How to Become a Jeweler

Jewelers are involved in the design, manufacture, repair, appraisal and sales of all forms of jewelry. They may work in a retail operation or a manufacturing company or be self-employed in a jewelry design business.

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry Industry Publications
• Workshop In Computer-aided Design (CAD) Programs
• Fashion Magazines
• Online Career Search

Instructions

1. Take courses such as art, math, mechanical drawing and chemistry while you are in high school. Make certain you possess patience, good hand-eye coordination, artistic skills and fashion sense.

2. Understand that, although you can learn a jeweler's skills through on-the-job training, employers prefer to hire previously trained employees.

3. Check out the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers Web site (see mjsainc.com). It lists schools that offer jewelry design and manufacturing programs, workshops, distance education and fine arts college degrees.

4. Send for several school catalogs and applications. Contact the schools that most interest you to see whether their programs include career assistance.

5. Become proficient in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs if you want to design jewelry.

6. Expect a training period in your first job after you have completed your classroom work.

Tips & Warnings

• In smaller stores, jewelers often have to be expert in all jewelry-related specialties. Be prepared for this by including several specialties in your school training.

• A large investment is necessary to open a jewelry shop. If that is your eventual goal, make certain you receive excellent training in the business and marketing end of the field while you are in school.

• Injuries can occur in manufacturing and repair shops due to misuse of tools.

• Security precautions must always be in force wherever valuable gemstones are stored or sold.