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Appraiser, Craftsperson, Goldsmith, Jewellery Designer, Model Makers, Salesperson, Silversmith
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:
Interest in precision working to examine, cut, shape and polish diamonds and precious and synthetic gems using optical instruments, lathes, laps and cutting disks
Interest in analyzing information to differentiate between stones, to appraise gemstones and diamonds, and to identify rare specimens
Interest in cutting, sawing and filing articles in preparation for further processing
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.
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).
Jewellers also may be gemmologists or watch repairers. For more information, see the Gemmologist and Watch Repairer occupational profiles.
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.
Jewellers need:
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.
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
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:
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6344: Jewellers, jewellery and watch repairers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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.