Job Overview People, more especially the women have always worn and adored high classes of jewelries and adornment of different types. In the early times, fashion jewelries are may of animal parts such as animal bones, teeth and even horns and claws.In the prehistoric time, beads are already present. In the Iron Age, the fashion is made of ivory, wood and metals. In the beginning of the Egyptian civilization, jewelries are already well crafted. Precious metals and gems are being combined to produce alluring jewelries for the men and women of higher social strata. Those who create jewelries, either from one's design or from another's such as bracelets, rings and necklaces, to name a few, are called professional jewelers.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
If you wish to build a career in becoming a jeweler, prepare as early as high school by taking classes in Arts, and some technical and shop classes as well. The most common way to become a jeweler is to accomplish an apprenticeship program in jewelry art. This is usually a two year program wherein learnings are focused on casting, engraving and stone setting.
Skills and Abilities
The most important skills in this specific type of job are the skills the artistry and the use of the tools and machines for jewelry making. Mechanical and manipulative skills are highly needed in fulfilling the responsibilities and duties involved in this job. A good finger and hand dexterity is expected of any jeweler. In addition to this, precision and accuracy in doing measurements and following the design are necessary as jewelries are considered a product of the art of precision and a symbol of higher social strata and perfection.
Duties
There are several types of jewelry specialization.
These include stone setting, gem cutting, hand chain making, locker and ring making, and sample making. There are also several titles that can be included under the umbrella of a jeweler. These are the titles silversmiths, gem and diamond maker, watchmakers, jewelry engravers, to name a few. The duties of a jeweler are dependent on their specific specializations. Take for example the gem workers. Gem workers which include diamond workers select, measure, cut, shape and polish as well as drill gems and diamonds using carious cutting hand tools, measuring tools and some machines. There are other jewelry workers who are into performing operations such as precision casting, modeling of molds, and setting the gems and semi-precious stones in jewelries.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The range of salary for a jeweler starts off from 17,000 U.S. dollars to 29,000 U.S. dollars annually. Those who are self employed, or those who own a jewelry shop themselves may earn up to infinity, depending on the sales that they make everyday. Earnings may be as high as 53,000 U.S. dollars in minimum which is on a yearly basis. As jewelries are not necessities, and that many machines are being used in cutting, polishing, and electroplating processes, the employment opportunities are beginning to decline.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.