Jewellery Maker

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craft, restore, and reimagine pieces of wearable art .

Start a glittering career as a Jewellery Maker in manufacturing, where your artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship will transform precious metals and gemstones into timeless pieces that mark life’s special moments. You’ll craft, restore, and reimagine pieces of wearable art that capture emotions and celebrate milestones.

As a Jewellery Maker, you’ll be at the heart of creating exquisite pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design techniques. Your role will encompass the entire jewellery-making process, from initial concept and design to the final polishing of a finished piece. You’ll work with a variety of precious metals and gemstones, employing both time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge technology to bring your creations to life.

In this dynamic position, you’ll collaborate with clients, designers, and other craftspeople to understand and execute specific visions for custom pieces. Your expertise will be crucial in advising on design feasibility, material selection, and valuation. You will also be responsible for quality control, ensuring that each piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability.

Your skills will include the ability to use design software for jewellery design and prototyping and have a good understanding of techniques including soldering, casing and stone setting.

Your work will not only result in beautiful adornments but also in creating lasting symbols of love, achievement, and personal expression.

Your role may include duties as follows: 

  1. Conceptualise and craft jewellery pieces using various techniques and materials
  2. Mend and refurbish existing jewellery, preserving their value and sentimental worth
  3. Precisely set precious stones in various mounting styles to enhance their beauty
  4. Create bespoke pieces tailored to individual client specifications
  5. Appraise jewellery items for insurance, resale, or trade-in purposes

While formal qualifications are not always mandatory to start in this field, many employers prefer candidates with relevant training or experience. Employers are often looking for job seekers to take on a formal apprenticeship. Here are steps you can take to become a Jewellery Maker:

  1. Complete high school with a focus on subjects like mathematics, design and visual arts.
  2. Consider undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) for an introduction to manufacturing and engineering.
  3. Research training and apprenticeships, including Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture (MEM30619).
  4. Look for opportunities promoted by employers online.
  5. Even if there are no jobs advertised but you have an interest in working with the employer, send through a letter and your resume expressing your interest to work in the industry
Also Known As:
  • Goldsmith
  • Silversmith
  • Precious Metal Worker
  • Jeweller
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a jewellery maker include:

  • Artistic
  • CAD software proficiency
  • Communication
  • Material knowledge
  • Quality control awareness
  • Tool operation skills
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a jewellery maker include:

  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience
  • Customer-focus
  • Persistence
  • Artistic – “Creator”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Business
  • Economics
Core School Subjects:
  • Essential Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Design
  • Visual Arts
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Jewellery Maker can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$45,000
Median
$60,000
High
$70,000

An apprenticeship with an existing and qualified Jewellery Maker is the best pathway to gain employment in this field. You can undertake the following qualification as an apprenticeship:

  • Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture (MEM30619)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and Study Combination: As an apprentice you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, ACCREDITATIONS AND LICENCES

Jewellery makers may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Useful qualifications to help you advance in this career include:

  • Certificate IV in Advanced Jewellery Manufacture (MEM40322)
  • Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design (MEM50322)
  • Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design (MEM60222)

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Jewellery Designer
Jewellery Designer

Transform precious metals and gemstones into timeless pieces that adorn, commemorate, and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.

– Up to $90,000 salary

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Team Leader
Team Leader

As a Team Leader in manufacturing, you’ll play a crucial role in bridging the gap between management and frontline workers.

– Up to $100,000 salary

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Business Manager
Business Manager

As a Business Manager, you’ll leverage data-driven insights and industry knowledge to make pivotal decisions, streamline operations, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

– Up to $150,000 salary

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Interior Decorator
Interior Decorator

Blend creativity with practical know-how to design environments that reflect your clients’ personalities and meet their functional needs. In this role, you’ll orchestrate colours, textures, and furnishings to create harmonious, stylish spaces that inspire and delight.

– Up to $85,000 salary

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Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

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