Jewelry Repair Training Course
Jewelry making and repair is a skill that can be a full-time job or a way to make additional income from your hobby. Sites like Etsy.com make it much easier for jewelry makers to find buyers for their work.
Jewelry Design and Repair Classes
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Beginning and Intermediate Jewelry Repair
A jewelry repair program will give students the basic skills needed for the general repair issues that are most often done on jewelry. Usually, students begin by learning about the different styles of jewelry, the properties of metal and how to cut, solder and polish metal. They also learn about the types of materials used in jewelry making.
After a student has mastered the beginning and intermediate levels of jewelry repair, they will be able to repair several types of chain and size rings into smaller or bigger sizes. The ability to cut different shapes into metal using a frame saw is also learned at this level.
Some programs include courses in knotting and stringing as part of jewelry repair training. This procedure involves restringing pearls and gemstone necklaces. Engraving will also be studied at this level.
Advanced Jewelry Repair
Time management is taught at the advanced level of jewelry repair. It's important to pace the time it takes to repair jewelry properly when working with jewelry, customers and deadlines. Also, wax modeling, molding and casting jewelry is learned at this level. If a customer wants a piece of jewelry recast, there is a need for knowledge in this area.
Stone setting is another area covered in the advanced level of jewelry repair. Stone setting is thought to be one of the most difficult areas of jewelry repair to master.
Watch Repair is also an advanced course of study in jewelry repair. Though they have dwindled, many people still have a fondness for mechanical watches, and they have the need to get them repaired from time to time.
What These Jobs Are Like
If you choose a job as a jewelry repair technician, bench jeweler or polisher, you will most often work with a small crew of people. Deadlines will have to be met, and the pressure can get high when working for a large retailer. Additionally, daily precautions will have to be taken to avoid exposure to metal dust and various chemicals used in jewelry repair procedures.
Characteristics Needed For Success in Jewelry Repair
The characteristics that will promote success in this field are proficiency in the craft of repair and good time management. Creativity and the ability to understand what your clients are looking for can also help you sell pieces.
Jobs Available in the Field of Jewelry Repair
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Median annual wages for jewelers and precious stone and metal workers were $32,940 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $24,370 and $43,440. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $55,130."
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