Jewellers are responsible for designing, assembling, repairing, fabricating
and appraising fine jewellery. Other tasks include setting, polishing, and
cutting gems. They are employed in jewellery retail shops and manufacturing
outlets.
There are so many specialized niches within the jewellery field
that it is rare to find anyone that is skilled in every aspect of this work.
Generally, jewellers concentrate on one or two specific aspects of the jewellery
trade.
On the creative side of this business, you can consult design
specifications and assemble or create jewellery. You use small power and hand
tools such as drills, files, pliers, saws, laps, lathes, engraving tools,
soldering irons, and buffing equipment. Most of your time is spent on the
production or repair of such items as rings, bracelets, earrings, broaches,
chains, and other jewellery. You also use cleaning compounds to improve the
appearance of metal and gems, and to protect the jewellery you make. You work
with wax casts, as well as very accurate measuring gauges and optical
instruments to produce new designs.
On the business side of the trade, you
may prefer to specialize in retail or in jewellery appraisal. This demands and
ability to identify and assess the value of stones, and both precious and
semi-precious gems.
As a jeweller, you maybe paid a salary, a commission or an hourly wage,
depending on the establishment in which you work.
With the wide range of
jobs available within the field, there is a constant demand for you to improve
your skills. This is especially true if you work on the creative side of the
occupation as a designer, cutter, setter or metalsmith. Learning about materials
and how they can be used is an ongoing challenge. You must also understand the
properties of synthetic jewellery since it might be mistaken for authentic
merchandise.
Training for this occupation is generally offered by your
employer. Since there is a lot to learn, it is rare to find jewellers who do not
need to upgrade their techniques in some aspects of the field. Colleges offer
upgrading courses. The skills you develop in this profession are easily
transferable if your work shows promise.
Jewellers work regular hours during
the week, though people on the retail side of this occupation may be expected to
work weekends.
To make precious jewellery, you need extremely good eye-hand
coordination. Because the artistry involved in this field is particularly fine,
you should be meticulous and patient in your work. For the creative aspects of
the profession, it is helpful if you are both artistic and willing to acquire
new skills in the field.
It is also important that you communicate well with
your clients since people are sensitive and sentimental about these delicate
items, especially their custom-made jewellery and heirlooms.