Occupational Profile

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Jeweller

Jewelers design, make, repair and appraise fine, fashion and costume jewellery.

Avg. Salary N/A
Avg. Wage N/A
Minimum Education Varies
Outlook N/A

Also Known As

Appraiser, Goldsmith, Silversmith, Salesperson

NOC & Interest Codes

The Jeweller is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Jewellers and Related Workers NOC 7344.1

Jewellers and Related Workers

NOC code: 7344.1

OBJECTIVE: 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: Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
METHODICAL: 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.

Learn More

Duties

Updated Mar 11, 2016

Jewellers design, create or repair jewellery made of precious and semi-precious metals and set precious and synthetic stones in jewellery mountings. They 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 also may work for manufacturers designing for mass production or use computer aided design and manufacturing programs to design products and automate mould and model making.
Craftspersons design and make their own lines of jewellery which they sell 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 11, 2016

Jewellers work indoors often seated at specially designed and equipped work benches. Their hours are regular but may involve shift work in manufacturing firms, or evening and weekend work in the retail trade. Overtime may be required during busy periods such as Christmas and the summer holiday season.

Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Skills & Abilities

Updated Mar 11, 2016

Jewellers need the following characteristics:

good eyesight or corrected vision
good eye-hand co-ordination and finger dexterity
the ability to concentrate for long periods of time on minute work.

In addition, designers, craftspersons and model makers must be artistic and able to visualize line, form and colour in three dimensions. Jewellers working in retail stores must have good customer service skills.

Jewellers should enjoy using tools and instruments to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information to perform appraisals, and having clear rules and organized methods for their work.

Educational Requirements

Updated Mar 11, 2016

In Alberta, many jewellers are trained througha 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 more appropriate for different specializations. For example, jewellery designers need training in the visual arts and computer skills are required for both one of a kind and 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 College of Art and Design

For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.

Elsewhere in Canada, related courses and programs are offered by colleges and private vocational schools such as the following:

George Brown College in Toronto
Georgian College in Barrie
Granton Institute of Technology in Toronto
the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton
the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax
Nunavut Arctic College
the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto
Vancouver Community College.

Employment & Advancement

Updated Mar 11, 2016

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 work 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:

The employment outlook 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 that never existed before)
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 11, 2016

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.

Related High School Subjects

Fine Arts
- Visual Arts
English Language Arts
Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation
- Fabrication