Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jewelry Technician Intern

🎯 Role Definition

At its core, the Jewelry Technician Intern role is a foundational, hands-on apprenticeship in the art and science of jewelry making and repair. This position is designed for an aspiring artisan eager to translate their passion for jewelry into a professional skill set. As an intern, you will work directly alongside seasoned bench jewelers, master goldsmiths, and expert designers, absorbing the intricate techniques that underpin the creation of fine jewelry.

The primary focus is on skill acquisition through active participation. You are not just an observer; you are a contributor to the daily workflow of a professional jewelry studio or workshop. This role involves learning and performing fundamental tasks such as cleaning and polishing, basic repairs, metal preparation, and assisting with more complex processes like casting and stone setting. Success in this position is measured by your eagerness to learn, your developing precision, and your ability to become a reliable member of the technical team, paving the way for a rewarding career in the jewelry industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Jewelry & Metalsmithing Student (Vocational School or University)
Fine Arts Program Graduate with a focus on small-scale sculpture
Hobbyist Jeweler with a demonstrable portfolio of personal work

Advancement To:

Bench Jeweler or Junior Goldsmith
CAD/CAM Jewelry Designer
Jewelry Repair Specialist
Custom Jewelry Designer

Lateral Moves:

Jewelry Quality Control Inspector
-g - Gemstone and Diamond Sorter/Grader
Production Coordinator (Jewelry Manufacturing)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Polishing and Finishing: Performing multi-stage polishing on precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum using buffing wheels, hand-polishing tools, and various compounds to achieve a flawless, high-lustre finish.
Cleaning and Inspection: Utilizing ultrasonic cleaners, steam machines, and specialized solutions to meticulously clean finished pieces and repaired items, followed by a detailed inspection under magnification for any defects.
Basic Jewelry Assembly: Assembling components of jewelry, such as attaching clasps, linking chains, and connecting drops or charms, ensuring all connections are secure and aesthetically pleasing.
Sizing and Adjustments: Assisting with the sizing of rings, bracelets, and necklaces, which may involve cutting, soldering, and reshaping metal shanks and links under direct supervision.
s - Soldering Support: Preparing jewelry pieces for soldering by cleaning joints, applying flux, and setting up soldering stations for senior technicians, learning to handle torch and laser soldering equipment safely.
Casting Preparation and Cleanup: Assisting in the investment and burnout process for lost-wax casting, and performing initial cleanup of raw castings by clipping sprues and removing investment material.
Tool and Equipment Maintenance: Responsible for the daily maintenance, cleaning, and organization of bench tools, polishing motors, and other workshop equipment to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Precious Metal Preparation: Learning to measure, cut, and prepare precious metal stock (wire, sheet, grain) for fabrication and casting projects according to precise specifications.
Basic Stone Setting Assistance: Supporting senior jewelers in the preparation of settings for gemstones, and practicing with basic bezel or prong settings on non-critical pieces.
Surface Texturing: Learning and applying various surface finishing techniques, such as sandblasting, satin finishing, and hammering, to create desired textures on metal surfaces.
Chain Repair: Practicing and executing basic repairs on broken chains, including fixing links and reattaching end caps, ensuring the repair is both strong and visually seamless.
Engraving and Stamping Preparation: Preparing pieces for engraving or stamping by ensuring surfaces are perfectly flat and clean, and practicing basic hand-stamping techniques.
Mold Making Support: Assisting in the creation of silicone or rubber molds from master models, learning the proper techniques for packing, vulcanizing, and cutting molds.
Wax Model Refinement: Cleaning and refining 3D-printed or hand-carved wax models, ensuring surfaces are smooth and details are crisp before the casting process.
Quality Control Checks: Performing initial quality control checks on finished inventory, comparing pieces against design specifications for accuracy in dimensions, finish, and construction.
Material Inventory Management: Assisting with the tracking and organization of workshop consumables, including solder, polishing compounds, saw blades, and small findings.
Documentation of Processes: Taking detailed notes and sometimes photographic documentation of repair and creation processes for training manuals and workshop records.
documents.
Rhodium Plating Preparation: Learning the multi-step process of preparing white gold jewelry for rhodium plating, including stripping, electro-cleaning, and activating the metal surface.
Adherence to Safety Protocols: Strictly following all workshop safety protocols, including proper use of ventilation systems, personal protective equipment (PPE), and chemical handling procedures.
Bench and Workspace Organization: Maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient personal bench space, ensuring all tools and materials are properly stored at the end of each day.

Secondary Functions

Assist senior jewelers and designers with research and material sourcing for custom projects.
Contribute to workshop improvement initiatives by providing feedback on tools and workflow.
Prepare and label pieces for shipment to other branches, vendors, or clients.
Participate in team meetings and training sessions focused on new techniques or product lines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Fine Motor Skills & Manual Dexterity: Exceptional hand-eye coordination and the ability to perform delicate, precise movements with small hand tools.
Basic Soldering: Foundational knowledge of using a jeweler's torch for simple soldering tasks, such as closing jump rings or repairing chains.
Polishing and Finishing: Skill in operating a polishing lathe and using various buffs and compounds to achieve different metal finishes (e.g., high polish, satin).
Hand Tool Proficiency: Competency with fundamental jeweler's tools, including saws, files, pliers, and hammers, for shaping and manipulating metal.
Measurement and Precision: Ability to use digital calipers and other measuring tools to work within tight tolerances.
Knowledge of Precious Metals: Basic understanding of the working properties of common jewelry alloys like sterling silver, 14k/18k gold, and platinum.
Jewelry Cleaning Techniques: Familiarity with the proper use of ultrasonic cleaners and steamers for professional-level cleaning.
Casting Process Familiarity: A basic conceptual understanding of the lost-wax casting process, from wax model to finished metal piece.
Basic Repair Skills: Ability to perform simple repairs, such as replacing a clasp or straightening a bent prong, under supervision.
Safety Consciousness: A strong awareness of workshop safety, including chemical safety, proper tool usage, and fire prevention.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A keen eye for spotting minuscule flaws and a commitment to perfection in finishing.
Patience and Persistence: The ability to work diligently on intricate and sometimes repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Eagerness to Learn: A strong desire to absorb new information, accept constructive criticism, and continuously improve one's craft.
Problem-Solving Mindset: The capacity to analyze issues (e.g., a difficult repair) and propose thoughtful solutions.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with others, willing to assist teammates and contribute to a positive workshop atmosphere.
Time Management: Ability to manage one's own tasks and prioritize work to meet deadlines in a production environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to switch between different tasks and learn new procedures as required by workshop needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Enrollment in or recent completion of a certificate or degree program from a recognized jewelry trade school or fine arts program with a metalsmithing focus (e.g., GIA, New Approach School, North Bennet Street School).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Jewelry Design & Manufacturing
Metalsmithing & Blacksmithing
Fine Arts / Sculpture
Gemology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 1 year. This is an entry-level, training-focused position.

Preferred:

A portfolio of personal or academic work that showcases basic jewelry-making skills, design concepts, or other relevant craftwork (e.g., small-scale metalwork, sculpture).
Prior experience working in a hands-on, detail-oriented environment, even if outside the jewelry industry.