Jewelers of America

Working in jewelry manufacturing offers a dynamic and engaging environment, with potential opportunities for international travel to trade shows and overseas locations. Various career positions are available in the jewelry manufacturing industry including sales representatives, customer service representatives, jewelers, quality assurance technicians, and specialists in finance, product development, inventory management, marketing, or social media. If you work for a smaller company – or start your own business – you may find you wear most of these hats yourself.

Key Skills

Since there are many roles within manufacturing companies, the skills most needed vary depending on the role and focus and are similar to specific pathways in this guide including sales and management, bench jeweler, and appraisers. Please refer to the appropriate career pathway for more detailed information. Key skills overall include:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-starters who can motivate themselves and others
• Proficiency using computers and relevant software
• Details-focused with an ability to multi-task while staying organized
• Excellent time-management and project management
• Knowledge of diamonds, precious stones, semi-precious stones, and jewelry manufacturing
• Ability to conceptualize
• Willingness to becoming an expert on safety and environmental concerns and precautions in a factory setting
• Ability to learn quickly and to see the “big picture” is important for salespeople, designers, and production staff who need to understand not only how their own company works but must keep up with their competitors and trends in the marketplace

Possible Job Titles in this Pathway

• Production Manager
• Production Coordinator
• Business Development Manager
• Quality Assurance Specialist
• CAD/CAM Technician
• 3D Printer Technician
• Casting Specialist
• Wax/Mold Making
• Diamond & Gem Sorter
• Shipping & Receiving
• Bench Jeweler
• Inventory Manager

Salary Expectations

Data is from Jewelers of America’s Jewelry Industry Salary Study conducted April-June 2023 and includes data from 2022. Compensation varies based on experience, specific job responsibilities, company size and location, among other distinctions. Given these variables within a career pathway, data is presented as such: The 25th Percentile indicates 25% of the data fall below this percentile; the Median (50th Percentile) represents the middle number where 50% of answers are lower and 50% are higher; the 75th Percentile indicates 75% of the data fall below this percentile.

Experience & Training

• Retail or wholesale jewelry trade or customer service experience for entry-level positions. Computer skills are necessary.
• Significant trade experience for outside sales reps.
• Formal education in business and gemology may be necessary.
• Relevant training and trade experience for jewelers and production staff.
• Production experience, bench skills, experience with fiscal management and marketing as well as facility with computers are typically expected of those in management.

Related Education or Certification

• Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
• Jewelers of America Management Professional Certification

On the Job

The day-to-day aspects of the job really depend on the focus within a manufacturing company, whether you are dealing with solving customer problems, dealing with production by meeting exact standards and ensuring timely shipments, or managing employees. For example, an interest in fashion can translate into a position with a design-focused firm, while an aptitude for marketing or finance can be put to beneficial use working for a high-volume manufacturer.

Jobs in this field may include oversight on various processes that impact the customer experience, production and more. As such, time management and organizational skills are critical to completing daily tasks while also planning and strategizing on long-term goals

Growing in the Industry

Those who work in sales for a manufacturer may become sales or marketing directors. Independent reps are self-employed and develop a regular clientele to whom they sell merchandise from a variety of jewelry manufacturers. Customer service and production staff may move into management positions, becoming sales or product development managers.

Jewelers may expand their areas of expertise or develop new skills. Some jewelers go on to work in supervisory positions while others may open their own manufacturing companies or retail stores.