Since ancient times, the profession of a jeweler has been considered one of the most highly paid specialties in the world. Throughout their lives, craftsmen work with precious metals and stones, which allows them to create unique and inimitable products.
When getting acquainted with the masterpieces of jewelers, many people have a desire to learn this craft. But before you choose this path for yourself, you need to become more familiar with the features and requirements of this profession.
Features of the profession
Jewelry making is one of the most ancient crafts, which combines creativity and a willingness to work hard. According to experts, this profession originated during the era of the First Dynasty of rulers Ancient Egypt(3000 BC). Since that time, the technology of processing and creating products has changed greatly.
Previously, colored glass and natural-shaped gems were used to make jewelry. Over time, technology for improving stones appeared - cut, which made it possible to enhance the radiance and quality of minerals.
Already by the end of the 1st millennium BC. masters of antiquity learned to process hard gems - sapphire, emerald and ruby
Currently, jewelers use advanced technologies for processing precious stones and metals. Computer programs and powerful tools help you create amazing compositions.
Jeweler's tools
Responsibilities of a jeweler and requirements for a master
Jewelry making is one of the the most difficult professions, since it requires increased focus, precision and concentration from the master. During the work process, the jeweler must:
- manifest creative thinking and vision;
- know all types of ornament;
- regularly improve your skills;
- understand the types of precious and semi-precious stones and metals;
- know various techniques for assembling jewelry depending on their types;
- master the skills of computer design and product design;
- create sketches for future compositions;
- do not be afraid to experiment and take risks;
- carefully handle stones and precious metals;
- make blanks and parts from ingots;
- create engravings or ornaments on finished jewelry;
- check jewelry for compliance with quality standards;
- be able to sell your services and finished work.
Jeweler at work
However, these skills are not enough to become a jewelry maker. In addition to professional qualities, a person must have:
- keen eye;
- perseverance and ability to work hard;
- creativity;
- stress resistance;
- out-of-the-box thinking;
- developed tactile sensitivity and muscle motor skills.
Those who choose this path for themselves must be completely confident in their strength and health.
Pros and cons of the profession
Before becoming a jeweler, you need to weigh the pros and cons. This profession has its own Advantages and disadvantages that will help you make the final decision.
pros
The main advantages of the jewelry profession:
- Stability. Jewelry will always be in demand, regardless of the fashion and economic situation in the country.
- Wage. The average salary for jewelers is 35-45 thousand rubles. per month.
- Convenient work schedule. Most craftsmen work as freelancers or for hire - this means a flexible schedule and arbitrary time workload.
- Career prospects. Thanks to designer products, craftsmen always receive well-paid individual orders and a reputation.
Minuses
Main disadvantages:
- It's hard to find a good one professional mentor: As a rule, jewelers try to pass the business on by inheritance.
- Regular work with small parts and product processing creates greater strain on vision– as a result, it gets much worse.
- Sedentary lifestyle worsens health.
- Equipment for making jewelry it costs expensive: professional equipment is estimated at approximately several thousand dollars.
- A jeweler appraising expensive items will never shouldn't be wrong– otherwise he will lose his reputation and incur large expenses.
- Careless handling of tools may cause injury.
- It's not always possible to justify customer expectations.
- The use of chemicals in work is common causes burns.
Jeweler workflow
Jewelry craftsmanship has a rich history, during which many interesting events took place:
- A necklace made from shellfish is considered the oldest piece of jewelry: According to experts, the age of the product is at least 115 thousand years.
- Founder of the Cartier brand is the first master, who used platinum to create jewelry. Previously, coins were mainly made from metal.
- Working with precious materials requires calmness and scrupulousness from craftsmen, therefore, before entering educational institutions, applicants must undergo examination from a narcologist and psychologist.
- The profession of a jeweler is considered hereditary, which is passed down from generation to generation - usually the fate of a child in such families is already predetermined from childhood.
- The most valuable jewelry considered to be items found on the ocean floor after the Titanic disaster. The collection includes: necklaces, pins, brooches, rings and, of course, the most important thing – the “Heart of the Ocean” necklace, which can be seen on the heroine of James Cameron’s film.
- Due to its plasticity, gold quickly loses its shape, so it is never used in pure form, but alloyed with other metals.
- The dark blue Wittelsbach diamond is the most expensive in the world– its cost is approximately 80 million dollars.
Jewelry craftsmanship is a real art. Despite the high work requirements and existing disadvantages, this profession remains one of the most in demand, creative and highly paid in the world.
You can learn more about the profession of a jeweler by looking at video:
Italy is the birthplace of famous jewelry brands, including Bvlgari and Pomellato. And the Made in Italy label is a globally recognized sign of quality. Italian universities carefully prepare their masters: through complete immersion in the modern realities of the profession and work on projects for large companies.
Courses at Istituto Marangoni
The leading creative university in Italy, Istituto Marangoni, offers training in jewelry and accessory making through short-term courses and undergraduate programs.
Students in the one-year Jewelry Design program study illustration, drafting and rendering, gemology, the history of jewelry design, and industry and marketing. Each designer designs his own collection, which is developed in close collaboration with jewelry companies. At the end of their studies, students demonstrate their projects at fashion shows and meet important industry players and journalists.
IM alumna Marta Vazquez talks to students about her experience at Aristocrazy
To get a first taste of the industry, you can try the three-week Accessory Design intensive. Here students gain basic drawing and color skills, learn to understand design aesthetics and understand fashion trends. The result of the classes is a sketch of your own designer collection of accessories - a professionally designed portfolio.
The program “Design and Management in the Field of Luxury Accessories” is designed for those who already have experience and education in creating accessories and are ready to launch their own collections. Students become familiar with technological processes, material properties, and research the market and current industry trends. The final project is my own collection of accessories, made in collaboration with a prestigious Italian company.
Students present sketches for Italian brand Moreschi accessories and shoes
If, in addition to jewelry, you are interested in accessories in general, we recommend the one-year intensive “Accessory Design”. Program participants create sketches and prototypes of products, learn how to create and promote jewelry collections. In parallel, students conduct creative research to discover how design ideas fit into the global fashion context.
Finally, the Istituto Marangoni offers the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's degree in Fashion and Accessories Design. Students learn all the skills a designer needs, from classic illustration to the latest computer programs and 3D printing. A significant part of the program is devoted to marketing and business management, so after graduation you can get a job in a large company or launch your own brand.
Ring from a student at Istituto Marangoni
A profession like a jeweler allows you to combine your creative talent and business skills with the opportunity to create and create something with your own hands. Jewelers invent and, quite often, make Jewelry, using completely different materials, including gold, silver and precious stones.
You can create designs and models of future products for mass production, produce products in small quantities, or make several pieces to order for a client.
And if you work in a company, then other employees of the company can make products based on your ideas and sketches.
Responsibilities of a jeweler:
As an applicant for the position of jewelry designer, you will need:
- be able to advise clients on all issues
- discuss with client various options creating products and being able to shape and develop original ideas
- be able to sketch an idea and draw a sketch, sometimes using computer-aided design (CAD), to help the client visualize the finished product.
If you create and make products yourself, then the following also applies to your activities:
- Mounting of products (mounting) - production of frames for jewelry. This involves cutting, shaping and drilling the metal, as well as creating seats into which selected stones are mounted.
- Making a model (casting) is the production of the product itself or decorative fragments using processes such as casting, stamping, embossing and imprinting.
- Embossing - making a relief pattern on the surface of a metal
- Soldering and product manufacturing
- Polishing - providing the final part of the jewelry making process
You can also carry out the following specialized processes, but more often the jewelry is sent to small businesses (home-based businesses) where these processes are carried out.
- Setting stones - working with a frame, with seats for stones, in order to perfectly fit and secure the stones. Making such adjustments can involve very complex work, such as, for example, removing tiny fractions from the metal (meaning trimming, for example, under a stone to add volume and shine)
- Electro-plating (cladding) - layer-by-layer application of precious metal, coating on the base metal of the product
- Enameling – fusing powdered glass with metal in a kiln to create colored patterns and designs
- Welding - joining metal fragments using traditional methods or laser methods
- Engraving is the carving of inscriptions or patterns on precious metals, either manually or using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
Promoting and growing your business is critical to achieving success as a self-employed jewelry designer. Many jewelers try to increase their reputation by networking, entering competitions and attending craft fairs.
Other activities include consulting at jewelry shows, stores, and buyers and suppliers, as well as monitoring the jewelry market and fashion trends.
Jeweler salary
- Starting salaries for self-employed jewelery designers can vary from country to country, with the UK costing around £16,000 per month as an example.
- Salaries for experienced jewelers in Britain can range from £20,000 to £50,000 per month.
- In Russia, the average salary of a jeweler is about 30 - 40 thousand rubles per month.
But also the positions presented above are often limited in number for those wishing to work in such positions. Most jewelers build their careers as freelancers or start their own own business. You may accept a lower-paying position in order to learn and acquire specific skills from experienced craftsmen.
Salaries vary depending on whether you are employed or self-employed, experienced, successful and well-established, and how actively and skillfully you promote jewelry or business. It is possible to start making good money early in your career, but it can be very difficult and you may need additional income.
Income figures are provided as an example only.
Schedule
Most jewelers work as employees or freelancers, which leads to greater flexibility and the ability to work as many hours as necessary to feel comfortable, or can be combined with other work.
If you're a solopreneur, you may find that your schedule will fluctuate to suit your needs and those of your clients. For jewelers working at the enterprise, working hours are usually regulated and do not imply changes.
Outlook or what to expect
- The workplace can range from a small studio to a large workshop that can be noisy and dusty. An independent, self-employed jeweler can share a workshop with other fellow jewelers.
- If you are a freelancer or self-employed jeweler, you can work from anywhere. Most working jewelers are located in cities.
- Self-employed jewelers often work on commission or sell their services through craft fairs and retail outlets.
- Traveling to exhibitions and trade fairs is an irregular part of the job.
- In the short term, designers sometimes take on temporary work until they gain the appropriate skills and experience. And this can be a good help. To achieve your goals and long-term prospects, a necessary compromise is to take into account your working time and the ability to adequately manage it.
Qualification
You don't need a degree or college diploma to be a jeweler - proven working skills in your creative craft are more important - but to acquire and improve your skills, you generally need to have a diploma or good experience work in this area.
The most relevant specializations necessary for comfortable work and employment:
- jewelry design and production
- silversmith
- 3D design.
Any art and design degree, art diploma, skill and experience in craftsmanship can give you an advantage in a variety of areas, including:
- in applied arts
- fashion design
- visual arts
- textile design
All this also makes it possible to create and perform these types of work, with other art and design degrees, as well as when you have a suitable portfolio and a willingness to learn and improve your skills. A postgraduate qualification is not necessary, although it may be useful for transferring from other areas of art and design.
Look for postgraduate courses in jewelery design.
Skills
You will need to show:
- creative thinking and vision, developing new ideas
- practical application of manufactured products and goods that are in demand on the market
- practical ability to work with tools and materials such as metals and precious stones
- ability to draw and skills in computer design and product design
- dexterity, attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination
- organization and time management skills and ability to work under tight deadlines
- commercial awareness, self-confidence and temperament, in order to be successful in the business world
- the ability to sell yourself and your work
- Negotiation and persuasion skills when working with suppliers and buyers
- commitment and passion for work
experience
Work experience is valuable and helps you develop connections in your industry, and experience in the jewelry industry is also valuable. You can find an internship in your specialty, or you could try to contact jewelers to get an internship in a workshop with a real master jeweler.
Employers
It is important to be flexible and proactive in your approach to job searching in order to find one. Some graduates are offered jobs below their degree and qualifications, but for many it is important to take advantage of any opportunities that arise to gain employment in their industry.
A portfolio, website, or photo of your work on a CD is important proof that you have the necessary design skills and the ability to generate new ideas.
Most jewelry designers are either self-employed - setting up their own workshop studio, or freelance - working with individual craftsmen or fashion and jewelry designers.
You can build your own business - thereby telling a story about yourself and your work. You can sell your designs to manufacturing companies, factories, or create your own designs and products, making your own line of products for sale through craft workshops, galleries and online stores.
Jewelry vacancies are rarely advertised and very often you come across unscrupulous and deceptive vacancies. Knowing where to look for jobs, how to market yourself, and being prepared to work and take advantage of your opportunities are all critical.
It is quite possible to get a job in large jewelry companies. Typical employers are divided into: factories and jewelry workshops. Companies are often small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to 20 employees.
You can search for vacancies on our website:
P. S. - Recruitment agencies rarely advertise such vacancies.
Professional growth and development.
Jewelry crafting is a life-long journey, constant learning and learning new things are necessary throughout your career - this will help you develop your skills and keep up with the times and be the first to respond to changes in the jewelry industry.
Constant learning and development provides the opportunity to experiment, diversify or improve your skills, making products of higher quality within the framework of specialization. Courses offered at postgraduate level provide the opportunity to work and build your career, such as:
- goldsmith
- master all-rounder
- working with different metals
- silversmith
In general, skill development courses offered by colleges or businesses are also beneficial and can be a quick and significant help in mastering jewelry techniques and increasing your experience in the industry.
Specialized courses are available in areas such as setting, engraving, enameling and stone carving.
If you work for a company, they can pay and provide your training. It is usually taught under the guidance of a more experienced master.
Business skills are important if you are thinking about going into business on your own. The annual, free, one-week business course “Starting a Jewelry Career” for recent graduates of courses in working with precious metals and jewelry production is conducted by the Jewelry Center from the company’s famous jewelers.
Career prospects
As you know, your job depends on your career growth and the success of your business. You can showcase your work to employers and potential clients along with other jewelry designers on a range of specialized websites.
Joining a professional organization can help with your professional development and career advancement and is in a good way to meet and make friends with jewelers who are already firmly on their feet.
Some leading organizations are:
- Typical jeweler
- Armouries
- Union of Artists
- Restorers
Participating in fairs and exhibitions can be an important step and action to develop your career. Getting recognized as a jewelry maker can be a long process, but the rewards can be great if you are willing to grow your business, continue to learn, and stay on top of what trends are trending in order to produce sought-after and original jewelry.
In such events, new opportunities may arise for jewelers to move into other areas such as design or retail sales or buying of products and beyond. It is also possible to obtain the opportunity to work in studios, art galleries, to further continue their studies, the opportunity to teach and learn on their own. Opportunities in the jewelry industry will open up for you if you are ready to learn, to learn, to master new skills and abilities.
We are starting a new section in which we will talk about rare, unusual, disappearing or, conversely, just emerging professions. The series of materials opens with an article about jewelers - craftsmen who make our lives more enjoyable.
From time immemorial
Jeweler is a unique profession that combines the creativity of a designer and the talents of an artisan who processes stones and metals. At the same time, a real jeweler must be able not only to melt metal and cut stones, but also to engrave, work with enamels, solder, tin, and grind.
Alexander Eresko, senior master of the Rubin jewelry workshop, says: “The most important quality of a jeweler is patience. Working with the smallest details requires limitless patience, perseverance and the same attentiveness.”
Do you know why all the gemstones in medieval works of art are semicircular (now called cabochons)? Because they didn’t know how to cut them back then, and stone processing involved polishing with a strip of leather. It was recommended to grind the diamond, periodically wetting it leather belt blood of a young goat...
The ability to think outside the box is also important for a good master. A jeweler sometimes has to not only use existing tools and devices, but also invent new ones, making them himself. The usual metalworking machines and materials, dentists’ working tools, and even the contents of a manicure kit are used.
Education, skills and abilities
The main thing that a jeweler needs to know is the properties and processing methods of the materials with which he works. These are precious and valuable metals, precious and semi-precious stones and minerals. Knowledge of general metalworking, ability to understand drawings and, of course, design skills are required.
Training to become a jeweler is carried out by colleges and vocational schools, the specialty is called “Jeweler”, sometimes called “Jewelry”. In universities, the closest profile is “Technology of artistic processing of materials.”
However, special specialized education is not necessary to work as a jeweler. Many experienced craftsmen willingly take on students, needing assistants or preparing replacements for themselves. Among the famous jewelers there are many who did not study the trade at universities, but came into the profession “from the street”.
The average “course” of training costs from 12,000 rubles., duration 2–6 months. During this time, basic skills in working with metal and, if the course is longer, also with stones are given. As experienced jewelers say, this time is enough to get a general idea of the work, and “a true master studies all his life.”
Tatyana Chernysheva, a jeweler, entrepreneur, owner of her own workshop, shares her experience: “I am an economist by training, and my father taught me the profession of a jeweler. He worked all his life at the mint and earned the reputation of the best master. After graduating from university, I worked for several years “for my uncle,” working as a manager, economist, and marketer. I quickly realized that it was not for me, and decided to open my own jewelry workshop.”
Contrary to popular belief, no special permits are required to work with precious metals and stones: you will not be asked for any certificates, licenses, or any special certificates.
Alexander Eresko continues: “Our workshop periodically recruits jeweler apprentices. Anyone can study, we do not require special skills, and we do not have any special restrictions - neither age nor gender. However, of all those who wish, only every tenth remains in the profession after training, and half of them leave in the first year, having encountered ordinary difficulties.”
In jewelry factories, where production is put on stream, one specialization is divided into several small ones: jeweler-setter (responsible for fastening stones), jeweler-chainmaker (weaving chains and chains), jeweler-braceletmaker (creating bracelets), etc. Division for narrow specialties allows you to increase the productivity of the factory, however, as experienced jewelers complain, it has a detrimental effect on the creative side of the profession. Getting used to monotonous mechanical work, it is difficult to become a true master, capable of creating, and not creating “stampings”.
How does a jeweler work?
The main “working tool” of a jeweler is his hands. There are many machines that allow you to both cut metal and cut precious and semi-precious stones. But “live” work done with one’s own hands still looks different - more tender and “joyful”, as the masters say. And products made on a machine will, in any case, require “finishing” by hand.
Today, the jewelry making process can be fully automated. However, such a profession will already be called “machine operator”, and not jeweler. You can make chains and bracelets using a machine, but in our country most jewelry enterprises use manual or semi-automated labor.
Tatyana Chernysheva says: “We are working for the most part with silver, and from gold we make custom-made jewelry. In our work we use semi-precious stones - they are called “inserts”. Our employees are “jack of all trades” specialists: metal processing, casting, weaving, and fastening, everything is done with one hand, we do not divide into small specialties.”
The most interesting thing about the work is the very element of creativity. The desire to move away from boring, boring jewelry leads a person to the idea of ordering a custom-made ring or earrings. And here the jeweler has the opportunity to show all his skills. After all, everything - from the sketch to the final polishing - is done by the hands of one person. Design development, casting the mold first in wax and then in metal, carving and weaving, inserting and fastening, and sometimes processing, the central stone, selecting small stones that are paired with the central one, finishing to the final form - stages along this path a bunch of.
The creative component inherent in the profession leaves its mark on the possible career of a jeweler. Ordinary artisans working in factories and mints “on stream” can only advance in category by changing the entry in the work book “jeweler of the first category” to “jeweler of the highest category” and earning a small increase in salary. Those who are able to do more than simply weave pieces of wire into simple chains can earn the fame of true “precious craftsmen.” For example, in Moscow alone there are several jewelers whose waiting lists are booked several months in advance.
Almost every experienced craftsman who has reached heights in his field has his own “success story.” Vadim Zadvornov, after graduating from university, worked for a long time as a technologist at an industrial enterprise. Then, having gained determination, he left work as an apprentice - as a jeweler's assistant. Working with precious metal fascinated Vadim so much that even during the crisis he did not give up his low-paid profession at that time. Having adopted experience from his comrades who generously shared the secrets of their craft, Vadim changed the position of assistant to the position of first senior and then leading specialist in the jewelry workshop.
Vadim Zadvornov recalls: “The worst thing was to decide to change an unloved, but well-paid job to such an unenviable position. At that time, I lost almost twice my salary. But now I don’t regret my decision one bit - it has radically changed my life. It’s nice to feel not just a sought-after specialist, but also a true master of his craft.”
A very large percentage of professionals go into private business and individual entrepreneurship. Many people open their own workshops: some make money by making jewelry, others by repairing them.
Alexander Eresko shares: “I would like to warn young people who are eager to master a profession: it is impossible to immediately become a master, independently, “from start to finish,” creating products according to your own sketches. First, you will have to study long and hard, gain experience, polish your skills - and only then, after many years, you will be able to work individually.”
Can the profession of a jeweler be called in demand and competitive? Yes, but there are some nuances here. Due to the long training and difficulty in achieving professional heights, very few decide to connect their future with this difficult task.
Svetlana Averyanova, leading specialist at the Career recruitment agency, clarifies: “I can’t say that a jeweler is a common vacancy. However, during my work I had to deal with such “orders” many times. For example, we were looking for a leading master technologist for a mint in a jewelry workshop; it was necessary to select ordinary “chain men” as well. But practically every month pawnshops receive “orders” for people who know how to handle items made of gold and precious stones. True, the specifics there are somewhat different, but jewelers who are college graduates are quite qualified.”
Earnings
As with most creative professions, a jeweler's salary depends on individual factors. First of all - from talent. The gift of seeing the beauty of a stone and being able to create something unique deserves special reward.
According to HeadHunter, the average size wages jeweler across the country - 40,000 rubles. The figure seems modest, especially considering the cost of the materials we have to work with. However, it is worth remembering that this is the salary of an ordinary worker, and masters who have already proven themselves receive large sums.
Tatyana Chernysheva adds: “The worst thing for me in this matter is the numbers. The cost of materials is high, the turnover seems decent at first glance, and the “exhaust” is modest. I start reconciling my accounts for the month - the expenses are huge, and the profit in comparison is small. Well, the salary is correspondingly small - 70–90,000 rubles.”
Despite all the difficulties, the profession of a jeweler is considered prestigious. This is a great responsibility, primarily financial, and there is a constant risk of injury from high temperatures and chemical reagents, these are tense muscles of the back and arms. But the beauty that comes out of the master’s hands is worth any difficulties.
The profession of a jeweler has long been one of the prestigious, highly paid, and most importantly – interesting and creative. Jewelers work with precious stones and metals, and therefore are shrouded in an aura of luxury and proximity to high society. In addition, representatives of this profession are associated with people who are neat, precise, scrupulous, ready for painstaking work, who know how and love to create beautiful masterpieces with their own hands. When thinking about famous jewelers, many immediately imagine Carl Faberge and his filigree creations. For those who themselves would like to do equally wonderful things, we invite you to get to know this profession better.
Features of the jeweler's profession
A detailed description of the profession of a jeweler should begin with the fact that this is one of the most ancient crafts. Moreover, initially the master’s work was largely associated with the production of objects for religious and sacred purposes (at that time these included jewelry). Over time, many aspects have been transformed, but some things have remained virtually unchanged - for example, the personal qualities inherent in a jeweler. First of all, this is a combination of creativity and readiness for painstaking, routine work, as well as perseverance, a good eye, accuracy, and the presence of artistic abilities.
Interesting facts about the jeweler’s profession should be supplemented by the amount of knowledge that a good craftsman possesses. He makes sketches, composes compositions, works with metals, stones and other materials, and each area requires its own specific theoretical training and practical skills. Thus, a jeweler must know the laws of composition and compatibility of materials, be able to draw on paper and make 3D models on a computer. And of course, his responsibilities include working with metals, stones and much more.
Where do jewelers work?
Of course, a jeweler should know everything related to his professional field, but it is not a fact that all the knowledge will be useful to him in his work. This profession has its own directions, in addition, much depends on the specific place of work. Thus, in the workshop there is no need to create your own jewelry, and all activities are concentrated around ready-made products: repairing, increasing/decreasing the size, inserting fallen stones, etc.
As for the employees of jewelry factories and factories, for the most part they have a fairly limited range of tasks: some are engaged in cutting stones, others in casting molds, etc. In small studios the situation is often different: here the master may have a much wider range of responsibilities, or he may be entirely responsible for the creation of a product.
Another form of work for a jeweler is a freelance artist, for whom jewelry making is a profitable hobby or a source of permanent income. “Freelancers” take private orders or develop their own collections and sell them. IN in this case As a rule, the jeweler performs all the work independently or with assistants, if he has them, and the workload (that is, the number of orders taken into work) is determined only by him.
It is worth noting that many jewelers begin their careers in factories, factories or workshops, where there are other craftsmen besides them. In this way, beginners practice, gain the diverse experience they need under the guidance of a mentor, and only then, if desired, go free and open their own studios.
Pros and cons of the jeweler profession
Of course, like any other profession, working as a jeweler has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the first, we note reliability - whatever the economic situation in the country and whatever fashion prevails, jewelry will always be in use. The related question of whether the profession of a jeweler is in demand will also be considered one of its advantages - yes, this profession is in demand. The work of good craftsmen is always in demand on the market, especially if we're talking about about creating truly worthwhile jewelry.
Another important aspect, such as a jeweler’s salary, cannot be classified as either a definite plus or a definite minus. It all depends on which company the master works for, and if he works for himself, then how many orders he takes and which ones. By the way, the very opportunity to be an individual entrepreneur and have your own (albeit small) studio is also a big plus for some.
Among the disadvantages, we note that the work of a jeweler is painstaking, intense, requiring concentration and being in one position for a long time. Jewelers often note that this puts a lot of strain on the eyes and spine. In addition, this craft is characterized by other disadvantages of sedentary work, such as physical inactivity, swelling in the legs, excess weight etc.
Ultimately, the pros and cons of being a jeweler come down to how much a person generally likes the craft. If you dream of working with metals and creating openwork jewelry with your own hands, then the few disadvantages of the profession will not play any role for you. If you are not ready to achieve precise lines and understand precious and semi-precious stones, then the advantages will not seem significant to you.
Where can you learn to be a jeweler?
There are quite a few institutions where you can become a jeweler, and they belong to one of two conditional groups. If we are talking about comprehensive higher education, then these are universities - such as Moscow State University of Arts and Sciences named after. Stroganov. The advantage of such programs is their fundamental nature, but the disadvantages are that they require quite a lot of time to master; in addition, universities often focus on the theoretical component, while for beginning jewelers, theory is valuable only in a competent combination with practice. Therefore, this option is most suitable for those who choose their first higher education.
If you already have a main profession, but also have a desire to master jewelry making, take a look at other institutions where you can get a profession as a jeweler without interrupting your current job and in a shorter time frame. For example, the J-design.pro school of jewelry design invites you to attend full-time and correspondence courses. An optimally designed program, including both the necessary theory and comprehensive practice, allows you to master the craft in a fairly short time: training from scratch to the basic level takes from six months, from scratch to the professional level - about two years.
