Career Definition for Diamond Workers
Jeweler, precious stone and metal workers may manufacture and make jewelry, work in a lab fashioning specialty items, or even own their own stores. They may split, saw, cut, shape, polish, or drill gems and diamonds to prepare them for use in jewelry or industrial tools. The position also involves fabricating, finishing, and evaluating gem and diamond quality.
| Education | High school diploma or GED with vocational training; apprenticeships are available |
| Job Skills | Attention to detail, manual dexterity, good vision, precision, steady hands |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $46,640 (jewelers and precious stone and metal workers) |
| Career Outlook (2021-2031)* | 1% (jewelers and precious stone and metal workers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Needed
Though a higher education degree isn't required, a high school diploma as well as some vocational training is usually recommended. A career as a jeweler, precious stone and metal worker will likely begin with an apprenticeship or training program of some kind. These professionals must obtain a wide variety of mechanical knowledge such as use of certain machines and tools, and understanding their repair and maintenance. The learning curve will vary based on training programs and skill level, but it usually takes a few months to a year of study.
Required Skills
This job is very physical and hands-on. Therefore, skills needed for on-site work include physical abilities such as close-range vision for detail work, manual dexterity, arm/hand steadiness, control and precision for machine work, attention to detail, and discriminatory ability with color and category detail.
Career and Economic Projections
The median salary for a jeweler, precious stone and metal worker was $46,640 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), but can increase with skilled positions and self-employment opportunities. Job market projections made by the BLS indicate that job opportunities for jewelers and precious stone and metal workers will decline by 1% between 2021 and 2031.
Alternate Career Options
Individuals interested in working with their hands to create crafts and other other products might consider careers such as:
Craft Artist
A formal education isn't required, although select art classes may be beneficial. Craft artists create, sell and display glassware, pottery, textiles and other functional works of art. A job increase of 5% is projected by the BLS from 2021-2031 for craft artists. These artists earned a median annual wage of $35,930 in 2021, per the BLS.
Woodworker
Woodworking is another occupation that allows artistic individuals to work with their hands making products, such as furniture or cabinets. As of 2021, the BLS predicts a 3% job increase for this profession, overall, through 2031. Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters in 2021 earned a median annual salary of $36,710, the BLS reported.