programs may include courses on the use of CAD software. However, you can also become more familiar with the software in your spare time. Use free or affordable CAD tools to design original jewelry and improve your skills.

Step 4: Earn an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are not required to become Jewelers. However, continuing your education can provide the additional training that may improve your skills in this field. A degree also increases your employability as you may require less on-the-job training.

Common fields of study for aspiring Jewelers include Fine Arts and Jewelry Design. These programs may take two to four years to complete. A Fine Arts degree provides education in painting, sculpture, music, poetry, and architecture. Many of the principles that you learn in a Fine Arts program apply to jewelry making. Students learn how to create visually appealing designs, which is an essential skill for Jewelers.

A Jewelry Design degree is the more obvious choice, as it focuses on the skills needed to become a professional Jeweler. A Jewelry Design program may cover related topics including art history, the fundamentals of design, and idea visualization. Students may also begin developing their professional portfolios. For those who decide not to attend college, you can still create a portfolio on your own.

Step 5: Compile and Maintain a Portfolio

As you develop your jewelry making skills, compile a portfolio of your completed works. A detailed portfolio with high-resolution images of your original jewelry may help you obtain an apprenticeship or entry-level position. The jewelry that you add to the portfolio may include pieces that you make for yourself or items that you have sold in your spare time. You may also include your initial sketches of the designs that you craft.

There are several ways to build a portfolio. You can print high-quality photographs and compile them into a physical portfolio binder or organize your images in an online portfolio. Both options give you an additional resource for showcasing your talents when applying for your first job in the jewelry industry.

Step 5: Apply for an Apprenticeship

You may apply for an apprenticeship with a professional Jeweler immediately after high school. Completing a jewelry-making program or earning a degree may increase your chances of getting accepted into an apprenticeship.

The requirements for apprenticeships vary. Some employers only require a high school diploma while others prefer candidates with some type of training, such as the completion of a Jewelry program through a trade school.

Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level Work in the Jewelry Industry

If you cannot find an apprenticeship, start looking for work in other areas of the jewelry industry. You may look for jobs at retail jewelry stores, jewelry manufacturers, or jewelry repair shops.

Even a sales position can provide an entry point for becoming a Jeweler. After gaining experience, you may seek advancement or a Jeweler apprenticeship position.

Step 7: Obtain a Professional Certification

Obtaining a professional certification can make advancing in this career a little easier. The Jewelers of America offers four certifications:

  • Certified Bench Jeweler Technician (CBJT)
  • Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ)
  • Certified Senior Bench Jeweler (CSBJ)
  • Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CSMJ)

The certifications showcase your level of experience. The CBJT credential is intended for those with about one year of experience in jewelry repair. After two years of experience, you may qualify for the CBJ credential.

The CSBJ and CSMJ credentials are reserved for advanced Jewelers with many years of experience. Earning one of these credentials may take a decade or longer and require knowledge obtained through an advanced degree. Master Jewelers may also need to take courses in metalworking and other specializations to gain complete mastery of all skills related to the art of jewelry making.

Step 8: Continue Your Education

While Jewelers do not require degrees to advance in this field, continuing your education can improve your career opportunities. If you have not already earned an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree after working as a Jeweler, consider earning one to demonstrate your abilities.

You may also choose to earn degrees in related disciplines such as metalsmithing or gemology.

What degree do most Jewelers have

High School Diploma

We did a survey to ask other Jewelers what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

High School Diploma
33.33%

Post-secondary certificate
33.33%

Less than a High School Diploma
16.67%

How long does it take

A few months to four years

The path to becoming a Jeweler may take a few months to four or more years. If you start an apprenticeship immediately after high school, you may quickly become a Jeweler. If you choose to complete a training program or earn a degree, you may spend one to four years on your education.


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