Whether you are creative, technical-minded, hands-on or just have a passion for beautiful objects, the gem and jewelry industry is the place to showcase your talent. Like the gems, diamonds and precious metals that are at the heart of this work, the opportunities are infinite, limited only by imagination, passion and the professional skills needed to succeed.
Careers in gems and jewelry enable professionals to work with some of the earth's rarest and most valuable natural resources, create beautiful objects of their own design and help bring joy to others as they celebrate life’s important milestones.
Jewelry Career Pathways
The jewelry industry has a myriad of career options for different interests and skills. Learn more about career pathways.
Jewelry Schools Directory
View our growing list of schools, colleges and universities that offer jewelry-related courses. Search the Schools Directory.
Job Board
See current job postings for different industry positions like sales associates, bench jewelers, management and more. View the Job Board.About the Careers Guide
This third edition of Jewelers of America’s Guide to Careers in the Jewelry Industry offers a broad overview of jewelry careers. Among the highlights:- A fresh look at 12 career pathways across the supply chain. These cover everything from the beginning sales position to the entrepreneur starting a jewelry business. Use the guide to get a snapshot of the day-to-day activities of these pathways and the skills and training you’ll need to succeed.
- New “Skills Spotlights” that look at how some “non-jewelry” skills – like being fluent in technology or finances – have become essential to jewelry businesses and in some case opened up new career opportunities.
- Coming Soon Updated Salary Data: The Guide will provide data from a recently-conducted Jewelry Industry Salary Study that asked jewelers to share information on compensation and benefits across the many jobs the industry offers.
- Profiles and input from jewelry professionals who share how they got started and how the industry has shaped their careers and personal lives.
Thank You to Our Supporters
The updates to this guide would not be possible without generous support from the JCK Industry Fund and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA’s Career Services Department has been instrumental in sharing insight and expertise that have informed and improved this guide.About GIA
Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards and education in gems and jewelry. Students around the globe turn to GIA for the knowledge, skills and credentials that launch successful gem and jewelry careers. Respected throughout the industry and around the world, the Gemological Institute of America® offers a wide variety of diplomas and certificates that can help you get the best start on a rewarding career.
About GIA Career Services
With its prestige and global reach, a GIA education can advance your career and open new pathways to success. GIA Career Services offers career guidance and assistance to help you develop your career plans and find a job after graduation. Careers in gems and jewelry enable you to work with some of the earth's rarest and most valuable natural resources, create beautiful objects of your own design, and help bring joy to others as they celebrate life’s important milestones. A GIA education can provide the knowledge, hands-on skills and professional network that will help you succeed in whatever path you choose in this exciting industry.
About the JCK Industry Fund
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.
Since 1997, the fund has awarded over $7 million toward program grants to support the health and success of the jewelry industry at large. In 2022, the JCK Industry Fund’s donations exceeded benchmarks from the past five years, totaled nearly $300,000. Eleven worthy organizations with missions including security, DEI, a sustainable industry workforce, environmental protection and product quality secured grants. The JCK Industry Fund’s Advisory Committee is made up of passionate, senior leaders from JCK and various categories within the industry.
JA Member Only
Jewelers of America’s Certification exams test your jewelry knowledge and skills to boost both your resume and your company’s reputation. Get JA Certified.Employees of JA Members can apply for scholarship funds to institutions like GIA, AGS, DCA and more. Learn more about scholarships.
