One of the most interesting aspects of choosing a career in the jewelry industry is the many opportunities available. The choice of educational path depends on your specific goals.
It is important that you spend some time defining your life goals and analyzing your own temperament and abilities. This will save you a lot of trouble in the long run and support your future success.
You may want to start by enrolling in a metalworking class at a local community college or attending a series of workshops that can awaken your particular talents and interests. It has been my experience that the professors who teach these classes are often great mentors and advisors.
You may also want to spend some time talking to people in different fields before deciding on a jewelry career.
Below are some options for a career in jewelry to help you get started.
- Metalsmith (gold and/or silver): In this field, you can work with a variety of materials, including metals and gemstones. Knowledge of design and fabrication techniques is also required.
You can work for a company that makes jewelry or/and start your own business. Many metalsmiths work independently and market their work through their own business or through galleries and jewelry stores.
- Jewelry Makers: you have the opportunity to develop and manufacture a line of jewelry, including small or large-scale production. You can design your own line or manufacture other people's designs.
- Jeweler to Order: In this role, you will work directly with the customer to design and make a unique piece of jewelry. This is a highly specialized field that requires knowledge of jewelry-making techniques as well as customer service and marketing strategies.
- Artistic Jeweler: If the artistic endeavour is of great importance, this is the right niche for you. It is a field that encompasses design, manufacturing, and crafting techniques. It is probably the riskiest area of the industry and requires patience to build a following and achieve a strong resume.
- Jewelry Craftsman: A jewelry craftsman usually focuses on marketing and selling at craft fairs and galleries. Many jewelry artisans produce small batches of handmade pieces. This field requires a significant time commitment and some out-of-town travel to attend the various craft fairs.
- Fashion Jewelry Maker: In this profession, you can design and make jewelry that is closely related to the fashion industry. This requires a good knowledge of public relations, marketing, design, fashion and business. This can be a very lucrative profession.
- Designer: As a designer, you will be responsible for creating renderings, drawings, models, or even wax originals of jewelry. This can be done through hand sketches or with the help of cad software. Designers may be employed by a company or maybe self-employed and do contract work. General fabrication skills are required, even if you do not make the actual pieces.
- Jewelry Craftsman: A jewelry craftsman who sells at craft fairs and galleries. Many artisans create a range of handmade one-of-a-kind or small-batch pieces.
- Production Bench Worker: A goldsmith who specializes in production work.
- Repairer: specializes in repairs. This is often how many jewelers begin and learn about the industry.
- Stonemason: This is probably one of the safest professions in the jewelry industry. Stone setters are highly respected and are paid well. You can work for a jewelry store, a jewelry designer, or a jewelry manufacturer - the possibilities are endless.
- Business Owner/Manager: This is probably one of the most profitable careers in the jewelry industry. It requires good business skills and start-up capital.
- Gemologist: As a gemologist, you will specialize in the study of the different categories and varieties of gemstones, synthetic stones, and imitation stones. Specialized gemology also includes studies of organic materials such as pearls, coral, amber, etc. To become a true gemologist, you must complete proper gemological training.