Jewelry Design and Repair Schools & Programs

Jewelers and precious stone workers earn a median salary of $46,690 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), crafting and restoring fine jewelry through skilled bench work. Jewelry design and repair programs teach metalsmithing, stone setting, casting, and restoration techniques – preparing graduates to work as bench jewelers, custom designers, or independent artisans in one of the oldest skilled trades. With roughly 4,600 annual openings and a shrinking pool of trained bench workers, graduates with strong hands-on skills are well positioned in the job market.

What Is a Jewelry Design and Repair Program?

Jewelry design and repair programs train students in the bench skills needed to fabricate, modify, and restore jewelry. Coursework emphasizes hands-on metalwork using traditional techniques alongside modern tools and technology. Students learn to work with precious metals and gemstones, operate soldering equipment and casting machinery, and develop the eye for detail needed to produce high-quality finished pieces. Programs often cover both creative design and the technical repair skills that retail jewelers demand, giving graduates the versatility to pursue custom design work, production manufacturing, or bench repair services.

What You’ll Learn

• Metalsmithing fundamentals: sawing, filing, soldering, and polishing precious metals
• Stone setting techniques: prong, bezel, channel, pave, and flush settings
• Lost-wax casting and mold making
• Jewelry repair: ring sizing, clasp replacement, prong retipping, and chain repair
• Gemology basics: gem identification, grading, and quality assessment
• CAD/CAM jewelry design using software like Rhino, MatrixGold, or CounterSketch
• Engraving, texturing, and surface finishing techniques
• Wax carving and model making for custom pieces
• Precious metal alloys, properties, and working characteristics
• Business fundamentals for independent jewelers and custom designers

How Long Does Training Take?

Certificate programs in jewelry arts or bench jeweling typically take 6 to 12 months of intensive hands-on training, with tuition ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the school and program depth. Associate degree programs in jewelry design or metalsmithing take two years and include art history and general education, generally costing $8,000 to $30,000 total. Some specialized schools offer condensed professional programs focused purely on bench skills in as little as 3 to 6 months. Many bench jewelers also learn through apprenticeships with experienced master jewelers, which can take 2 to 4 years but offer the advantage of earning while you learn. Actual costs vary significantly by institution and location.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required for most programs
• Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills are essential for bench work
• No prior jewelry experience needed for entry-level programs
• Strong close-up vision is important (corrected vision is acceptable)
• Some programs charge tool and materials fees for precious metals and stones used in projects
• A portfolio may be helpful for competitive design programs but is rarely required at the certificate level

Licensing & Certification

Jewelry design and repair does not require a state license. However, professional credentials can improve employability and credibility. The Jewelers of America (JA) offers the Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ) and Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ) designations, which require passing practical and written exams. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) offers gemology credentials including the Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma, which is the industry standard for gem identification and grading. The GIA also provides focused programs in jewelry design and diamond grading. These certifications are voluntary but valued by employers and can help you command higher wages.

Career Outlook & Salary

Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers earn a median annual salary of $46,690, with the top 10% earning over $70,040 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Entry-level workers typically start around $28,010, while experienced bench jewelers and those in the 75th percentile earn $56,030 or more. The BLS projects about 3% employment growth for this occupation from 2022 to 2032, which is slower than average. However, approximately 4,600 openings are expected each year, driven largely by retirements and the declining number of new workers entering the trade. Skilled bench jewelers report strong job security because the precise manual work involved in stone setting, custom fabrication, and repair is difficult to automate. Custom designers and jewelers with CAD/CAM skills tend to earn at the higher end of the pay scale.

Where You’ll Work

Bench jewelers and jewelry designers work in independent jewelry stores, retail chain jewelers, custom design studios, and manufacturing workshops. Some work for auction houses, estate jewelry dealers, or appraisal firms. A notable number of jewelers are self-employed, operating custom design businesses or bench repair services. Jewelry manufacturing is concentrated in certain metro areas, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Providence, Rhode Island. Museum conservation departments and theatrical prop houses also employ skilled metalworkers and jewelers.

Online vs In-Person Options

Jewelry design and repair is primarily a hands-on trade that requires working with tools, metals, flames, and precision equipment. In-person training at a bench is essential for developing soldering skills, stone setting technique, and the tactile judgment that bench work demands. Online programs can teach jewelry design theory, CAD modeling, gemology fundamentals, and business skills, but the core bench skills must be learned in person. Some schools offer hybrid programs where students complete design and theory online, then attend intensive on-campus workshops for hands-on training. If you are considering an online component, look for programs that pair digital coursework with structured in-person intensives.

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Career Guide

Jewelry design and repair is a specialized trade with career paths ranging from bench repair and custom fabrication to gemology, appraisal, and business ownership. Understanding the daily realities of bench work, certification options, and advancement strategies can help you plan your career in this skilled craft.

Career Guide: Jewelry Designer →

FAQs

What is the difference between a bench jeweler and a jewelry designer?

A bench jeweler focuses on the hands-on fabrication and repair of jewelry – sizing rings, setting stones, soldering, and restoring damaged pieces. A jewelry designer creates original concepts and may sketch, render, or use CAD software to develop new pieces. Many professionals do both, but repair-focused bench work and original design are distinct skill sets. Most jewelry programs cover both areas to give graduates versatility.

Is there demand for bench jewelers?

Yes. Experienced bench jewelers are in consistent demand because the work requires specialized manual skills that cannot be automated. Retail jewelry chains, independent jewelers, and custom design studios all need skilled bench workers for repairs, custom orders, and restorations. The supply of trained bench jewelers has been declining as fewer young people enter the trade, which strengthens job prospects for graduates.

Do I need gemology training to work in jewelry?

Gemology training is not required for bench repair work but is valuable for designers and sales professionals who need to evaluate, grade, and price gemstones. The GIA Graduate Gemologist program is the most recognized credential and takes about 6 months full-time. Many bench jewelers acquire basic gem identification skills through their jewelry program and pursue formal gemology training later in their career.

How much do bench jewelers earn compared to jewelry designers?

Compensation varies based on role, experience, and location. The median salary for jewelers and precious stone workers is $46,690 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Bench jewelers working in retail repair typically earn near the median, while custom designers and those with CAD/CAM skills or GIA credentials can earn toward the higher end of the range. Self-employed jewelers and those with established custom design businesses have the potential to earn significantly more, though income can be variable. The 75th percentile for this occupation is $56,030 annually.

What tools do bench jewelers use?

Bench jewelers work with a range of specialized hand and power tools. Essential equipment includes jeweler’s saws, files, pliers, soldering torches, polishing wheels, and stone-setting tools like pushers and burnishers. More advanced work involves casting equipment, rolling mills, and laser welders. CAD/CAM technology is increasingly common for custom design, using software like Rhino or MatrixGold paired with 3D printers or CNC mills for wax models. Programs typically introduce students to these tools progressively as their skills develop.

Can I learn jewelry making through an apprenticeship?

Yes. Apprenticeships with experienced master jewelers are a traditional and effective way to learn bench skills. An apprenticeship typically lasts 2 to 4 years and combines daily hands-on training with mentorship. The advantage is that you earn a wage while learning, and you develop skills in a real production environment. Some apprenticeships are informal arrangements with individual jewelers, while others are structured through trade organizations. Combining a short certificate program with an apprenticeship can provide both foundational knowledge and practical experience.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

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