First - relax, they would not have hired you if you were not
qualified. Second, If it is a retailler with a large enough sales and
voluminous repair business tell the management or better yet, the
owner that you need an assistant with less experience to do less
complex tasks with less valuable materials ( like soldering catches
onto chains for example) and the benefits that would offer to the
customers and to the store’s profile.
It is hard to be the only bench jeweler in a place as you are
excluded from much of the daily "vibe’ of the business as you are
usually in the back somewhere, alone…so create your own reality in
that space…arrange it in a way that works for you and your body
mechanics, and speeds or otherwise increases your productivity by
placing equipment where you need it to be…however, don’t offer to
come in on your own time and do a project like this, you should be
paid for any improvements you make to their operation(s).
Saying, “be more confident in your abilities” is a pat, and trite
expression- but, perhaps if you have a line of your own that is
‘designer caliber’ and offers something more thatn stuller, or SE
Findings type pre-fabricated mountings, etc. you may approach the
store owner/management about incorporating your own high end work
into their offerings- this may be the kind of security producing,
affirmation recieving pat-on-the-back you seem to need at this
point. There should not be a question you can’t answer…you are much
more of an expert than the sales staff…at least that’s my
logic…even though they may make a higher sales commission than you,
you are the one that knows the materials and processes…and should
recieve a very fair salary based on the volume of business, the price
tier of the goods, and any special services out of the normal repairs
that you do for their customers…bench jewelers, particularly those
starting out, seem to take anything on, when in fact some things are
not standard repair for which you are being paid.
Regarding stone breakage:
A) you should know when to use heat shield fixtures, what stones need
to be removed before heating a setting
B) you should perhaps be dealing with the customers directly
regarding repairs on valuable, or percieved to be valuable
pieces.Before accepting a stone-set piece you should personally
inspect it with a loupe and cite any flaws, which should be
documented before the fact, and written clearly on the job envelope,
or container…also, if you don’t own a darkfield loupe, you should
suggest the firm purchase one. Then you know, certainly, what
material you are dealing with…the customer may think they have
moissanite, when in fact it is cz…and with people buying things on
ebay in the quantity they do, you can be assured that not all stones
are what they are billed as, or that someone has not read the fine
print before bidding on a too–good-to-be-true deal
C) more importantly, the store should have insurance to cover
accidental stone breakage. Some companies, like moissanite, and
retailers ( bailey, banks, and biddle for one) will replace stones
that break during normal usage.so it is good for you to discuss the
piece with the customer before hand to find out if the chipped stone
they are wanting reset, can be replaced before you even sit down at
your bench…in which case, you can arrange for the replacement stone
( in some cases) to be sent directly to you, rather than to the store
the customer purchased the piece from…you construct the setting and
then set the new stone…much easier than worrying about breaking
something already compromised.
D) establish a clear policy on repairs and ensure that all sasles
ataff are informed of any changes you need to have enacted on
exisitng policies.You are the Jeweler…they sell jewelry…you should
have the authority to accept or reject a repair piece or any custom
work that comes into the store.
I would also advise that you not let your employers know your level
of “worry” and stress…it’s not a professional personna to present.
If they think you can’t hack it, they’ll find a replacement… hope
this gives you more confidence.If you need or want more advice, etc.
email me off ganoksin and i’ll be happy to help.