Top 11 Bench Jeweler Certifications

Certifications for a bench jeweler are important in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and mastery of specific skills. Certification programs provide benchmark standards, allowing employers to know that their employees have been trained to the highest level. For many employers, certifications also provide assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals who can produce quality work and meet deadlines. Certifications also allow employers to identify potential candidates with the right skills, which can save them time and money in the recruitment process. Ultimately, these certifications give bench jewelers an edge when competing for jobs in the jewelry industry.

This article reviews the most valuable certifications for Bench Jewelers and explains how they can help advance their career.

What are Bench Jeweler Certifications?

Bench jeweler certification is a certification program that provides training for individuals who are looking to pursue a career as a bench jeweler. Bench jewelers are responsible for all aspects of jewelry-making, from the design process to the repair and maintenance of pieces. The certification program teaches students about the various tools and techniques used in jewelry-making, as well as proper safety protocols. It also covers topics such as gemology and metalsmithing, giving students an in-depth understanding of the craft.

Having bench jeweler certification can help individuals stand out when looking for job opportunities, as it demonstrates their knowledge and expertise in jewelry production. Additionally, having this certification can open up more job opportunities and higher pay rates due to employers knowing that they have been trained by experienced professionals. Finally, having this certification can provide an individual with greater confidence when working on intricate jewelry projects since they will be familiar with the tools and techniques required to produce quality work.

Pro Tip: When considering bench jeweler certification, make sure to research the program's accreditation and the quality of instruction offered. Look for programs that provide hands-on training with experienced instructors, as well as comprehensive coursework that covers a range of topics related to jewelry design and fabrication. Additionally, be sure to inquire about any apprenticeship opportunities or post-certification job placement assistance that may be available.

Related: What does a Bench Jeweler do?

Top 11 Bench Jeweler Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Bench Jewelers today.

1. GIA Graduate Gemologist Certification

GIA Graduate Gemologist Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This certification is highly respected in the gem and jewelry industry and is a mark of excellence for those who wish to pursue a career in this field. The program provides comprehensive training on the identification, grading, and evaluation of diamonds and colored stones.

The GIA Graduate Gemologist program consists of two parts: classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory work. The classroom portion covers topics such as gemology, diamond grading, gemstone identification, gem treatments, lab techniques, and more. The laboratory portion requires students to grade diamonds using GIA's proprietary Diamond Grading System.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the GIA Graduate Gemologist program depending on how much time you have available each week for study. To get certified you must pass both the written exam and the practical lab exam with a score of at least 75%. Once certified, you will receive your diploma from GIA along with your official GIA Graduate Gemologist designation.

The cost of the GIA Graduate Gemologist program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $4,500 - $6,000 USD for tuition plus additional fees for books and materials.

2. GIA Graduate Diamonds Grading Certification

GIA Graduate Diamonds Grading Certification is a certification program offered by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). It is designed for individuals who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of diamond grading and evaluation. The certification includes both theoretical and practical training, which covers topics such as diamond anatomy, the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight), diamond grading systems, treatments and synthetics, lab-grown diamonds, and more.

The GIA Graduate Diamonds Grading Certification program typically takes around three months to complete. It consists of two parts: a self-paced online course that can be completed at your own pace over several weeks or months; and an in-person workshop held at a GIA facility. During the workshop you will learn about diamond grading principles and techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.

To get certified, you must first complete the online course. After completing the course you will receive a certificate from GIA indicating that you have successfully completed the program. You must then attend the in-person workshop to receive your official GIA Graduate Diamonds Grading Certificate.

The cost of the GIA Graduate Diamonds Grading Certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 for tuition plus additional fees for materials such as textbooks and other supplies needed for the coursework.

3. GIA Colored Stones Grading Certification

GIA Colored Stones Grading Certification is a service provided by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that provides an independent assessment of the quality and value of gemstones. The GIA Colored Stones Grading Certification includes a detailed report on the stone’s color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and other characteristics. This certification is especially useful for buyers who are looking to purchase colored stones such as sapphires or rubies.

The process typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete and involves a thorough evaluation of the gemstone by GIA-trained gemologists. During this process, they will examine the stone under a microscope and use advanced equipment to determine its characteristics. They will also assess any treatments or enhancements that may have been applied to the stone.

To get GIA Colored Stones Grading Certification, you must first submit your stone for evaluation at a GIA laboratory. You can do this either in person or through an authorized dealer. Once your stone has been evaluated, you will receive a certificate with all of its details and characteristics along with an estimated value range for the stone based on current market prices.

The cost of GIA Colored Stones Grading Certification varies depending on the size and type of gemstone being evaluated as well as where it is being sent for evaluation (the cost may be higher if it is sent overseas). Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $50-$500 USD for this service.

4. AGS Certified Diamond Grader

AGS Certified Diamond Grader is a professional certification program offered by the American Gem Society (AGS). It is designed to help diamond professionals learn the skills necessary to accurately grade diamonds. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on lab experience.

The online course covers topics such as diamond anatomy, gemology, and grading standards. Participants must complete the course before they can move on to the hands-on lab experience. During this part of the program, participants will learn how to use AGS’s proprietary grading system, which includes color, clarity, cut, carat weight, fluorescence and symmetry. They will also learn how to identify treatments and synthetics in diamonds.

It typically takes around six months to complete the program. To get started, you must first register with AGS and pay a fee of $2,000 USD for tuition and materials. After completing the online course and passing a written exam, you will be eligible for the lab experience portion of the program which involves hands-on training at an AGS-approved laboratory.

Upon successful completion of both portions of the program, participants will receive their AGS Certified Diamond Grader certificate from AGS. This certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed in order to remain active.

5. AGS Certified Gemstone Grader

AGS Certified Gemstone Grader is a professional certification program designed to provide gemstone professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately evaluate diamond, colored gemstone, and pearl quality. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as gem identification, grading criteria, laboratory methods, and more. Upon successful completion of the courses and successful passing of an exam administered by the American Gem Society (AGS), participants will become AGS Certified Gemstone Graders.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the coursework. Generally speaking, it takes about three months to complete all four courses and pass the exam.

To get certified, you must first register for the AGS Certified Gemstone Grader program and pay the registration fee. You will then be provided with access to all four courses which you can take at your own pace. Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam administered by AGS, you will receive your certificate in the mail within two weeks of passing the exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether or not you are already an AGS member. For non-members, it costs $1,295 USD while members pay only $995 USD.

6. American Gem Society (AGS) Jeweler's Bench Certification

American Gem Society (AGS) Jeweler's Bench Certification is a program that provides professional jewelers with the knowledge and skills to perform quality repairs and services on jewelry. The certification is designed to ensure that all AGS members are qualified to perform jewelry repairs and services in accordance with the highest standards of excellence.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level. It consists of three components: classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a final exam. During classroom instruction, participants learn about the fundamentals of jewelry repair and service, including gemology, metallurgy, diamond grading, gemstone identification, setting techniques, sizing procedures, soldering methods and more. Hands-on training involves working with tools and materials under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Finally, participants must pass a comprehensive written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the AGS Jeweler's Bench Certification varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD. This includes tuition fees for both classroom instruction and hands-on training as well as any necessary supplies or materials needed for completion of the program.

7. American Gem Society (AGS) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification

The American Gem Society (AGS) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification is a professional certification program that provides advanced training and education in the field of jewelry repair, fabrication, and design. It is designed to help prepare individuals for a successful career as a bench jeweler.

The program consists of two courses: the AGS Advanced Bench Jeweler Course and the AGS Advanced Bench Jeweler Examination. The course covers topics such as diamond grading, gemstone identification, jewelry fabrication techniques, and more. The examination tests knowledge acquired during the course and assesses a candidate’s ability to perform bench jeweler duties.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete both parts of the program. To get started, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or equivalent education. They must also have at least one year of experience in jewelry repair or fabrication before they can apply for the certification.

The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD for both parts of the program.

8. International Gemological Institute (IGI) Bench Jeweler Certification

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) Bench Jeweler Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to provide jewelers with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform bench jewelry repair and fabrication. It is an internationally recognized certification that is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

The IGI Bench Jeweler Certification consists of two parts: a classroom-based course and a hands-on practical exam. The classroom portion covers topics such as gemology, jewelry design, stone setting, soldering, polishing, and engraving. The practical exam consists of fabricating a piece of jewelry from start to finish.

The entire program takes approximately four weeks to complete and costs around $2,500 USD. To get certified, you must first complete the required coursework and then pass the practical exam with a score of 80% or higher. After successfully completing both parts of the program, you will be awarded your IGI Bench Jeweler Certification.

9. International Gemological Institute (IGI) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the highest level of skill and knowledge in the field of jewelry design and fabrication. It is designed to ensure that bench jewelers have the skills and knowledge necessary to create complex pieces of jewelry with precision, accuracy, and safety.

The IGI Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as gemology, diamond grading, jewelry design principles, jewelry fabrication techniques, and safety procedures. The practical assessment tests the candidate’s ability to fabricate a piece of jewelry from start to finish.

To obtain the IGI Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification, candidates must complete both the written exam and the practical assessment with a passing score of 80% or higher on each part. The entire process typically takes between 4-6 months to complete depending on how quickly the candidate can prepare for the exams.

The cost of obtaining an IGI Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification varies depending on where you are taking the exam but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

10. European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) Bench Jeweler Certification

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) Bench Jeweler Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of bench jewelers. It is the only international certification program specifically designed for bench jewelers.

The EGL Bench Jeweler Certification is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as gemology, jewelry design, diamond grading, metalworking, setting techniques, and more. The program includes both online and in-person components. The online portion consists of self-study modules and quizzes that cover the fundamentals of each topic. The in-person component consists of hands-on training with an EGL certified instructor at an approved facility.

It typically takes around six months to complete the EGL Bench Jeweler Certification Program. During this time, students must complete all required modules and pass all required exams with a score of 80% or higher.

To get started on the EGL Bench Jeweler Certification Program, interested individuals must first register online with EGL USA or one of its authorized affiliates. After registering, they will receive access to the online modules and can begin their studies right away.

The cost for the EGL Bench Jeweler Certification Program varies depending on which affiliate you choose to register through. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500-$2,000 USD for the entire program including registration fees and materials needed for completion.

11. European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to train and certify jewelers in the craft of jewelry making. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, allowing students to learn the fundamentals of jewelry design, fabrication, repair, and finishing.

The EGL Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification program is divided into three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level consists of four courses that cover topics such as jewelry design, fabrication techniques, gemology, metalworking tools and techniques, soldering and polishing. The courses are taught by experienced professionals in the field of jewelry making.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three levels of the EGL Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification program. To get certified, students must pass each course with a grade of 70% or higher. Additionally, they must also submit a portfolio showcasing their work for review by an EGL instructor.

The cost for the EGL Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification program varies depending on the level chosen and whether it is taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, Level 1 costs around $1,000 USD; Level 2 around $2,000 USD; and Level 3 around $3,000 USD.

In order to apply for the EGL Advanced Bench Jeweler Certification program you will need to fill out an application form on the EGL website which will require basic personal information such as your name and contact details as well as some background information related to your experience in jewelry making.

Do You Really Need a Bench Jeweler Certificate?

Whether or not you need a bench jeweler certificate depends on your career goals. If you plan to work as a professional jeweler, then having a certificate will be necessary. This is because the certificate shows that you have taken the necessary courses and passed the tests to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to perform various jewelry-making tasks.

The bench jeweler certification program covers a wide range of topics, including gemology, metalwork, soldering, casting, setting stones, polishing and finishing. It also covers basic business skills such as customer service and inventory management. A certified bench jeweler must demonstrate proficiency in all these areas in order to receive their certification.

If you are just starting out in the jewelry industry and don’t plan on working as a professional jeweler, then it may not be necessary for you to get a bench jeweler certificate. You could still benefit from taking some classes or seminars about jewelry-making techniques as this can give you an edge when looking for employment opportunities or customers who are looking for someone with experience creating custom jewelry pieces.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a bench jeweler certificate will depend on what type of career path you want to pursue in the jewelry industry. If your goal is to become a professional jeweler then having the certificate is essential; however if your goal is simply to gain more knowledge and experience making jewelry then getting certified may not be necessary.

Related: Bench Jeweler Resume Examples

FAQs About Bench Jeweler Certifications

1. What is a Bench Jeweler Certification?

Answer: A Bench Jeweler Certification is a certificate that demonstrates an individual has the required knowledge and skills to work as a professional jeweler. It includes topics such as gemology, jewelry repair, stone setting, metalworking, and more.

2. How Do I Become Certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete a bench jeweler program through an accredited institution or organization. These programs typically include coursework and hands-on training in the various aspects of jewelry making and repair.

3. What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Certified Bench Jeweler?

Answer: Being certified can help demonstrate your expertise to prospective employers and customers. Additionally, it can open up new job opportunities within the field of jewelry making or repair that may not have been available before certification.

4. How Long Does It Take To Become Certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified can vary depending on the program you choose and your prior experience with jewelry making or repair. Generally speaking, most programs take between 1-2 years to complete if taken full-time or longer if taken part-time.

5. Is Certification Required To Work As A Professional Jeweler?

Answer: While certification is not always required to work as a professional jeweler, many employers prefer hiring individuals who have completed a formal training program and earned their certification due to the increased level of skill and knowledge they possess.