Introducing - Steve Wiser

Jewelry Discussion
1

Name: Steve Wiser
Email: @mkreimes
Address: P.O.Box 938 Santa Margarita, CA 93453- 0938

Hi everyone. I am an amateur jeweler attempting to move from
hobbyest to professional. I have been trying to obtain an
apprenticeship and I,m finding that this bussiness is very hard to
break into. Any suggestions? I am currently working for myself
(the pay stinks) and looking for any tips for improving my
techniques and efficiency.

2

Hi everyone. I am an amateur jeweler attempting to move from
hobbyest to professional. I have been trying to obtain an
apprenticeship and I,m finding that this bussiness is very hard
to break into. Any suggestions? I am currently working for myself
(the pay stinks) and looking for any tips for improving my
techniques and efficiency.

If it hadn’t been for a couple of interested goldsmiths mentoring me
when I was starting out I probably would not be in the profession. As
a result I am working with a couple people bringing them along. The
are schools I can recommend and the GIA programs in setting and
repair are helpful. I’ve learned things on this forum that are
useful, too.

Rick Hamilton

3

Hi, Steve,

…and welcome. I know how you feel, I had tried to apprentice
when I was just starting out and had no luck. I managed by
taking workshops at local craft organizations, which luckily had
some incredibly talented artisans teaching, studying and
practicing from books and asking questions to anyone who would
listen. I begged borrowed and stole to pay for GIA extension
courses to refine the “gross” (pun intended) skills I learned on
my own. You may also find local organizations made up of
"metalheads" which you can join and learn from. Trade journals
are also a good source for tips and educational opportunities. I
even paid a local casting company for an hour of one-on-one basic
wax carving. Just keep trying, there are a lot of experience and
talented people out there who are more than willing to help. You
obviously know at least one who told you about Orchid.

Good Luck!

Sharon

4

Name: Steve Wiser
Email: @mkreimes1
Address: P.O.Box 938 Santa Margarita CA 93453-0938

I have found the volume of posting to the Orchid list somewhat
over overwelming so I am switching ot the digest. I don’t what
to miss out on this wonderful learning experience. Thanks for
all the help that everyone has offered. - Steve Wiser