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Jeweller
Jewellers design, make, repair and appraise fine, fashion and costume jewellery.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Appraiser, Craftsperson, Goldsmith, Jewellery Designer, Model Makers, Salesperson, Silversmith
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Jewellers and Related Workers (7344.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Jewellers, Watch Repairers and Related Occupations (H514)
- 2011 NOC: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations (6344)
- 2016 NOC: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations (6344)
Interest Codes
The Jeweller is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Jewellers and Related Workers
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in precision working to examine, cut, shape and polish diamonds and precious and synthetic gems using optical instruments, lathes, laps and cutting disks
- INNOVATIVE
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Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
- METHODICAL
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Interest in cutting, sawing and filing articles in preparation for further processing
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Jewellers design, create or repair jewellery and set stones in mountings. The jewellery may be made of precious or semi-precious metals and the stones may be precious or synthetic. Jewellers may specialize in certain types of jewellery (for example, silver or gold) or in particular operations (for example, design or repair).
- Jewellery designers create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery. They may use sketches or computer programs to show jewellery design options to customers. They may work for manufacturers designing for mass production.
- Craftspersons design and make their own lines of jewellery. They sell their products to the public at craft shows or to retailers at trade shows. For more information, see the Craftsperson occupational profile.
- Model makers create designs and moulds for mass-produced pieces. They may use computer-aided design and manufacturing programs to design products and automate mould and model making.
- Jewellers in manufacturing usually specialize in operations such as setting stones, engraving, electroplating, soldering or polishing.
- Jewellers in retail outlets sell jewellery items, enlarge and reduce ring sizes, set stones and replace claws, and replace broken clasps and mountings.
Jewellers also may be gemmologists or watch repairers. For more information, see the Gemmologist and Watch Repairer occupational profiles.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Jewellers work indoors, often seated at specially designed and equipped workbenches. Their hours are regular but may involve shift work in manufacturing firms, or evenings and weekends in the retail trade. Overtime may be required during busy periods such as Christmas and the summer holiday season.
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Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Jewellers need:
- good eyesight or corrected vision
- good eye-hand co-ordination and finger dexterity
- theability to concentrate for long periods of time on minute work.
Designers, craftspersons and model makers must be artistic and able to visualize line, form and colour in 3 dimensions. Jewellers working in retail stores must have good customer service skills.
Jewellers should enjoy using tools and instruments to perform precision tasks, analyzing information to perform appraisals, and having clear rules and organized methods for their work.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
In Alberta, many jewellers are trained through a combination of short courses and experience on the job. Comprehensive on-the-job training is difficult to obtain because most shops specialize in a particular type of work.
Most employers prefer to hire graduates of recognized training programs who already have some basic skills in the trade. Some job applicants are expected to have their own set of hand tools.
Prospective jewellers are encouraged to discuss their career plans with potential employers before enrolling in a training program. Different training routes are appropriate for different specializations.
For example, jewellery designers need training in the visual arts. They also need computer skills for both one-of-a-kind and mass-production work. Admission to most post-secondary art programs requires a high school diploma and a portfolio demonstrating artistic ability.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Alberta University of the Arts
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Elsewhere in Canada, colleges and private vocational schools offer related courses and programs, such as the following:
- George Brown College in Toronto
- Georgian College in Barrie
- New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton
- Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax
- Nunavut Arctic College
- Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto
- Vancouver Community College
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Jewellers are employed by jewellery stores, design studios, repair shops, wholesale companies and manufacturers. Graduates of art and design programs often work for other artists or in other occupations while they establish their own independent jewellery design studios.
Advancement generally takes the form of increasing specialization or building a business. Opportunities to advance to supervisory positions are limited.
Jewellers who wish to start their own retail businesses must make a large financial investment in a highly competitive industry. Setting up a design studio involves lower overhead costs.
Jewellers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6344: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers, and related occupations. In Alberta, 91% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Retail Trade [pdf]
- Other Services [pdf]
- Manufacturing [pdf]
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Jewellers’ incomes vary tremendously depending on the type of work, the jeweller’s training and experience, and whether or not commission sales are involved. Jewellery store employees may be able to purchase store merchandise at reduced prices, but starting wages are usually quite low.
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) website: canadianjewellers.com
Gemmological Institute of American (GIA) website: www.gia.edu
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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