What will you do?
The craft is also known as jeweller, silversmith or stone setter. You define the production steps, prepare your materials, tools and equipment and work the precious metals into shape. You set precious stones, finish the piece with care and hallmark the jewellery you produce.
- Define the artisan production steps
- Prepare the materials, raw metals and tools
- Work and shape the precious metals
- Set precious and semi-precious stones
- Finish the piece to a high standard
- Hallmark and authenticate the jewellery
Skills to develop
- Fine motor skills and a strong eye for detail
- Knowledge of precious metals, stones and hallmarking
- Precision techniques such as soldering, setting and polishing
- Creativity to translate a design into a finished piece
- Patience and accuracy over long, detailed tasks
Your foundation for this occupation
Goldsmith training combines design with making and repair. Seek substantial bench practice and learn basics on suitable practice materials. Workshop work demands accurate sizing, material handling and finish. Stone setting and complex repairs are further skills, not automatic outcomes of an introductory jewellery course.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Turn a simple design into a wearable sample. Check proportions, joints and any stone space before final finishing. Organise materials and components by commission. For repairs, document condition and the customer's request before starting work.
Check your work
Assess clasps, sharp edges, intended symmetry and comfort. Verify agreed size and material. Refer specialist assessment or additional work when it exceeds your training. Record material use and changes so customer and workshop share the same information.
How can you grow?
Specialisation includes bespoke jewellery, repair, setting, design and particular techniques. Show sketches, samples and final pieces in a portfolio. Independent work requires accurate quotations, material records and clear agreements for customer-owned items.
Frequently asked questions
Is designing jewellery the same as goldsmithing?
They overlap, but drawing a design does not prove the ability to manufacture or repair it. Ask how much bench practice, joining, material work and inspection a course includes alongside design.