Do you like jewelry making so much that you want to work in the field? There are many career options related to jewelry, requiring a wide range of skills and offering a wide range of rewards. Here’s a list of some of the jobs and careers that are available. There are part-time, full-time, and self-employed options. Some positions require no experience and others require specialized education or apprenticeship.

• Allied Services Agent
  This position involves packaging, displays, security, insurance, bookkeeping, selling to jewelry stores, and related duties.
• Artist Jeweler
  The option requires independence and hard work.
• Caster
  A caster can form a service company or seek employment.
• Computer Operator
  Many aspects of the casting of jewelry are now computer-driven.
• Craft Jewelry Maker
  Craft jewelry is hand-made. The jewelry often is marketed through craft fairs, galleries, small shops, and/or the Internet with a line of hand-made, one-of-a-kind, or limited edition pieces.
• Custom/Special Order Jeweler
  This position includes both employed and self-employed people who work directly with the public or within a shop. Custom jewelers interact directly with customers and create one-of-a-kind work for them.
• Designer
  Someone who designs jewelry through computer renderings, drawings, models, wax, etc. A designer be employed by a company or may be self employed. The designer doesn’t have to make jewelry, but does need to understand how it is made.
• Diamond Dealer
  This is a specialized field, requiring good connections.
• Sales Agent
  A sales agent represents manufacturer(s) lines to jewelry stores.
• Engraver
  Hand engraving, gun engraving, and laser engraving are all options for this specialized service work.
• Fashion Jeweler
  This is a person who designs and makes jewelry and accessories tailored for seasonal fashion trends. In many cases, the materials costs need not be high, although this type of jeweler must be keep pace with the fashion industry and change styles frequently.
• Gemologist/Appraiser
  This is usually an employed position, although independent service work is also possible. Training and equipment costs can be high.
• Goldsmith
  A goldsmith can work with any material and usually possesses a broad range of abilities. Goldsmiths can be independent or may be employed by stores or galleries.
• Knife Maker/Cutler/Bladesmith
  This trade is learned from smithing or knifemaking groups or masters. The rate of return on the investment can be high.
• Lapidary
  A lapidary can cut cabochons, facet stones, or carve gems. Employment can range from recutting to creating unique items. Diamond cutting is a specialized lapidary field that requires intensive training.
• Manufacturer
  This includes anything from small production runs to mass production. A manufacturer may perform service work for others or may create one’s own line.
• Model Maker
  This is a type of a goldsmith who specializes in making original metal models. It’s usually an employed position.
• Photographer
  Photographing jewelry and gems requires specializes skills and can require expensive equipment. Some employed opportunities exist, but most photographers work freelance.
• Plater
  This is an employed or service position that requires relatively little training.
• Polisher
  This is usually an employed or independent service position.
• Production Bench Worker
  This is a goldsmith who specializes in production work.
• Production Manager
  Significant experience in the trade is usually required for this position.
• Repair Person
  This can be a great way to start gaining jewelry and business skills. Repair work can be an employed or independent service position.
• Rubber Mold Maker
  This is usually a factory employed position, although there is room for independent service or mail-in service work.
• Sales Staff
  Sales staff is employed by jewelry stores, with pay ranging from low to good, depending on the store. This can be a good position for learning the business of running a jewelry store.
• Shop Manager
  A shop manager often has worked up from a sales staff position.
• Silversmith
  This is a position similar to that of a goldsmith, although it is more often associated with holloware and cutlery.
• Stone Dealer
  A stone dealer can be employed by and represent a company, although there are independent dealers also. Extensive travel and excellent communication skills are required.
• Stonesetter
  This is a secure employed or service position for a store, group of stores, or goldsmith.
• Store Owner/Manager
  This retail position requires business skills and hard work, but the returns can be significant.
• Teacher
  Teachers/instructors are employed by schools and shops, with options ranging from full time employment to independent work.
• Watchmaker
  This is a specialized field, since most watches are now quartz and require only minimal skills to change batteries. Lucrative opportunities exist for a skilled watchmaker.
• Wax Carver
  This is a specialist career requiring few tools. A wax carver may be employed, do freelance work, or work on commissioned pieces.
• Writer
  Most of the opportunities are for freelance work, but there are also editorial positions.