Manufacturing &
Production
Engraver
Gemmologist
Goldsmith
Jewellery Designer
Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Jewellers design and make jewellery and small objects using a wide range of
materials, including metals, stones, woods, plastics and fibres.
ANZSCO ID: 3994
Specialisations: Jewellers may specialise in making particular types of jewellery (such as
rings) or in using specialised techniques (such as enamelling, engraving,
anodising or casting).
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Duties and Tasks
Jewellers may perform the following tasks:
Working Conditions
Education and
training/entrance requirements
The jewellery tradesperson apprenticeship
usually takes 48 months to complete and is available as a school-based
apprenticeship. You can also complete an Advanced Diploma of Jewellery Design, offered
at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout
Australia. Alternatively, you can complete a degree majoring in
jewellery design. 
Jewellers may work using mass production techniques and machinery,
concentrating on one part of the work, or as more highly skilled
craftspeople producing an entire piece from beginning to end.
Some universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.
Manufacturing & Production
Jewellery designers create and make beautiful and unique designs for
jewellery, and other decorative or functional fashion accessories or
products. The products they design may be mass
produced or handcrafted,
and may be made from materials such as metals, stone, woods, plastics or
fibres.
Conceptualises and designs
prototypes and
details for the manufacture of jewellery and objects for
personal adornment, such as watches and spectacles, homewares and other
objects, such as trophies and silverware, using metals, precious stones,
plastics, engraving, casting and fabrication, to develop designs for
mass or batch production or one-off commissions.
ANZSCO ID:
232313
Alternative names: Jeweller
Specialisations: Anodising, Assembler, Bench Jeweller,
Casting, Enamelling, Engraving, Mould and Model Maker
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Jewellery designers need:
- creative flair
- accuracy and the ability to undertake detailed work
- good hand-eye co-ordination
- a patient and persistent nature
- an understanding of metals and other materials.
Duties and Tasks
- Determines the objectives and constraints of the design brief by consulting with clients and stakeholders.
- Undertakes product research and analyses functional, commercial, cultural and aesthetic requirements.
- Formulates design concepts for jewellery.
- Prepares sketches, diagrams, illustrations, plans, samples and models to communicate design concepts.
- Negotiates design solutions with clients, management, sales and manufacturing staff.
- Selects, specifies and recommends functional and aesthetic materials, production methods and finishes for manufacture.
- Details and documents the selected design for production.
- Prepares and commissions prototypes and samples.
- Supervises the preparation of patterns, programmes and tooling, and the manufacture process.
Working conditions
Jewellery designers working for larger organisations in the jewellery
industry usually work regular business hours (9-5), but those who work
for themselves are able to create their own hours, depending on the
amount of work they have. They usually work in a studio or workshop,
which they may share with other designers. Their work may also involve
travel to trade fairs or exhibitions.
Tools and technologies
Most jewellery designers work in studios where they may use specialised
computer software to design pieces, or this may be done by hand, using
technical drawing and sketching equipment.
Jewellery designers employ a wide range of specialised tools in the
creation of their products. Most work with metals, so metal smithing
tools such as blades, saws, pliers, soldering equipment, and brushes and
files are part of their everyday tool kit. Those who work with gemstones
may also use microscopes, computerised tools, and other grading
instruments to examine gemstones or finished pieces of jewellery.
Education and
training/entrance requirements
You can work as a jewellery designer without any formal qualifications.
However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a
qualification in jewellery design or a related area.
The Advanced Diploma of Jewellery Design is offered at registered
training organisations throughout Australia.
You can also complete a degree majoring in product, furniture and
jewellery design.
Some universities in Australia offer degrees in jewellery design or
related fields. Contact the universities you are interested in for more
information.
|
Did You Know? Since 1983, Argyle Diamonds has mined from this remote region, the world’s most exquisite natural coloured gems. Yet none are more rare or beguiling than the Argyle pink diamond.  (Source: Natural Diamonds) Prior to the 1980s, production of pink diamonds had been sporadic, and limited to international mines. Argyle pink diamonds, from a certifiable source and of a depth and range of colour never seen before, have commanded the world's attention since their discovery. Unearthing these treasures, formed at a depth of over 160 kilometres below the earth’s surface, is a challenge both in size and complexity. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, the Argyle underground mine comprises an intricate network which comprises two underground crushers and around 40 kilometres of tunnels, facilitating the access of diamonds from the furthest reaches of the earth. It will take over a year and many careful hands for a rough Argyle pink diamond to journey from the mine to its final destination as a polished gem. Our Argyle diamond mine, which sits on the traditional country of the Miriuwung, Gidja, Malgnin and Wularr people in Western Australia, became one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds and the largest supplier of natural coloured diamonds – including white, champagne, cognac, blue, violet and the rare and the highly-coveted Argyle pink and red diamonds. On 3 November 2020 mining ceased at Argyle, after 37 years of operations and producing more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds. (Source: Argyle Diamond Mine) |
Manufacturing &
Production
Engraving is the practice of incising a design on to a
hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The
result may be a decorated object in itself, as when silver,
gold, steel, or glass are
engraved, or may provide an intaglio
printing plate, of copper or another metal, for printing images
on paper as prints or illustrations; also called engravings.
Originally, there was only hand engraving, however modern
technology has brought various mechanically assisted engraving
systems. This includes pneumatic pistons that drive the point
much like a jackhammer, which greatly reduces the effort needed
in traditional hand engraving.
ANZSCO description:
323311: Inscribes letters, figures and
designs on metal, glass, wood, rubber, plastic and other surfaces.
Alternative names: Etcher
Specialisations: Hand Engraver, Industrial Engraver
Knowledge, skills and attributes
An engraver should:
- enjoy and be able to do accurate and detailed artistic and creative work
- have good eyesight (may be corrected through the use of glasses)
- display good hand-eye coordination
- have an aptitude for working with computers
- have good spelling and language ability
Duties and Tasks
- inscribes letters, figures and designs on surfaces of jewellery, trophies and other ornamental items.
- lay out lettering or designs on objects by sketching on paper or in powder on the objects to be engraved
- mark outlines of designs using scribers, mount objects in vices and cut designs with engraving tools
- clean and polish engraved areas
- sketch original designs, or copy sketches or photographs
- brush powder or solutions onto surfaces of dies or plates that imprint designs
- use acid etching to produce photographic images onto metals
- use pantographs to enlarge or reduce designs
- operate engraving machines to cut standard designs
Working conditions
Engravers are employed by manufacturers, industrial and
commercial engraving firms, jewellers and combined footwear
repair/key cutting/engraving shops. Some engravers are
self-employed, although the cost of establishing a business ican
be high. Engraving firms tend to be small, usually employing two
to ten staff members.
Tools and technologies
The type of equipment used by engravers is being
improved with the introduction of computer technology. Tools
include: etching needles; scrapers; burnishers; hammers; rules;
callipers and compasses for measuring; countersinks and
chamfering tools and electric and pneumatic engravers. An
engraver may also use metal plates and etching needles to
produce artistic and photographic prints.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can be employed as an engraver without any formal
qualifications. You will most likely receive some informal
training on the job.
Manufacturing & Production
Goldsmiths design and make gold jewellery,
including jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones. This may
involve cutting, filing, hammering, turning, spinning, bending and
casting gold or
other metals. They may use different methods to secure
stones and engrave jewellery. They may also repair or remodel jewellery,
and sell jewellery to the public. They may design and create pieces for
commission, for a jeweller or mass production.
ANZSCO ID & description:
3994:
Makes and repairs jewellery such as
rings,
brooches, chains and bracelets, crafts objects out of precious
metals, or cuts, shapes and polishes rough gemstones to produce fashion
or industrial jewels.
Alternative names: Jeweller, Metalsmith
Knowledge,
skills and attributes
A goldsmith needs:
- to be creative, artistic and have an eye for design
- good eyesight and vision for detail
- to enjoy making things
- good hand-eye coordination
- to be able to work carefully and accurately
- patience and perseverance.
(Source: N/A)
Duties and Tasks
- Shape metal to hold the gems when making individual pieces
- Examine and grade diamonds and other gems
- Create jewelry from gold, silver, and precious gemstones
- Make a model with carved wax or with computer-aided design, and then cast pieces with the model
- Solder pieces together and insert stones
- Repair jewelry by replacing broken clasps, altering ring sizes, or resetting stones
- Smooth joints and rough spots and polish smoothed areas
- Clean and polish jewelry using polishing wheels and chemical baths
- Compute the costs of labor and material for new pieces and repairs
A goldsmith would normally work 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday in air-conditioned rooms. Some goldsmiths work on Saturdays. Goldsmiths who are self-employed or create jewellery for commission may work longer hours. Tools and technologies
Goldsmiths need to be able to use tools, often very fine and specialised, for casting, bending, cutting and spinning gold and other metals. They may also need to use specialised lathes and tools for grinding and finishing gold jewellery.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
To become a goldsmith you usually need to complete an apprenticeship.
The jewellery tradesperson apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to
complete and is available as a school-based apprenticeship.You can also complete an Advanced Diploma of Jewellery Design, offered
at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout
Australia. Alternatively, you can complete a degree majoring in
jewellery design.
Some universities in Australia offer relevant degrees.
Manufacturing & Production
A gemmologist identifies and evaluates the quality of gemstones and gem
materials, distinguishing them from synthetics or imitations and identifying
treatments that will enhance their value.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
-
patient
-
good memory
-
good eyesight (may be corrected) and normal colour vision
-
methodical with meticulous attention to detail.
Duties and Tasks
- identify gemstones (such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires) and ornamental and organic gem materials using gemmological testing instruments
- discriminate between natural gemstones and man-made synthetic, imitation and composite gemstones
- identify enhanced and artificially treated gemstones, and ornamental and organic gem materials
- assess and quantify damage to gemstones and gem materials
- advise clients on other gem options
Working conditions
Gemmologists usually work indoors, on their own, or are employed by
manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers in the jewellery industry. They
may be required to work outdoors in the field.
Gemmologists may work for jewellers, stone merchants, valuers, museums
and mining companies. Some run their own business as jewellery valuers
or a related occupation. There are also opportunities to work in
laboratories or as researchers in areas such as geology.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
To become a gemmologist you usually have to complete
a VOC [TAFE] qualification in gemmology. As subjects and prerequisites
can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen
institution for further information. You may be able to study through
distance education.
Those with an interest in gemmology may become members of the Gemmological Association of Australia.
Manufacturing &
Production
Watch and clock repairers make, repair, clean, assemble and adjust
watches and clocks. They may work with either classic, mechanical time
pieces or digital clocks, watches and accessories. They repair or
replace faulty or worn parts such as crystals, hands, teeth and wheels,
as well as cleaning,
testing and lubricating each part. Some watch and clock makers even
design their own distinctive and original time pieces.
ANZSCO description: 323316: Makes, repairs, cleans and adjusts
watches and clocks.
Alternative names: Horologist, Time Technologist,
Watchmaker
Specialisations: Clock repairer, Watch repairer
(Source:
Penina Taylor)
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Watch and clock makers need:
- to be good with their hands
- patience
- accuracy and precision
- an eye for detail
Working conditions
Watch and clock makers and repairers usually work in a workshop with
other technical staff, and will usually work with a range of technically
specific tools. They usually work regular business hours, depending on
the demand for their work.
Tools and technologies
Watch and clock makers and repairers use a range of small specialist
tools including vibrating, depthing, staking, poising and uprighting
tools, wheel stretchers, barrel contractors, lathes, drilling
attachments, cutting machines and microscopes. Eyeglasses and tweezers
are also common tools used by watch and clock makers.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a watch and clock maker and repairer, you usually have to
complete an apprenticeship in watch and clock repairing. The
apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete.
You can also become qualified to work as a watch and clock maker and
repairer by completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical
Trade (Watchmaking). These courses are offered at registered training
organisations throughout Australia.
| Did
You Know? ABC News 1 January 2021 Reuben Schoots CAMEO Canberra man builds a mechanical watch by hand, after a deadly illness forced him to reinvent his life.  Reuben Schoots sits barely visible behind a wall of antique clocks — heavy longcase pendulum pieces, ornate French marble clocks adorned with baroque sculptures and naked timepieces without cases or dials, their movements exposed. None of the clocks are ticking. The 27-year-old works in silence because he is working by hand, at a scale of microns, on the pieces of a mechanical watch he began two-and-a-half years ago. When he made its first part, he knew almost nothing about horology, the study of timekeeping. It was an arcane craft he had just begun to delve into, after becoming seriously ill. Once an athletic man working as a barista and studying nutrition at university, Reuben became sick from an unknown illness he contracted during an eight-month backpacking journey through Latin America.  Reuben caught several illnesses backpacking through Latin America as a 22-year-old. "I went to the doctor and they found I had glandular fever, but the glandular fever was actually the result of my immune system being so suppressed as I had contracted three tropical viruses, as well as a parasite I had in my gut," Reuben said. "I became really unwell, I lost 16 kilos, I couldn't leave the bed, I had this huge mental depression as well as this physical depression." Rarely able to leave his bed or his home, Reuben lost his job, his sporting ability, and ultimately quit his studies. He also became addicted to the opiates he was prescribed to treat his chronic pain. "It was the death of myself as I knew myself. I had this idea of myself, and that was gone. I couldn't use my brain anymore like I used to, I could use my body like I used to," he said. Then something unusual on the wrist of a friend caught Reuben's eye. "It was a mechanical watch, and you could see the movement through the back of the watch … and I remember seeing that movement and just thinking 'wow, who makes this? How does this work? There's hundreds of components all ticking away, working together to tell you the time'." "That was when I had the realisation that I wanted to begin watchmaking … I thought, that's something I could do, it's not massive movements of the body, I can take my time, I can do it from home. "I really wanted to be doing something with my hands, making, but I didn't realise that's what I wanted to do until I actually became sick and everything that I was doing or had was stripped away." Rediscovering a relic of time But you cannot just start making a watch with 200-year-old techniques on the fly. There are no online tutorials or group classes for making a mechanical watch from scratch — even modern handmade watches are usually built by a team of up to 32 craftsmen, each with a specialisation in a particular part honed over a lifetime. And the old books that could teach Reuben were intentionally obtuse. His guide, a late master named George Daniels — famed for making complete watches by hand — would sometimes write a single instruction (like "make a flywheel") for a part that required more than 100 steps and three months of work to make.  The dexterity and focus required also means Reuben must test his body daily, pushing himself to his limits inside a sauna before swimming laps in an Olympic pool to condition himself. Following the methods employed by Daniels, he is dedicated to initiating himself into an intimate fraternity. "I know of two people that have completed a George Daniels watch outside of Daniels himself," Reuben said. "You can count on your fingers — at most, your fingers and toes — the amount of people who have made 100 per cent of a mechanical watch by hand over the last century." After 2,500 hours of work, Reuben has just two pieces left to make before his watch will finally tick. It's a strange thing for me to look at, for me to hold and to touch — of course it's very precious," he said. "It embodies an incredible amount of, basically, perseverance. There's a lot of frustration, there's a lot of pain, there's a lot of mistakes. Some components I've made over 20 times before one works. "You lose them, you drop them, they fly across the room." Reuben wants to make a mark for Australia in the history of handmade watchmaking. And there are collectors out there ready to buy a watch like his — Daniels' greatest watch sold at auction in 2019 for more than $6 million. Though Reuben has learned more than just to make a watch in his thousands of hours of toil. He has also built a tool to overcome the isolation, illness and loneliness he was plunged into — something he says many others could benefit from as they face the ongoing pandemic. "I think that a lot of people are feeling very negative and don't like this isolation, or this time to yourself. Change hurts," he said. "But they undervalue, or underestimate the value of, down time and I think people are scared to be with themselves. Evolution comes out of down time." More resources to read: Is time running out for watchmakers? ABC News 21 August 2016 Young watchmaker far from alarmed by the changing times for his industry 16 April 2019 |
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Fashion Designer  |
Geologist |
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Salesperson |
Material
sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Goldsmith,
Engraver,
Jewellery Designer,
Watch Maker]
Good Universities Guide [Gemmologist];
CareersOnline [Gemmologist;
Engraver;
]
Manpower [Goldsmith;
]
Your Career [Jeweller;
Engraver,
Jewellery Designer,
Watch
and Clock Maker and
Repairer; ]
