Jewelers and Jewelry Repairers

Employers

Approximately 38,100 jewelers and precious stone and metal workers are employed in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Jewelers work in a variety of settings, from production work in multinational corporations to jewelry stores and repair shops. Some jewelers specialize in gem and diamond work, watchmaking, jewelry appraisal, repair, or engraving, or they may work in manufacturing or at the retail level. Other jewelers work only as appraisers. In most cases, appraisals are done by storeowners or jewelers who have years of experience. About 32 percent of all jewelers are self-employed, according to the DOL. The majority of the self-employed jewelers own their own stores or repair shops or specialize in designing and creating custom jewelry. Top states for jewelers and precious stone and metal workers include New York, California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.