How to become a Jeweller

Jewellers design and make jewellery and small objects using a wide range of materials, including metals, stones, woods, plastics and fibres. Jewellers may specialise in making particular types of jewellery (such as rings) or in using specialised techniques (such as enamelling, engraving, anodising or casting).

Personal requirements for a Jeweller

Enjoy artistic and creative work
Good eyesight (may be corrected)
Good hand-eye coordination
Able to work carefully and accurately
Creative design ability
Enjoy making things
Patient and able to persevere

Education & Training for a Jeweller

To become a jeweller you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.You can also become a jeweller by completing a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.Alternatively, you can become a jeweller by completing a degree at university.. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and submit a folio of work. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Jeweller

Jewellers:

Create design drawings and specifications for wearable or three-dimensional objects
Shape metal and other materials by cutting, filing, hammering, turning, spinning, bending, casting, folding and linking using specialised hand and power tools and equipment
Assemble articles using soldering, screwing, riveting and other joining methods
Finish articles using files, emery paper, buffing machines or other appropriate tools and equipment
Secure gemstones in settings
Engrave designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles
Repair jewellery by soldering, replacing or rebuilding worn or broken parts
Remodel old jewellery
Sell jewellery direct to the public or to retail jewellery shops.

Tasks

Repairing jewellery by soldering, replacing and rebuilding worn and broken parts
Engraving designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles
Appraising the quality and value of jewellery
Cutting and dividing stones to approximate final shape, using precision hand and power tools and jigs
Securing stones and shapes, cutting angles, smoothing and polishing
Securing precious stones in retaining prongs and ridges, and smoothing and checking final settings
Finishing articles using files, emery paper and buffing machines
Assembling articles by soldering, screwing, riveting and otherwise joining
Restyling old jewellery
Shaping moulded metal by cutting, filing, beating, turning and bending, using specialised hand and power tools
Examining designs and specifications for jewellery and precious metal objects

Working conditions for a Jeweller

Jewellers may work using mass production techniques and machinery, concentrating on one part of the work, or as more highly skilled craftspeople producing an entire piece from beginning to end.

Employment Opportunities for a Jeweller

Jewellers may work for manufacturing firms. Many run their own jewellery business and sell direct to the public or supply work to galleries on commission or at wholesale prices. Most job opportunities for jewellers are in capital cities, followed by larger country centres. Competition for apprenticeships is very strong, with a limited number offered each year.

Specializations

Jeweller

Average age
39
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
64% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
75%
Employment Size
4,600
Employment by state
ACT: 1.1%
NSW: 33.6%
NT: 0.8%
QLD: 18.8%
SA: 7.8%
TAS: 2.8%
VIC: 25.8%
WA: 9.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.2%
20-24: 4.6%
25-34: 16%
35-44: 23.3%
45-54: 25%
55-59: 11.9%
60-64: 9.7%
65 and Over: 8.3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.5%
Bachelor degree: 11.7%
Certificate III/IV: 43.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.6%
Year 10 and below: 13.1%
Year 11: 3%
Year 12: 13.7%