Jewelers and Silversmiths
Description OES Code: 89123
Jewelers use a variety of common and specialized handtools to design and manufacture new pieces of jewelry; cut, set, and polish stones; and repair or adjust rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry. Some jewelers design or make their own jewelry. Others do finishing work, such as setting stones, polishing, or engraving. In manufacturing, jewelers usually specialize in a single operation. In small retail stores or repairshops, jewelers may be involved in all aspects of the work.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile $6.70
50th Percentile $9.45
75th Percentile $13.32

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 3,400
Projected Employment 2008 3,900
Percent Change 1998-2008 14.7%
Separations 1998-2008 900

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
A jeweler's work involves a great deal of concentration and attention to detail. Working on precious stones and metals while trying to satisfy customers' and employers' demands for speed and quality can cause fatigue or stress. However, the use of more ergonomically correct jewelers' benches has eliminated the strain and discomfort formerly caused by spending long periods bending over a workbench in one position.

In larger manufacturing plants and some smaller repairshops, chemicals, sharp or pointed tools, and jewelers' torches pose potential safety threats and may cause injury if proper care is not taken; however, most dangerous chemicals have been replaced with synthetic, less toxic products to meet safety requirements. Because many of their materials are very valuable, jewelers must observe strict security procedures. These include locked doors that are opened only by a buzzer, barred windows, burglar alarms, and, for large jewelry establishments, the presence of armed guards.

Advancement
Advancement opportunities are limited and depend greatly on an individual's skill and initiative. In manufacturing, some jewelers advance to supervisory jobs, such as master jeweler or head jeweler but, for most, advancement takes the form of higher pay for doing the same job. Jewelers who work in jewelry stores or repairshops may become managers; some open their own businesses.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
In repairshops, jewelers usually work alone with little supervision. In retail Jewelers usually learn their trade in vocational or technical schools, through correspondence courses, or on the job. Colleges and art and design schools also offer programs that can lead to a bachelor's or master's degree of fine arts in jewelry design. Formal training in the basic skills of the trade enhances one's employment and advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer jewelers with design, repair, and sales skills.

For those interested in working in a jewelry store or repairshop, vocational and technical training or courses offered by public and private colleges and schools are the best sources of training. In these programs, which can vary in length from 6 months to 1 year, students learn the use and care of jewelers' tools and machines and basic jewelry-making and -repairing skills, such as design, casting, stone setting, and polishing.

Technical school courses also cover topics including blueprint reading, math, and shop theory. To enter some technical school and most college programs, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required.stores, on the other hand, they may talk with customers about repairs, perform custom design work, and even do some sales work. Because computer-aided design is used increasingly in the jewelry field, it is recommended that students—especially those interested in design and manufacturing—obtain training in CAD. Various institutions offer courses and programs in gemology and jewelry manufacturing and design. Programs cover a wide range of topics, including the identification and grading of diamonds and gemstones.

Skills & Other Requirements
The precise and delicate nature of jewelry work requires finger and hand dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, patience, and concentration. Artistic ability and fashion consciousness are major assets because jewelry must be stylish and attractive. Those who work in jewelry stores have frequent contact with customers and should be neat, personable, and knowledgeable about the merchandise. In addition, employers require workers of good character because jewelers work with very valuable materials.

References
US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Precision Instrument Repairers, Welding, Soldering and Brazing Workers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)