Who is a jeweller and what do they do? The task of the jeweller is to design, make, repair and sell jewellery, gems, and similar decorative objects. Some may specialise in making and designing (jewellery maker, jewellery designer) while other may work in retail business selling jewellery and other items such as clocks, watches and silverware. If they specialise in working with particular metals, they may be referred to as goldsmiths or silversmiths.
What are the activities of the jeweller? Working with precious metals and stones by cutting, filing, moulding, pressing, grinding, drilling, bending, hammering them – making and repair of complete sets of jewellery, and related decorative objects – working with specialised techniques – engraving ornaments or other symbols into precious metal – repair of jewels that are part of a national or dynastic heritage (coronation jewels etc.) – making jewellery, gems, and related decorations according to one’s own design – valuation of the products. Those who work in retail jeweller’s shops will be involved in sales work with the public.
Where is it done and under what conditions? In jeweller’s workshops, where the environment may involve some noise and dust, possibly other impurities. Those who work in retailing may not have those problems.
What tools/equipment do they use? Drills, grinders, bending tools, drawing and measuring equipment, files, soldering irons, pliers, pincers, engraving tools, sandpaper and their own hands.
What do you need to succeed? You need vocational training, manual skill, aesthetic awareness, concentration, patience and precision. Designers need a higher level of aesthetic ability, those working in the retail sector a greater ability to deal with people.