Jewelry Making : What Does It Take to Become a Jeweler?

To become a bench jeweler, attend a jewelry school or go through an apprenticeship to get experienced in gemology and jewelry technology. Consider that becoming a jeweler requires 10 to 15 years of experience before becoming completely competent with insight from a bench jeweler in this free video on jewelry making.

Expert: Chuck Koehler
Contact: www.cmkcompany.com
Bio: Chuck Koehler, a bench jeweler and gemologist, has been in the jewelry industry since 1978.
Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• jewelry
• beaded jewelry
• jewelry making
• silver jewelry
• silversmith
• casting jewelry
• making jewelry

[anglfangs]

I really like your answer...."years and years of practice" I was lucky enough to get in the family buisiness early. I have been here 5 years and I somehow maintain the jeweler/bench-jeweler status. I do everthing from casting, engraving, wax cutting, finish work, simple welding/repair and sales. Guess you kind of have to in a two man store. (im female btw)Yeah and the hands never stay manicured thanks for the reminder.

[cutit750]

I was a bench jeweller for 17years ,done every thing in the trade.But the one thing i wish i,d done was --Something else!-

The pay is crap in relation to the skill required,the outlook for the trade is grim ,because of the rubbish that passes as jewellery ( not worth repairing V cost).SO now i,ve but away my tools work as a joiner and earn in 1 week what i,d earn as a jeweller in 1 month thinking of going down that route don't.

get a job with long term prospects

GOOD VIDEO rated

[TheFunnysamnoob333]

@cutit750 what do i have to do. To get a job with long term prospects?

[TheFunnysamnoob333]

This is coooool. I want to make every jewl i make super good and special. I am a man that makes treasure for girls.

[TheNameWithNoNumbers]

My new secret: The mineral and gem society of my town has a jewelry smith and lapidary room. I am so in love and addicted to my classes, smithing, casting, faceting and rocks in lapidary class. It is very cheap since it is run by volunteers.

Thank you for posting your information. I love every bit of it.

[perixanfin]

y does all comments hase to be soooooooo long!!!!

[bluselephant]

I see I wont be able to JUST buy tools and become a Jeweler because I am an artist. At 53 I have become a sculptor, guitar player, painter. Sculpting is about crafts as well as the art aspect. Want to do some Jewelery to make a few artful pieces for people I love. My wife and I 30th anniversary is like just under a year away. So Guess I wont be mounting this beautiful Demanoid that I so want to do for her. Now let me say your wisdom wont stop me trying but respect your Much useful experience.

[jimbob202019]

I can tell you from 120 years of my family Jewelry makeing, That all this stuff about it takes you 15 years is a joke.

it took me a month with my father showing me, a wedding ring with no settings is the easyest, then more complex stuff can be done with the lost cast. But even that is simple lol.

Also i bet anyone here could start makeing jewelry today, its just the stuff you would buy cost a cheeky amount but not loads, its such a mazing feeling when you see your work finished lol :)

[itspeaks037]

My grandmother bought me a neckless, my cousin bought me a cross, & my mother bought me a ring

this was over ten years ago

my jewerly

[sz42781]

@anglfangs how mutch do you bench?

[sz42781]

If you want to make money, you have to do "Jesus Pieces , Ice out watches, sneakers and Grillz". Otherwise it isint worth it anymore.