Jeweler

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Work Tasks

• Make and fix rings, necklaces, earrings, and other jewelry
• Mold metal, set precious stones, polish, solder, and finish jewelry
• Make rings larger or smaller, reset stones, and fix broken clasps, fix watches, and engrave jewelry
• Sell jewelry and tell how much different pieces are worth
• Most are self-employed or work in jewelry stores or for jewelry manufacturers
• Work with jewelry such as rings and necklaces, gems and stones, and gold, platinum, and silver; hand and power tools, dies and molds, polishers, magnifying glasses, lasers (for engraving), and CAD/CAM programs

Salary, Size & Growth

• $44,000 average per year ($21.25 per hour)
• A small occupation (23,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.4% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A career training program in gemology
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree of fine arts in jewelry design
• Skills/Courses: Courses in identifying and grading gems, metal working, watch and jewelry repair, and sales
• Licensing/Certification: A variety of certifications are available.