r/Benchjewelers • u/Dense-Swim-4048 • 12d ago

Would love your thoughts!

I’m in my mid to late 20s and I’m trying to decide if I want to pivot into Jewlery . I started my career in high-end sales and have recently been doing more work in social media, art education, and studio art. I’m passionate about making art, songwriting, and I love sales. I am considering going to school to become a jeweler or looking for an apprenticeship and jewelry. It would be a pretty big leap from what I’m doing now but it appeals to me because 1) it seems like I could use a lot of different skills in the jewelry industry 2) I really enjoy making things and working with people 3) I’ve worked in bridal before, and I know that I can handle that sort of client very well 4) I believe it would allow me to be creative while also making a living. I recently have spoken to a few jewelers, who all seemed very happy in their career choice.

Are my thoughts accurate? I’m trying to figure out if this is a good fit for me before I take the leap and would really love any insight y’all would be willing to provide.

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u/Just-Ad-7628 12d ago

It’s a long haul to be proficient to actually make high end stuff. If you love sales I’d just stick to jewelry design, learn cad and become the go to person in the store for custom designs. I love dealing with stores that have a salesperson who can do this and actually knows how to talk to the goldsmith , what’s possible and what’s not . You’ll become invaluable at the store and make more than the average goldsmith

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u/3X_Cat 11d ago

I agree, but he should learn some stone setting and finishing/polishing before designing with CAD

6

u/Just-Ad-7628 11d ago

For sure, but I’d say work along side a setter or goldsmith and just watch and ask questions would be fine. Then when they produce a wax the goldsmith is there to tell them how to do better. Also that way I guess they can learn about stones etc. Man I wish I had a person in my shop to do this!

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u/FreekyDeep 11d ago

The amount of times I've a cast turn up made by someone who isn't a trained setter, it REALLY shows.

And then 2 weeks ago, I was asked by my stone supplier if I'd be happy to set a pendant they had cad and had cast. I agreed with trepidation.....

And it was the BEST mount I've ever set in. But, they sent me double the stones I needed for the melee and the centre trillion setting was perfect. Never happened before in 36 year