What is a Bench Jeweler? (And How to Become One!)
Bench jewelers are a vital part of the jewelry industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bench jewelers are the most common type of jewelers overall. As such, if you’re shopping for jewelry or hoping to have a piece of unique jewelry designed on your behalf, you’ve likely come into contact with a bench jeweler. As you explore jobs in the jewelry industry, you may think about becoming a bench jeweler first.
However, what exactly does a bench jeweler do? And if you’re interested in learning how to become a bench jeweler, here’s a quick overview.
What You Will Learn
What is a Bench Jeweler?
A bench jeweler completes many tasks, depending on their specific role, the clients they serve, and even the individual day.
A bench jeweler’s job might include:
- Cleaning jewelry
- Repairing jewelry
- Wax carving jewelry molds
- Jewelry making
- Jewelry design for custom pieces
- Sizing rings
- Setting stones
- Engraving jewelry
- Enameling
- Soldering jewelry
- And more!
Becoming a bench jeweler doesn’t necessarily require gaining expertise in the above areas. Still, these are some skills you might expect the average bench jeweler to possess.
What Does a Bench Jeweler Not Do?
As you can probably tell, becoming a bench jeweler entails a lot of hands-on work with jewelry. So, what are some of the tasks that a bench jeweler typically does not do?
A bench jeweler might not be responsible for selling jewelry, as a jeweler who works in a retail store might be. Likewise, they might not be skilled in appraising jewelry or analyzing certain metals or gemstones; this knowledge is typically left to official jewelry appraisers and gemologists.
Should You Become a Bench Jeweler?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook lumps bench jewelers together with other precious stone and metal workers, and, for all those different types of workers, the Bureau reports that there were about 47,000 of them in the United States in 2022.
While the demand for these workers is declining, the Bureau noted that about 6,00 jobs are open yearly as older employees retire or otherwise leave the industry.
The Bureau also notes that the median average salary for bench jewelers is about $47,450, which can fluctuate depending on your expertise and specialties. However, Jewelers of America lists a slightly more optimistic median average salary estimate of $60,000 for bench and manufacturing jewelers.
How Do You Become a Bench Jeweler?
You’ll often need a high school diploma or GED to become a bench jeweler. From there, you’ll need to pursue certification and on-the-job training.
Many jewelers attend a trade school that teaches jewelry-related skills. However, you can attend a specialized jewelry school or certificate program to become a master jeweler or certified bench jeweler.
What is a certified bench jeweler? This is simply a bench jeweler who has passed a series of exams or tests, both hands-on and written, to prove they have the skills necessary to work within the industry.
Throughout both formal training and on-the-job training, ambitious bench jewelers will learn:
- How to work with the various precious metals, gemstones, and other materials used in jewelry-making
- How to use various tools and equipment for stone setting, metalwork, and more
- Computer-aided design skills
However, there are some other skills that a bench jeweler might need that cannot be taught in the classroom or via an apprenticeship. For example, bench jewelers should have a high level of:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Creativity and an eye for detail
- Problem-solving
- Precision and patience
- Communication skills necessary for working with clients
If you possess these character traits, you may find that working as a bench jeweler comes naturally, leading to a successful career due to your ability to successfully complete a bench jeweler’s most common tasks.
When Should You Hire a Bench Jeweler?
What if, though, you don’t have any interest in becoming a bench jeweler and, instead, want to hire a bench jeweler?
Some bench jewelers work for jewelry stores and designers, while others are entrepreneurs and start their own companies. However, most jewelry stores will have a bench jeweler on staff, so you likely won’t need to find an independent bench jeweler if your request is relatively simple. For example, suppose you need a piece of jewelry repaired, a ring resized, or similar. In that case, you can likely go to your favorite jewelry store, and someone on staff can fulfill your request.
However, suppose you want a new piece of jewelry designed and crafted from scratch. In that case, you may want to seek out an independent bench jeweler with design experience. A jewelry designer with bench jeweler certification will offer a high level of expertise when it comes to stone setting, metal work, and more.
Bench Jeweler FAQs
What Do Bench Jewelers Do?
Bench jewelers perform an array of tasks, including—but not limited to— jewelry design, jewelry repairs, jewelry cleaning, jewelry resizing, jewelry engraving, and more.
Is It Hard to Become a Bench Jeweler?
Not necessarily. You’ll need to obtain a certificate showing that you’ve completed related training and then will want to seek out a job working under a more experienced jeweler to get on-the-job training. Then, you can find a job at a jewelry store or design house or as a self-employed bench jeweler.
How Much Does a Bench Jeweler Make?
It depends on whom you ask, but the consensus is that, on average, a bench jeweler makes about $47,000–$60,000 per year in the United States.
What is it Like Being a Bench Jeweler?
Every day can be different, and your tasks may differ depending on your specialty. In general, though, you can expect to work with clients to repair or adjust their jewelry and work with clients to craft new jewelry pieces.
What Do Bench Jewelers Wear?
Since bench jeweler work is very hands-on, most wear a durable apron and clothing that will not be ruined by working on various pieces of jewelry.
Sometimes, You Need More Than Just a Bench Jeweler
Bench jewelers can help with a range of jewelry-related tasks, but one thing they can’t help with? Protect your favorite jewelry pieces once you’ve left the design studio or store.
This is where BriteCo can help. BriteCo’s specialized jewelry insurance covers jewelry under a range of circumstances.
Have you lost your ring on the way to the car? We’ve got you. Accidentally bumped your watch against a stone countertop and left a horrible scratch that no amount of buffing will relieve? We’ll help get it repaired. Suddenly, you realize you have no idea where that pair of antique diamond earrings went during your last move. Let’s replace them.
Whatever life throws at you, the right jewelry insurance will provide peace of mind and the necessary repairs or replacements.
Learn more and get a free quote today.
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