Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Jeweler
What jewelers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a jeweler?
Size a ring. From there, the day usually includes size rings, repair jewelry, and set stones. Full time, sometimes weekends in retail.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a jeweler working full time.
- Size a ring.
- Retip prongs.
- Set a diamond.
- Solder a chain.
- Design a custom piece in CAD.
- Polish finished work.
- Meet a customer.
Where jewelers work
Jewelers work at benches in stores, repair shops and studios.
Hours and schedule
Full time, sometimes weekends in retail.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Size rings
- Repair jewelry
- Set stones
- Solder
- Polish
- Make custom pieces
- Appraise
Tools you’ll use every day
- Torches
- Flex shafts
- Loupes
- Ring mandrels
- Setting tools
- CAD software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Precision craft
- Creative custom work
- Can open a shop
- Steady repair demand
What’s hard
- Eye strain
- Slight decline
- Security concerns
- Detail pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love jewelry
- I have steady hands
- I’m patient
- I’m trustworthy
- I like fine detail
- I might open a shop
Not sure? Take the free Jeweler fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use torches safely
- Ventilate fumes
- Protect eyes
- Follow security procedures