A career in jewellery making: Which roles are available?
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantThe jewellery industry is one of the fastest
growing sectors in the UK, currently employing more than 55,000 people from
16,000 different businesses. But have you thought about pursuing a career in
this sector?
There are a number of roles available in jewellery
making, from goldsmiths to independent jewellers. Whether you’re looking for a
role creating stunning
engagement rings or specialising in 3D printing technologies, there’s something
for everyone in this rapidly growing sector.
1.
Independent jewellers
Some people decide to go solo when it comes
to making jewellery and set up their own business. This is usually done as an
additional job or a hobby, but some people are successful in making a career
out of it.
If it’s something that you’re passionate
about, you can start your own website and possibly supply your goods to others
in the future! If you want to be your own boss, this could be for you. There
are many sites out there that focus on arts and crafts and appeal to a market
that wants something truly unique. You can teach yourself how to make jewellery
pieces, and experiment with different materials to find your niche.
2.
Jewellery designer
Jewellery designers are usually involved
right at the start of jewellery creation. Depending on the size of the
business, designers may have to discuss a brief with the client and liaise with
them through to completion. Individuals in this profession use their artistic
abilities to bring an idea to life, either by hand or using Computer Aided
Design, also known as CAD (see below).
This is a role that’s very competitive and
not often advertised, so networking and building contacts in the field is a
good idea to get started. You’ll find that many jewellery designers have
foundation degrees, or bachelor’s degrees in related subjects which looks at
modules such as metalwork, design and metal design.
Many designers create models out of the
jewellery, which will go on to be mass produced in a business-to-business trade
or given to the customer for a bespoke design. It could also be part of the
designer’s job to source gemstones, metals and other jewellery parts to create
their proposed piece.
For students who learn best on the job,
apprenticeships are also available. Again though, these are increasingly
competitive. And, for those who are looking to learn jewellery design alongside
other commitments, there are short courses available at colleges and private
providers, but these aren’t usually as in-depth or may take longer to get to
the level that an apprenticeship or degree qualification would provide.
3.
CAD designer
Because of developments in 3D printing and
Computer Aided Design (CAD), there are more technical roles becoming available
in the jewellery industry. There is now a requirement for people who can use
these digital tools with precision in the design and manufacturing process.
These types of software are able to create
prototypes of models, which go on to be made into 3D designs and castings. Jewellery
that is designed with this sort of technology uses state-of-the art equipment
and is drawn with precision like no other. The designs are then sent to mills,
printers and growing machines, where they come to life with the help of 3D wax
or resin.
You may wonder of course, how can you get
CAD training? There are courses online and ways that you can gain a CAD
qualification from home. Alternatively, get in touch with your local vocational
college and see what related courses they have to offer.
4.
Goldsmiths/silversmiths
A Master goldsmith is highly skilled in
working with precious metals using a variety of techniques. This is a highly
skilled job, so training is necessary. On the job experience is key here and
although gaining qualifications will help develop your industry knowledge, it
may not help develop your skills in the way that you need them. The best way is
to learn from other professionals, either through an apprenticeship or by
spending time in industry.
You need to enjoy being practical by working
with your hands, as you’ll be forming metal into different shapes. Patience is
also required, as you’ll need to be concentrating for long periods of time on
one object. You may also be asked to make changes to jewellery to meet a client
brief, so persistence is also key. Being able to create technical drawings is
an advantage too and something that is sought after by some employees,
depending on the company.
Another important skill to have as a
goldsmith is that you’re a team player, but happy to work independently as
well. It’s likely that you’ll be working with other craftspeople on different
projects but will also spend time perfecting pieces on your own.
What specific roles are available?
In larger jewellers that deal with making a
lot of new products or making repairs and alterations, there are a lot of
specific roles. You might find your niche in jewellery making and find that you
want a more specialised job. These roles again require patience and working
with your hands.
·
Casters — generate multiple
casts for the production process
·
Engravers — skilled in the art
of engraving, they can engrave lines words and other markings onto jewellery
pieces
·
Enamellers — apply powdered
glass and heat to the metal to create decorative finishes
·
Bench jewellers — make, repair
and alter items
·
Model makers — design and
create models which are used to make numerous copies or an item through the
casting process
Do any of the roles discussed in this
article take your fancy? Start networking and build your portfolio to better
your chances of breaking into the industry.
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Created on Jul 29th 2019 07:35. Viewed 528 times.