Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Common Job Titles
- Bench Jeweler
- Goldsmith
- Jeweler
- Silversmith
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign custom jewelry pieces incorporating precious metals and gemstones using CAD software and traditional design principles to meet client specifications.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate quality and authenticity of precious stones and metals using gemological microscopes, testers, and loupes in appraisal contexts.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate precision soldering equipment and gas torches following metallurgical best practices to fabricate and repair jewelry components.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely gemstone setting techniques using specialized pliers and burnishing tools ensuring secure mounting and optimal visual presentation.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess jewelry repair requirements and structural integrity determining appropriate techniques, materials, and tools for restoration.Proficient
- MindsetBalance artistic vision with customer expectations and budget constraints when developing custom design proposals and negotiating project parameters.Proficient
- Hands-onManipulate precious metals using hammers, mandrels, and rolling mills to shape, texture, and form jewelry pieces according to design specifications.Developing
- MindsetEngage with clients to understand their design preferences and emotional connections to jewelry demonstrating active listening and social perceptiveness during consultations.Developing
- Hands-onPerform detailed engraving and decorative metalwork using pneumatic gravers, chasing tools, and stamping dies with precision.Developing
- KnowledgeCalculate material quantities, weights, and costs for custom jewelry projects applying mathematical knowledge to provide accurate estimates and manage resources.Developing
- Hands-onOperate polishing units, tumblers, and ultrasonic cleaners to finish and maintain jewelry to professional standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of metallurgy, chemistry, and material properties when selecting alloys, solders, and treatments for specific jewelry applications.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
23,420
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $33,890. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,030. 50th percentile: U.S. $49,140. 75th percentile: U.S. $63,210. 90th percentile: U.S. $81,610. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $33,890 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $81,610 |
| Workers on average earn | $55,030 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Production and Processing3.5/5
- Design3.3/5
- Mechanical3.2/5
- Sales and Marketing2.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Computer assisted jewelry design CAD software
- Customer information databases
- Inventory tracking software
- Jewelry store point of sale POS software
- Metal designing software
- Retail management software
- Web browser software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable bench vises
- Air compressors
- Automatic lathes
- Awl sets
- Bail pliers
- Ball peen hammers
- Banding pliers
- Battery testers