Jewelers and Jewelry Repairers
Overview
Introduction
Jewelers create, either from their own design or from one by a design specialist, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry out of gold, silver, or platinum. Jewelry repairers alter ring sizes, reset stones, and refashion old jewelry. Restringing beads and stones, resetting clasps and hinges, and mending breaks in ceramic and metal pieces also are aspects of jewelry repair. A few jewelers are also trained as gemologists, who examine, grade, and evaluate gems, or gem cutters, who cut, shape, and polish...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers had median annual earnings of $39,440 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries ranged from less than $23,530 to more than $67,210. Those who worked at jewelry stores earned mean annual salaries of $67,250. Most jewelers start out with a base salary. With experience, they can charge by the number of pieces completed. Jewelers ...
Work Environment
Jewelers work in a variety of environments. Some self-employed jewelers design and create jewelry in their homes; others work in small studios or trade shops. Jewelers who create their own designer lines of jewelry may travel to retail stores and other sites to promote their merchandise. Many designers also attend trade shows and exhibitions to learn more about current trends. Some sell their j...
Outlook
Employment of jewelers is expected to decline by 7 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Low or skilled or unskilled workers will have the most difficult time obtaining or keeping a job in the industry since most manufacturing jobs for this type of worker are being given to workers overseas.
Consumers now are purchasing jewelry from mass marketers, disco...
