British-made jewellery and silverware enjoy a global reputation, underscoring the pivotal role of a skilled and well-trained workforce in ensuring the sustained success of this sector. The items you will be involved in crafting encompass a diverse range, from exquisite boardroom table centrepieces to cherished wedding and engagement rings, along with meticulously handcrafted bespoke pieces.
Within the professional apprenticeship in jewellery, silversmithing, and related trades, you will acquire a comprehensive skill set that includes silversmithing, casting, stone setting, mounting, engraving, enamelling, polishing, and finishing. You will also delve into CAD processes and lapidary techniques, which entail the intricate art of selecting, cutting, and polishing precious and semi-precious stones. Initially, you will specialise in either jewellery, silversmithing, or a related trade.
Your training will grant you an encompassing understanding of the end-to-end production process, encompassing the intricate manufacturing steps necessary to bring a final product to fruition. You will apply your expertise with precision and efficiency, adhering closely to product specifications and meeting customer requirements, skillfully utilising handcrafting and machine operations.
Responsibilities
You may be responsible for various duties, such as:
- engage in design consultations with clients
- create designs and scale drawings using either manual techniques or CAD software
- skillfully craft precious stones and metals using a combination of hand and machine tools
- restore jewelry and silverwork to their pristine state, enhance items through processes like polishing
- enameling, and engraving, and meticulously assess the final product’s quality.
Salary
An apprentice jewellery designer-maker will earn the apprenticeship minimum wage, once qualified, the your salary will be variable but you will typically earn £23,000 per year. Remember that if you opt to work for yourself, you will be able to set your prices but will not be eligible for benefits like maternity/paternity pay or annual leave.
Working hours
Jewellery Designer-maker apprentices often work between 40 to 42 hours per week. Busy periods may occur during festive holidays and you may have to work weekends as customers demand.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as a jewellery designer-maker include:
- Level 3 Jewellery designer-maker – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Skills
On a jewellery designer-maker you’ll learn:
- design skills and knowledge
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Career Path and Progression
If you’re employed by a jewelry design or jewelry manufacturing company, your career options may include roles such as:
- Lead Designer
- Merchandiser
- Buyer
- Creative Director
Alternatively, you could pursue self-employment, marketing your designs to manufacturers or selling them directly to clients. Additionally, you have the option to craft products based on your designs and market them through galleries, craft centers, retail stores, or online platforms.