Seasons Greetings Everyone!!!
Does anyone know of any jewelry websites or employment journals
devoted exclusively to finding employment in the jewelry industry?
How do graduates in the industry find employment?
Also, what are starting salaries for jewelry designers, bench
jewelers, retail jewelers, gemologists, or any other entry level
position in the industry? Where can one acquire this salary
Thanks.
Cynthia W.
Hello Cynthia,
My name is Vic Davis, and I am a recruiter in the jewelry industry.
I work exclusively with repair and custom jewelers and watchmakers,
helping them secure employment nationwide in the industry.
I have worked with several graduates, in fact placed three in new
positions in 2004. Depending on the area of the country, a
realistic range for a starting salary is $25,000 to $30,000
depending on your skills going into the position. One beautiful
thing about your profession, the pay can escalate fairly rapidly
with experience and quality in your work. I am currently working on
custom jeweler positions for top notch experienced jewelers, one at
+/- $60k and one up to $90K.
I hope you find this helpful. Please feel free to
contact me if I can answer any other questions, or be of help in
your search.
Thank you,
Vic Davis
Vic Davis & Associates, Inc.
1-866-650-6400
Hi Cynthia
As a recent graduate myself I can certainly relate to your question-
I simply took note of the jewelers in my area as I passed their
stores and took a chance by calling one and simply admitting that I
was a graduating student from Arizona State University and asked if
he might need a bench worker/finisher or just an extra hand around
the studio. After careful consideration he offered me a decent
hourly wage and commission upon sales of his work through a local
venue. I was happy to be in my field - upon working for him he was
able to introduce me to other resources such as the local jewelry
supply store owners who intern offered me a position in retail
selling jewelry supplies. So whether it was simply luck or taking a
chance at putting myself out there it has paid off so keep looking,
take chances and introduce yourself to as many jewelers as can!
Good Luck,
Shawna Lobmiller
Patania’s Sterling Silver Originals
Tucson, AZ
www.patanias.com
In NYC I have found that Women’s Wear Daily, the newpaper for
fashion, often has jewelry designer and bench jobs listed in their
Want Ads. It is sometimes called WWW.
And once a year there is a Jewelry Job Fair, one in Los Angeles and
one in New York City. Check jewelry magazines for the postings.
Then search on the Internet with the words “Jewelry Jobs” and the
many listings will narrow down to your interests and local.
June
Also, what are starting salaries for jewelry designers, bench jewelers, retail jewelers, gemologists, or any other entry level position in the industry? Where can one acquire this salary
JCK magazine publishes a salary guide for retail jewelers and their
employees including benchworkers. You might be able to see it on
their website www.jckgroup.com.
Cindy Edelstein
Jeweler’s Resource