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Goldsmith
As a goldsmith (or jeweller), you work at the bench either in-house or as a freelance in a business, retail premises or production workshop.
This can be quite a varied, pressurised role (especially in retail), making jewellery from scratch to commission and to bespoke designs as well as bread-and-butter jewellery making.
To meet your deadlines, you work efficiently and effectively.
Length of Training
3-5 Years
Salary Expectations
£30,000+
Qualification Requirements
Experience
3+ years at the bench
Knowledge
Benchwork includes:
• Technical jewellery manufacturing
• Saw piercing, soldering, forging, assembly
• Assembling and finishing castings
• Clasp fittings, spring fittings (en tremblant)
• Laser welding
• Mounting
• Setting prong, bezel, channel, bar, pave, tension, flush / burnish, bead, invisible and cluster
• Micro setting
• Finishing, plating, polishing
• Stock and customer repairs polishing
• Matrix / Rhino
• Interpret designs to a 3D object
Repair and jobbing work might include:
• Ring sizing and resizing
• Repairs
• Chain repairs
• Re-shanking
• Re-tipping
• Claw work
• Bezel rebuilds
Skills
• Great hand–eye coordination
• Superior attention to detail
• Organised
• Able to work under pressure
Able to plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines
• A problem solver
• A great communicator (you may have to speak with clients)
• A collaborative team member
Personal Attributes
• A problem solver
• Have a can-do attitude
• Thrive on a challenge
• Take initiative
• A multi-tasker
• Have an excellent work ethos
• A great timekeeper
• Reliable
• Trustworthy
• Passionate about jewellery
Qualification Requirements
You have a technical background, either an apprenticeship or technical training (HND, Design for Industry or degree).
Role Also Called
Jeweller, Bench jeweller, Goldsmith, Jobbing jeweller, Benchworker
