Jewelers can create and sell their own jewelry. Some jewelers are called bench jewelers. They often work in larger jewelry retail establishments and clean, repair, create, and resize jewelry. Larger jewelry making businesses will have jewelers who specialize in creating the jewelry designs and tools that will be used to make the jewelry. These are called mold and model jewelers. There are assemblers who solder and fuse the jewelry parts together. There are also engravers who etch words and designs into metal, and polishers who clean and polish the finished pieces of jewelry. Jewelry appraisers generally appraise the value of jewelry.
Job Outlook for Jewelry Repair Industry
During an economic recession, the need for skilled jewelry repair increases, because people aren't buying as much new jewelry. Rather, they are fixing and reusing jewelry they already own. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of jewelry repair is expected to see job growth of about five percent. This slower than average growth is due to the fact that most jewelry in the United States is now imported. There will be good opportunities for those with bench jeweler skills and also those formal training in the jewelry making and repair trade.
Wages in Jewelry Repair
The Occupational Outlook Handbook found that in 2008 the middle 50 percent of jewelers had average salaries from $24,000 to $43,000 annually. The top ten percent of jewelry made over $55,000 annually. Most jewelers have a base salary. As they become better at creating pieces, they also start charging for each piece that they complete. In retail stores, some jewelers make a commission on each piece of jewelry that they create that's sold.
Training Programs Available in Jewelry Repair
Trade schools and colleges have created some excellent jewelry certification programs. These programs generally take several months to one year to complete. Some employers also offer work training programs. Many jewelers must also complete an apprenticeship to become a full fledged jeweler with given employers.
Do you love making jewelry and things that glitter? You should make your hobby of jewelry making into a career by going into jewelry repair. Those who work to create and repair jewelry and often called jewelers. They create and design new pieces of jewelry. This can include cutting, setting, and polishing gem stones. Jewelers also repair and adjust jewelry to customize it so it will fit and work for its owners. Jewelers must have excellent design senses and precise hand-eye coordination.
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