Jewelry making schools
are trade schools that teach students design, make and repair different types of jewelry. Training at these schools consists of an intensive hands-on curriculum that allows students to use a variety of soldering tools and jewelry making equipment, learn about gemstones, and develop problem-solving and crafting skills.
Significance
Jewelry repair, jewelry design and jewelry restoration requires a significant amount of skill and knowledge about raw materials and metals. Jewelry making schools provide the foundational knowledge needed to become a professional jewelry maker or jeweler. A jeweler may choose to specialize in one or more areas of the jewelry industry. Gem cutting, design, repair, jewelry sales and jewelry appraisals are the most common fields of study and career paths that a graduate can explore.
Features
Jewelry making schools and course programs provide intensive training in several specialized metalworking, bead making and stone setting techniques. Possible courses include jewelry fabrication, mold making, prong setting, casting procedures, channel setting, jewelry repair techniques, jewelry design, bead setting and stone setting. Students are trained to use special bench jeweler industry tools for soldering, casting and metalworking, and may also be involved with problem-solving and jewelry repair projects.
Types
Jewelry making schools, such as the American School of Jewelry, offer specialized training and certification to become a certified bench jeweler, certified jeweler designer, certified master jeweler or a Diamond Expert. The American Jewelers Institute offers hands-on training and courses that can be completed in four months. Students are required to complete several jewelry pieces throughout the course and learn about different styles and materials used for jewelry making throughout history. Training at the American Jewelers Institute is primarily for bench jeweler certification.
Function
Certified bench jeweler programs teach students manage basic repairs and create designs for jewelry store work. Certification allows graduates to take entry-level jobs at a jewelry store or craft store where they solve jeweler's problems, make name plates, make simple bracelets and chains, and use acid testing techniques to determine different karats of metals. Certified jeweler designer programs teach students use metal fabrication and wax techniques to create different types of jewelry using precious metals. They may also be involved with ring sizing, chain making, designing pendants and setting gemstones. Certified master jeweler programs provide basic training in gemology and diamond grading, along with business courses that teach them create an appraisal, make wholesale purchasing decisions, and make bracelets, diamond rings, faceplates and other basic types of jewelry.
Considerations
Jewelry making school tuition costs between $5,400 and $43,500-plus for certification depending on the school, and classes typically cost between $500 to $2,500-plus depending on the program. In some cases, students will be responsible for paying for the total cost of materials. Students may take technology courses in computer-aided design (CAD) or graphic design if they want to enter the design or jewelry manufacturing field.
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