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Junior Goldsmith
As a junior goldsmith (or junior jeweller), you work at the bench in-house in a business, retail premises or production workshop.
As there’s so much to learn, you sit alongside more experienced goldsmiths and jewellers at the bench, so you can pick up tips and tricks as well as build a sound understanding of the basics in a commercial environment. It’s a steep learning curve.
Depending on the business type and size, this can be quite a varied and pressurised role.
If there is an emphasis on retail, as well as making jewellery from scratch to commission and to bespoke designs, there may also be bread-and-butter jobbing work. You need to be efficient, flexible and good at working with deadlines.
Length of Training
3 Years
Salary Expectations
£25,000+
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
Junior jeweller, Junior bench jeweller, Junior goldsmith, Junior jobbing jeweller, Junior benchworker, Studio jeweller, Production assistant, Bench assistant, Workshop assistant
