Jewelers and Jewelry Repairers

How much experience is required for an entry-level jeweler's job may be dependent on the job itself. Bench jewelers who are responsible mainly for repair and engraving may be hired with minimal to no experience. Companies looking for designers will usually require the jeweler to have a few years of successful design experience. You can launch your own business with no experience, but it may be wiser to wait until you've worked in the industry a few years and understand the basics of jewelry design, sales, and trends.

Jewelers and jewelry repairers need to have extreme patience and skill to handle the expensive materials of the trade. Although the physically disabled may find employment in this field, superior hand-eye coordination is essential. Basic mechanical skills such as filing, sawing, and drilling are vital to the jewelry repairer. Jewelers who work from their own designs need creative and artistic ability. They also should have a strong understanding of metals and their properties. Retail jewelers and those who operate or own trade shops and manufacturing establishments must work well with people and have a knowledge of merchandising and business management and practices. Sales staff should be knowledgeable and friendly, and buyers must have good judgment, self-confidence, and leadership abilities.