Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Goldsmith and Jeweller.

Job Title - Goldsmith and Jeweller

Description

A Goldsmith and a Jeweller are trained craftsmen who design and manufacture jewellery.

Typical Job Activities

Uses metals such as gold, silver or platinum and precious and semi-precious stones
Does craftwork production which entails the making of individual articles by hand by skilled craftsmen whereas mass production entails the use of molds and machines to produce articles
Makes make and repair rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewellery
Makes molds to cast mass-produced jewellery or dyes to stamp it and carry out the finishing work, such as setting stones and engraving
Makes typical alterations and repair jobs involve enlarging or reducing the size of rings, resetting stones and replacing broken clasps and mountings
Repairs watches and do hand-engraving
A qualified gemologist appraises precious and semi-precious stones

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Related Occupations

Diamond industry worker
Gemologist

Educational Requirements

Moderate: 1-3 Years FET or practical training
Senior Certificate with matric
exemption for a degree course
Senior Certificate for a diploma course
Grade 9 Certificate for an apprenticeship

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Art

Apprenticeship Training

If you want to become a goldsmith and jeweller you need to register with an employer providing suitable training.

Training consists of theoretical and practical work:
Theoretical training: At a technical (FET) college or a correspondence course at Technisa

Practical training: In-service training under supervision of a qualified tradesman

Duration of course: 3 years depending on the experience of the candidate and his qualifications prior to the apprenticeship

Final examination: A compulsory trade test set by the Department of Labour to qualify as an artisan

Apprenticeships can be followed in the following trades:
Precious Metal Molding and Mounting
Diamond and Jewel Setting and Engraving

In-Service Training:
Short part-time courses in Jewellery Design and Manufacture are offered by privately run operations

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be patient, accurate and able to concentrate
Be careful and reliable
Have artistic ability
Have technical and practical aptitude
Enjoy precise detailed work
Have excellent eyesight
Have hand and finger dexterity
Have hand-eye co-ordination
Have mechanical skill

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Employment Opportunities

Low

Market Competitiveness

Low

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

High

International Employment Market

Moderate

Possible Employers

Medium or small Companies – Repair shops or retail goldsmiths and jewellers
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: freelance

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Relevant Contact Details

Jewellery Council of South Africa
http://www.jewellery.org.za/

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance
General management studies

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Consultant/ contractor/ own practice/ freelance
Own business

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

To work with your hands
To design things
To apply your special skills