How to become a Jeweller

Jeweller

Jewellers design and make jewellery and small objects using a wide range of materials, including metals, stones, woods, plastics and fibres. Jewellers may specialise in making particular types of jewellery (such as rings) or in using specialised techniques (such as enamelling, engraving, anodising or casting).

Personal requirements for a Jeweller

  • Enjoy artistic and creative work
  • Good eyesight (may be corrected)
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Able to work carefully and accurately
  • Creative design ability
  • Enjoy making things
  • Patient and able to persevere

Education & Training for a Jeweller

To become a jeweller you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.You can also become a jeweller by completing a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.Alternatively, you can become a jeweller by completing a degree at university.. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and submit a folio of work. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


Duties & Tasks of a Jeweller

Jewellers:

  • Create design drawings and specifications for wearable or three-dimensional objects
  • Shape metal and other materials by cutting, filing, hammering, turning, spinning, bending, casting, folding and linking using specialised hand and power tools and equipment
  • Assemble articles using soldering, screwing, riveting and other joining methods
  • Finish articles using files, emery paper, buffing machines or other appropriate tools and equipment
  • Secure gemstones in settings
  • Engrave designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles
  • Repair jewellery by soldering, replacing or rebuilding worn or broken parts
  • Remodel old jewellery
  • Sell jewellery direct to the public or to retail jewellery shops.

Tasks

  • Repairing jewellery by soldering, replacing and rebuilding worn and broken parts
  • Engraving designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles
  • 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
  • Securing precious stones in retaining prongs and ridges, and smoothing and checking final settings
  • Finishing articles using files, emery paper and buffing machines
  • Assembling articles by soldering, screwing, riveting and otherwise joining
  • Restyling old jewellery
  • Shaping moulded metal by cutting, filing, beating, turning and bending, using specialised hand and power tools
  • Examining designs and specifications for jewellery and precious metal objects

Working conditions for a Jeweller

Jewellers may work using mass production techniques and machinery, concentrating on one part of the work, or as more highly skilled craftspeople producing an entire piece from beginning to end.


Employment Opportunities for a Jeweller

Jewellers may work for manufacturing firms. Many run their own jewellery business and sell direct to the public or supply work to galleries on commission or at wholesale prices. Most job opportunities for jewellers are in capital cities, followed by larger country centres. Competition for apprenticeships is very strong, with a limited number offered each year.


Specializations

Jeweller

Jewellers design and make jewellery and small objects using a wide range of materials, including metals, stones, woods, plastics and fibres. Jewellers may specialise in making particular types of jewellery (such as rings) or in using specialised techniques (such as enamelling, engraving, anodising or casting).

  • Average age
    Average age
    47 years
  • Future Growth
    Future Growth
    Moderate
  • Gender Share
    Gender Share
    34% female
  • Average full-time
    Average full-time
    45 hours
  • Weekly Pay
    Weekly Pay
    Unavailable
  • Skill level rating
    Skill level rating
    Medium skill
  • Unemployment
    Unemployment
    Lower unemployment
  • Full-Time Share
    Full-Time Share
    67% Full-Time
  • Employment Size
    Employment Size
    5,800 workers
  • Employment Size
    Employment by state
    ACT: 1.1%
    NSW: 33.6%
    NT: 0.8%
    QLD: 18.8%
    SA: 7.8%
    TAS: 2.8%
    VIC: 25.8%
    WA: 9.4%
  • Employment Size
    Age brackets
    15-19: 1.2%
    20-24: 4.6%
    25-34: 16%
    35-44: 23.3%
    45-54: 25%
    55-59: 11.9%
    60-64: 9.7%
    65 and Over: 8.3%
  • Employment Size
    Education level
    Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.5%
    Bachelor degree: 11.7%
    Certificate III/IV: 43.4%
    Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.6%
    Year 10 and below: 13.1%
    Year 11: 3%
    Year 12: 13.7%
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