How to become a Jeweler
Becoming ajeweleris no easy task, as it requires patience, exquisite hand-eye coordination, appreciation for precious stones, metals and pearls as well as a knack for artistic creations. In relation to the Jewelry industry, one would be interested in many areas and all these areas require not only a sound education but also the practical experience and up-to-date knowledge extracted from the industry itself. Thus, this article will describe the steps that are needed to be taken in order to become a jeweler who can successfully negotiate the challenges of the industry.
Build knowledge
One of the first steps in becoming a jeweler is to build knowledge with regard to many different aspects related to the jewelry industry. Some of these aspects may include understanding the mineral compositions of the gems, chemical compositions and their reactions in relation to precious metals, design techniques and technologies available for jewelry designing, marketing strategies, sales techniques, as well as certain amount of knowledge in relation to jewelry design trends and history of jewelry in relation to various cultures. In addition, a successful jeweler should also build up his or her ability to grab opportunities during market fluctuations as well as with regard to market trends.
Undertake a professional training programme
In order to gain this knowledge, one should obtain information from the professional associations and institutions and in this regard, theGemological Institute of Americawould be a great place to start building for a career in Jewelry. The institute offers several courses with regard to many facets of gem and jewelry designing along with several professional programmes. Fine-art universities would also be providing courses and sometimes degrees in gem and jewelry related subjects. In addition, searching through the web would also bring out many different schools and institutes, which provide training on-site as well as in the distance mode.
Develop CAD skills
While obtaining the necessary knowledge through classroom activities, it is also important to develop the skills pertaining to using Computer Assisted Design (CAD) tools as many leading designers in the industry make use of such tools to generate masterpieces that shows much more precision when it is first designed using the CAD tools.
Do an industry internship or apprenticeship
Although classroom or laboratory education is important to become a successful jeweler or else to secure a job with a good remuneration, it is also important to obtain industry work experience either as an intern or else as an apprentice. In both these instances, the students will receive training in relation to many aspects related to a career in jewelry while at the end of the training; most of these students will receive job offers from the places of their training depending on the students’ performance as well as based on conduct during training.
Gain membership of a professional organization and subscribe to industry magazines
Obtaining membership in a professional jeweler’s association would also be a boost for a potential jeweler as it can expand the support network of the person as well as open up doors towards the industry secrets. Subscribing to recognized jewelry newsletters and magazines could also bring much needed industry updates on a regular basis.
In order to become a jeweler, one needs to obtain a sound education, gain the necessary industry experience, obtain practical skills as well as be part of a professional network related to the jewelry industry.
