Home > Explore Careers > In The Workshop > Polisher
As a polisher, you finish the jewellery manufacture, so your role is likely to
include plating and checking the product meets quality assurance standards before being sold. You might assess for repair, inspect for defects and escalate any issues in the business.
Sometimes, the polisher performs other aspects of jobbing, like setting, repairs and alterations, resizing, polishing and laser work.
Polishing / finishing covers:
• Buffing with all compounds
• Lapping
• Thrumming
• Satin finishing
• Sandblasting
• Hand polishing
• Ultrasonic and steam cleaning
• Rhodium plating, etc.
• Prepping, thread work on galleries and back holes
• Plating, including stopping off
• Cleaning client jewellery
• Planning high jewellery and specialty items for polishing and finishing
While taking good care of your equipment and tooling is a given, as a member of the workshop, you understand workshop safety, so you follow best practice to minimise risks, keeping your bench and workspace organised and free from risk. You check your machine guarding and personal protective equipment are effective, you handle and dispose of hazardous material appropriately and you apply ergonomics for good posture at the bench.
Length of Training
1+ year after jeweller training
3+ years as a specialist polisher
Salary Expectations
£18,000+
Qualification Requirements
Experience
1 – 2 years+ at the bench.
Knowledge
• Possess and be proficient in all technical aspects of polishing / finishing all items, including customer jewellery, watches, flatware and hollowware
• Knowledgeable in all common metals (platinum, gold, silver), gemstones set in jewellery and specialty materials, like pewter, leather and wood
• Understand complex and intricate jewellery construction and polishing
• Expertise in merchandise materials (metal assay and gemstone identification and sensitivity) and be able to communicate this to coworkers
• Confident in managing your own workload and meeting deadlines
Skills
• Strong hand–eye coordination
• Work quickly and efficiently
• Exceptional time management
• Critical thinker and problem solver
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
Personal Attributes
• Can-do attitude
• Exceptional eye for detail and commitment to quality
• Good time management
• Strong work ethic
• Well organised and focused
• Quick and efficient worker
• Team player with great interpersonal skills
• Articulate
Qualification Requirements
An accredited jewellery certification course. Maybe on the job training as an apprentice or as a junior.
Role Also Called
Polisher, Plater, Finisher, Jobber, Jobbing jeweller
