Apprentice Jeweler

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi,

I am graduating from school with a 4 year degree in Metalsmithing
and Jewelry Design from the University of Kansas and I want to work
as an apprentice jeweler for some years in order to learn more about
jewelry making, which is what I like. Eventually I would like to have
my own business but for that I understand that there is still a lot
to learn, not just on techniques but on craft and finishing, and
other important things that you only learn when you are working in
the field. However I have been having problems finding a job, I have
looked on job search engines but all the bench jewelers positions
require experience, and I can’t find anyone who wants to hire an
apprentice jeweler, and I don’t really know where to search.

Does anyone know of someone who wants to hire or somewhere were I
can apply?

Right now I am in Kansas but I don’t have any problems relocating.

any suggestions? comments? help?

Valeria
Lawrence, KS
@Valeria_Morato

2

Valeria,

Can you travel? Is it O.K. if I put you in contact with my associate
Mindi? She does jewelry for me. You can contact me at

@Jerry_Smith
Jerry

3

If you’re looking at jewelry stores and don’t have enough skills to
offer, that could be the problem.

Two suggestions:

  • go spend a month or two at trade school, improving your trade
    skills and marketability

  • stop looking at jewelry stores, and look at factories

Woo hoo! Just what you went to college for, right? To work in a
factory. It’s a start, and you can work your way up.

My first job out of college was in a wedding and engagement ring
factory. My boss was a hunchbacked old guy, who was coming to work
in sweats because he’d just had a heart attack. He had no
fingernails. I thought it was from jewelry. No, he said, that
happened in the war.

Elaine
Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com ™
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay

4

Hi Valerie,

My name is Vic Davis, and I am a recruiter in the jewelry industry.
I assist jewelers in their pursuit of positions in the retail
jewelry industry. Please feel free to contact me at my office,
1-866-650-6400 (toll-free), as I would be happy to visit with you
concerning job possibilities.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Vic Davis

Vic Davis & Associates, Inc.
1675 E. Seminole, K-100A
Springfield, MO 65804
866-650-6400 (toll-free)
417-887-5277 (fax)
@Vicsjobs

5

Elaine

Those were the very same words I used in the interview with the
"Bench" magazine two months ago. I did say “get into a factory and
learn the basics”. What you can learn in one year at a factory is like
going to university. Trade schools are “the cream on the cake”, and
they are so worthwhile. Retail jewellery shops want only well
experienced staff, not learners. I know this for a fact. I spent 14
years in one, very large jewellery factory during MY younger
apprenticeship years…

Gerry!