What does a Bench Jeweler do?
Published 4 min read
A bench jeweler is a skilled craftsman who fabricates, repairs, and modifies jewelry. He or she works on all types of jewelry, from simple rings and bracelets to more complex pieces such as necklaces and brooches. The bench jeweler uses a variety of tools and techniques to create or repair jewelry.
Some of the duties of a bench jeweler include measuring and cutting metals, setting stones, soldering, polishing, and engraving. A bench jeweler must be able to work with both precious and non-precious metals. He or she must be able to select the appropriate metal for each piece of jewelry and have a good understanding of the properties of different metals. The bench jeweler must also be able to set stones securely in place so that they will not fall out or become loose over time.
Bench Jeweler job duties include:
- Cleaning, polishing and soldering of jewelry
- Assessing the quality of jewelry
- Determining the value of jewelry
- Repairing jewelry
- Replacing missing stones in jewelry
- Resizing rings
- Setting stones in jewelry
- Stringing beads for necklaces and bracelets
- Designing custom jewelry
Bench Jeweler Job Requirements
A bench jeweler is a skilled artisan who fabricates, repairs, and modifies jewelry. They must have a strong understanding of metals and gemstones, as well as be proficient in various jewelry-making techniques. A bench jeweler typically has a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Many bench jewelers also have several years of experience working in the jewelry industry.
Bench Jeweler Skills
- Polishing
- Cleaning
- Buffing
- Stone setting
- Ring sizing
- Welding
- Engraving
- Watch repair
- Fabrication
- Setting
- Casting
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How to become a Bench Jeweler
A bench jeweler is a skilled professional who works with precious metals and gemstones to create beautiful jewelry. If you have a passion for jewelry and want to learn how to design and create your own pieces, then becoming a bench jeweler may be the perfect career for you! Here’s what you need to know about how to become a bench jeweler:
1. Get trained in the basics of jewelry making. You can find plenty of books and online resources that will teach you the basics of working with metals and gemstones. Alternatively, you could enroll in a jewelry making class or workshop to get hands-on experience.
2. Develop your skills. Once you have the basics down, start practicing and honing your skills. The more experience you have working with different materials, the better your chances will be of becoming a successful bench jeweler.
3. Create a portfolio. When you’re ready to start seeking out employment, make sure you have a strong portfolio of your work to show potential employers. This will help them see your skill level and what kind of jewelry you’re capable of creating.
4. Find a job. Once you have a portfolio put together, start applying for jobs at jewelry stores or other businesses that may need a bench jeweler on staff. Be prepared to show off your skills during interviews and demonstrate why you would be the perfect candidate for the position.
5. Start your own business. If you’re truly passionate about jewelry making, then why not start your own business? This way, you can be in charge of your own destiny and create beautiful pieces that people will cherish for years to come!
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