Jewelers and Jewelry Repairers

Jewelers create, either from their own design or from one by a design specialist, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry out of gold, silver, or platinum. Jewelry repairers alter ring sizes, reset stones, and refashion old jewelry. Restringing beads and stones, resetting clasps and hinges, and mending breaks in ceramic and metal pieces also are aspects of jewelry repair. A few jewelers are also trained as gemologists, who examine, grade, and evaluate gems, or gem cutters, who cut, shape, and polish gemstones. Many jewelers also repair watches and clocks. Bench jewelers typically are employees of jewelry retailers. Their responsibilities include jewelry cleaning and repair as well as some design work. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are about 38,100 jewelers and precious stone and metal workers employed in the United States.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $75,000

Minimum Education Level

Apprenticeship

Certification/License

Recommended

Outlook

Decline

Personality Traits

Artistic

Creative

Hands On

Career Ladder

Owner of Jewelry Design Company or Jewelry Store

Lead Designer/Manager

Designer/Jeweler

Bench Jeweler, or Jeweler's Assistant, or Sales Associate