Occupation · SOC 51-9071
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Median wage
$49,140
$33,890–$81,610
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
23,420
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
25 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionMonitoringCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingService OrientationPersuasionJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningWritingInstructingNegotiationQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesRepairingOperation and ControlMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisScienceProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingDesignMechanicalSales and MarketingEnglish LanguageMathematicsAdministration and ManagementChemistryEngineering and TechnologyEconomics and AccountingEducation and TrainingFine ArtsPublic Safety and SecurityTransportationAdministrativePersonnel and Human ResourcesPhysicsComputers and ElectronicsBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentCommunications and MediaTelecommunicationsPsychologyHistory and ArcheologyGeographySociology and AnthropologyForeign LanguagePhilosophy and TheologyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionBiology
Technology & tools
Adobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopComputer assisted jewelry design CAD softwareCustomer information databasesIntuit QuickBooksInventory tracking softwareJewelry store point of sale POS softwareMetal designing softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordRetail management softwareWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Thinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeControlling Machines and ProcessesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsScheduling Work and ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationTraining and Teaching OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesDocumenting/Recording InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersWorking with ComputersStaffing Organizational Units
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Jewelers' hand tools and polishing wheels — identify and apply under direct supervision to clean and polish basic metal jewelry pieces in a production workshop.Emery paper and hand files — use under guidance to smooth rough spots and soldered joints on simple jewelry items in a supervised bench setting.Precious and semiprecious stones — recognize and sort by type and quality under the direction of an experienced jeweler in a retail or production environment.Setting and hand tools — position and secure stones into pre-prepared mounts under close supervision in a jewelry fabrication workshop.Magnifying glasses and loupe instruments — apply to inspect finished jewelry pieces for visible defects under direct instruction in a quality-check station.Basic ring sizing and soldering techniques — follow step-by-step protocols to perform simple repairs on standard pieces under supervisor oversight.Gold, silver, and platinum stock materials — identify and handle appropriately following established workshop safety and storage protocols.Active listening skills — receive and interpret verbal instructions from senior jewelers and supervisors to complete assigned bench tasks accurately.Point-of-sale and inventory management software — enter basic product and transaction data under guidance in a retail jewelry store environment.Labor and material cost components — recognize and record basic cost inputs from worksheets provided by supervisors in a production or retail setting.
developing
Polishing wheels and chemical baths — operate routinely and independently to clean and restore luster to a range of metal jewelry items in a production shop.Hand files, emery paper, and buffing wire — apply with consistent technique to smooth soldered joints and refine surface finishes on brooches, bracelets, and lockets without close oversight.Gold, silver, and platinum fabrication materials — cut, shape, and file pieces to produce functional jewelry forms following design specifications in a bench jewelry setting.Stone-setting hand tools — mount and secure a variety of gemstones into standard prong, bezel, and channel settings with moderate complexity in a workshop environment.Precision measuring instruments — use calipers and gauges routinely to verify assembled jewelry conforms to dimensional and quality specifications.Ring enlargement and reduction techniques — perform sizing repairs independently and solder clasps and mounting replacements on customer pieces in a repair-focused jewelry shop.Production cost worksheets — compute labor hours and material costs to estimate pricing for standard repair and fabrication jobs using arithmetic and spreadsheet software.Customer and personal service knowledge — communicate clearly with clients to understand repair requests and explain service timelines in a retail jewelry store context.CAD or graphics software — apply basic digital design tools to visualize and adapt jewelry layouts for straightforward custom or repair orders.Inventory management and accounting software — maintain accurate stock and cost records for metals, stones, and findings in a small-to-medium jewelry business.
proficient
Full jewelry fabrication workflow — execute autonomously across cutting, filing, soldering, setting, and finishing to create complete custom pieces from gold, silver, and platinum in a professional studio.Complex stone setting techniques — perform channel, pavé, flush, and tension settings across a wide range of precious and semiprecious stones to exacting tolerances in a high-end jewelry environment.Non-routine repair challenges — diagnose and resolve structurally compromised pieces, antique mountings, and multi-stone assemblies using advanced soldering and fabrication methods in a full-service shop.Precision quality inspection — use magnification and measuring instruments to evaluate gemstone alignment, structural integrity, and finish quality against client specifications with no supervisory oversight.Design visualization and originality — translate client concepts into detailed technical drawings or CAD models that guide fabrication of bespoke jewelry in a custom design studio.Comprehensive cost analysis — calculate full production costs, including labor, materials, overhead, and markup, to develop accurate client quotes and monitor profitability in a jewelry business.Critical thinking in materials selection — evaluate metal alloy properties, stone hardness, and setting suitability to recommend optimal material combinations for durability and aesthetics.Customer consultation and oral communication — lead detailed design and repair consultations, articulating technical options and trade-offs clearly to clients in a retail or studio setting.CRM and sales software — manage client order histories, follow-up communications, and custom job tracking to maintain relationships in a full-service jewelry operation.Workshop tool maintenance and calibration — inspect, maintain, and calibrate bench tools, soldering equipment, and polishing machinery to ensure production accuracy and safety standards.
advanced
Jewelry production standards and quality systems — establish and enforce shop-wide quality benchmarks for fabrication, stone setting, and finishing across all production and repair workflows in a multi-bench operation.Custom design program leadership — direct the full custom jewelry design process from concept through delivery, integrating client vision, CAD technology, and master fabrication skills in a high-volume studio.Workforce development and training — mentor and evaluate apprentice and journeyman jewelers, structuring hands-on training plans that build bench skills and professional judgment in a production or retail environment.Strategic cost and pricing frameworks — develop organization-wide labor, material, and overhead pricing models to sustain profitability and market competitiveness across product lines.Vendor and supply chain relationships — negotiate contracts and quality agreements with precious metal suppliers, stone dealers, and findings distributors to ensure consistent material quality and cost control.Business operations and administration — oversee scheduling, inventory forecasting, and financial reporting using accounting and ERP software to maintain efficient jewelry business operations.New product and collection development — lead the creative direction and technical feasibility assessment for seasonal jewelry collections, integrating fine arts knowledge and market trends.Sales and marketing strategy — design and execute sales programs, promotional events, and digital marketing initiatives to grow customer base and revenue in a retail jewelry environment.Safety and regulatory compliance — establish and enforce occupational safety protocols for chemical handling, tool use, and workspace standards across all production areas of a jewelry facility.Industry knowledge transfer and innovation — represent the organization at trade events, evaluate emerging fabrication technologies, and integrate new methods and materials to advance long-term craft excellence.
Also known as
91 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Antique Jewelry RepairerAppraisal Technician (Appraisal Tech)AppraiserArborerArtisan JewelerArtistBead MakerBench JewelerBench MolderBracelet MakerBrass ChaserBrilliandeer LooperBronze ChaserBrooch MakerCasterCentrifugal Casting Machine OperatorCertified Bench Jeweler Technician (Certified Bench Jeweler Tech)Chain MakerChaserCraft WorkerCrafterDial MakerDiamond ExpertDiamond GraderDiamond PolisherDiamond SetterDiamond SpecialistEngine TurnerEngraverFabricatorFacetorFancy Wire DrawerGem CutterGem Technician (Gem Tech)GemologistGirdlerGoldbeaterGoldsmithHammer SetterHammersmith