Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jewelry Quality Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Jewelry Quality Technician serves as the critical guardian of our brand's reputation for excellence. This role is responsible for the meticulous inspection and verification of all jewelry components and finished pieces, ensuring they meet our stringent quality standards for materials, craftsmanship, and design. Blending technical expertise in gemology and metallurgy with a keen artistic eye, the technician works at various stages of the production process to identify and resolve any deviations from specification. This position is fundamental to delivering the flawless, heirloom-quality products our clients expect.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Bench Jeweler Apprentice or Junior Bench Jeweler
Gemology Graduate (e.g., GIA GG, AJP)
Jewelry Production Assistant

Advancement To:

Senior Quality Technician / Lead Inspector
Quality Assurance Manager
Product Development Specialist (with a focus on technical specifications)

Lateral Moves:

Gemstone and Diamond Buyer/Sourcer
Jewelry Repair Specialist
CAD Designer (with additional training)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive visual and dimensional inspections of incoming raw materials, including loose gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and precious metal findings, to ensure they meet purchase order specifications.
Perform rigorous in-process quality checks at critical stages of manufacturing, such as after casting, pre-polishing, stone setting, and final assembly.
Execute final quality assurance inspections on all finished jewelry, meticulously examining for any defects in setting, polishing, metalwork, or overall construction.
Utilize a range of gemological and metrological tools, including 10x loupes, digital calipers, micrometers, gemological microscopes, and spectrometers, to perform precise measurements and evaluations.
Verify that all finished pieces conform to approved design specifications, technical drawings, and CAD renderings, checking for accuracy in dimensions, stone placement, and finish.
Grade diamonds and colored gemstones according to established industry standards (such as GIA's 4Cs), assessing carat weight, color, clarity, and cut quality.
Authenticate and test precious metal content and purity (e.g., 14k, 18k gold, Platinum) using non-destructive methods like X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) or traditional acid testing where appropriate.
Systematically document all inspection results, non-conformities, and defects in the company's Quality Management System (QMS) or ERP software, creating detailed reports with photographic evidence.
Communicate quality issues and discrepancies clearly and constructively to production supervisors, bench jewelers, and casters to facilitate timely rework and corrective actions.
Manage the segregation, labeling, and disposition of non-conforming products, ensuring rejected items are properly handled according to company procedures.
Evaluate customer returns and repair requests to determine if issues are related to manufacturing defects, wear and tear, or accidental damage.
Ensure the proper calibration, maintenance, and safe operation of all quality inspection instruments and equipment.
Accurately weigh and record finished goods, verifying that metal weights and stone carat weights are correctly documented for inventory and pricing.
Inspect and confirm the clarity, legibility, and correct placement of all hallmarks, brand logos, and legally required stamps on finished pieces.
Handle high-value jewelry and sensitive materials with extreme care, maintaining security protocols and a highly organized workspace to prevent loss or damage.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development, documentation, and refinement of quality control standards, inspection procedures, and workmanship criteria.
Participate in root cause analysis investigations for recurring quality problems and contribute to the implementation of long-term corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
Provide quality-related training and guidance to new inspectors or production team members to foster a shared understanding of our quality standards.
Collaborate with the Product Development and Design teams to review new designs for potential manufacturing or quality challenges before production begins.
Analyze quality data to identify trends, track defect rates, and generate reports for management review to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Gemstone & Diamond Grading: Proficient in grading diamonds and colored stones based on GIA standards (4Cs); ability to identify common enhancements and synthetics.
Precious Metal Knowledge: Strong understanding of the properties, alloys, and testing methods for gold, platinum, and silver.
Jewelry Construction Expertise: In-depth knowledge of jewelry manufacturing processes, including casting, stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé), polishing, and assembly.
Tool Proficiency: Skilled in using essential quality tools such as a 10x loupe, microscope, digital calipers, micrometer, and gram scale.
Technical Document Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, CAD files, and product specification sheets.
Computer Literacy: Competency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and experience with inventory management or Quality Management System (QMS) software.
XRF Spectrometry: Experience operating an XRF analyzer for non-destructive metal testing is a significant plus.
Basic Photography: Ability to take clear, well-lit photos to document defects or showcase finished products.

Soft Skills

Extreme Attention to Detail: A meticulous and uncompromising eye for spotting minute flaws, inconsistencies, and imperfections.
Integrity and Objectivity: The ability to make unbiased, data-driven decisions regarding quality, even under pressure.
Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling delicate and valuable items.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to diagnose quality issues and suggest effective solutions.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally articulate complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
Focus and Patience: The capacity to perform repetitive inspection tasks for extended periods without compromising accuracy.
Organizational Skills: A methodical approach to documenting findings, managing workflow, and maintaining an orderly workspace.
Independent Judgement: Confidence to work autonomously and make critical pass/fail decisions based on established standards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma from the GIA or equivalent certification from another recognized gemological institution.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Gemology
Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on experience in a fine jewelry environment, such as quality control, bench jewelry, or gemstone grading.

Preferred:

Direct experience in a quality assurance role for a luxury or high-end jewelry manufacturer or brand.
Demonstrable experience working with a wide variety of setting styles, gemstone types, and complex jewelry constructions.