Jewellers
Overview
Jewellers design and create custom jewelry pieces, repair broken items, and resize rings and bracelets. They use precision tools, CAD design software, 3D printing technology, and metalworking equipment to craft unique pieces. This career requires artistic vision, steady hands, technical skills, and knowledge of different metals and gemstones.
Did you know?
In Australia, you can start as an apprentice jeweller while completing a Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture. This hands-on training typically takes 3-4 years and provides practical experience alongside formal qualifications.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$68,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Examining designs and specifications for jewellery and precious metal objects
- Shaping moulded metal by cutting, filing, beating, turning and bending, using specialised hand and power tools
- Assembling articles by soldering, screwing, riveting and otherwise joining
- Securing precious stones in retaining prongs and ridges, and smoothing and checking final settings
- Engraving designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles
- Repairing jewellery by soldering, replacing and rebuilding worn and broken parts
- Appraising the quality and value of jewellery
- Cutting and dividing stones to approximate final shape, using precision hand and power tools and jigs
- Securing stones and shapes, cutting angles, smoothing and polishing
- Finishing articles using files, emery paper and buffing machines
- Restyling old jewellery
Career Considerations
Apprenticeship and Training Pathways
In Australia, you can start as an apprentice jeweller while completing a Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture. This hands-on training typically takes 3-4 years and provides practical experience alongside formal qualifications.
Essential Skills and Artistic Development
Develop your artistic abilities, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail during high school. Practice with small crafts and consider taking art classes to build the creative foundation needed for jewellery design.
Business and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Many jewellers eventually start their own businesses or work as freelance designers. Understanding business principles and customer service will be valuable if you want to run your own jewellery store or workshop.