Jewelers training

[Kelly]

Where does a person go to learn how to be a jeweler? Not just for selling jewelry or designing but also for actually making jewelry or cutting diamonds.

[Bearman]

Where does a person go to learn how to be a jeweler? Not just for selling jewelry or designing but also for actually making jewelry or cutting diamonds.

There are a number of golsdsmithing classes out there. Some are done by high line designers, I have one in mind but can't remember the name.

Go to Google and type in "goldsmithing training" and you will see a few.
That should get you started.

[denverappraiser]

There are quite a few schools.

GIA has a program that they call Manufacturing Arts.
In San Fransisco is the Revere Acadamy
In Paris Texas is the Paris Junior College
In Providence is the Rhode Island School of Design

Most people learn by a combination of schooling and practice. Mostly practice. Many stores have fairly large shops where it's possible to work with a staff of other jewelers that can help you to learn. It takes years to get good at it but you can pick up some of the skills fairly quickly.

[Feydakin]

I personally like New Approach in Va.. I went there, everyone in our shop went there.. Blaine Lewis teaches a very agressive, practical, jewelry making course.. Or it can be broken up into smaller classes and taken as you have time..

Blaine is a great guy and you will learn from him.. :)

But, this is an art, and the only way to develop an art is time..

Steve

[Bearman]

There are quite a few schools.

GIA has a program that they call Manufacturing Arts.
In San Fransisco is the Revere Acadamy
In Paris Texas is the Paris Junior College
In Providence is the Rhode Island School of Design

Most people learn by a combination of schooling and practice. Mostly practice. Many stores have fairly large shops where it's possible to work with a staff of other jewelers that can help you to learn. It takes years to get good at it but you can pick up some of the skills fairly quickly.

Revere Academy, that's the one I was thinking of.

[hotdiamonddeals]

It sounds like everyone here is assuming a jeweler is someone who makes jewelry. I think there are many ways to contribute to the jewelry business.
I have worked in several areas myself, before settling down into my own retail store where I also do my own benchwork and custom designs.
I have worked wholesale, managed retail (both independent and chain store) and have apprenticed and went to several schools to be a goldsmith.
Other ways to be a jeweler include diamond dealer, colored stone dealer, designer, wax maker, watchmaker, clockmaker, on the road sales person who may sell watches, jewelery, diamonds or any endless type of giftware.
Just a few other things to think about, I'm sure I have missed many.
Steve

[denverappraiser]

It sounds like everyone here is assuming a jeweler is someone who makes jewelry.

That was the original question.

You're quite right that there are many other professions in the jewelry industry and 'jeweler' is a pretty broad description that includes a considerable number of careers other than bench worker. Many of these other skills actually pay better but the benchies get to play with fire. :cool:

We haven't heard any anwsers about becoming a diamond cutter. Any cutters out there want to chime in?

[CzeshireCat]

What effect has the far east low salaried workers had on western bench workers? If you enjoy the practical side of jewelry making, is it best to aim at opening/running your own small design studio rather than working for someone else?