Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers design, create, repair, and evaluate jewelry and items made from gold, silver, gems, and other precious materials. They work in jewelry retail stores, repair shops, manufacturing facilities, and as independent craftspeople, using specialized tools and techniques to shape, set, and finish their pieces.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against jewelers and precious stone and metal workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A jeweler's work varies by specialization. Tasks include measuring and cutting gemstones, soldering metal components, setting stones into settings, resizing rings, polishing finished pieces, and examining jewelry for quality and authenticity. Some jewelers spend time consulting with customers about repairs or custom designs, while others focus primarily on the technical work of fabrication and restoration in a workshop setting.
Who this work suits
Holland code RAC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you have strong artistic sensibilities and take satisfaction in creating or restoring tangible objects. You appreciate realistic, hands-on problem-solving and have the patience and precision to work with small, delicate materials while maintaining high attention to detail.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- MOBILE EQUIPMENT METAL WORKER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Cullman, Alabama · $28.84–$33.64
- Sheet Metal Worker Supervisor (Sheet Metal Worker Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · El Reno, Oklahoma · $35.35–$41.21
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $52,900 | $69,800 | $80,500 | 140 |
| Virginia | $51,820 | $61,940 | $80,240 | 240 |
| New York | $37,160 | $61,720 | $85,460 | 4,300 |
| California | $47,540 | $60,790 | $76,060 | 2,300 |
| South Carolina | $49,500 | $60,380 | $63,880 | 200 |
| Washington | $48,320 | $60,380 | $71,540 | 290 |
| New Jersey | $47,520 | $59,480 | $72,870 | 780 |
| Vermont | $53,650 | $58,570 | $71,620 | 50 |
| Kansas | $38,490 | $57,730 | $71,520 | 110 |
| Colorado | $44,480 | $57,120 | $73,380 | 220 |
| North Dakota | $41,230 | $57,020 | $58,060 | 50 |
| Michigan | $47,060 | $56,610 | $63,330 | 460 |
All 47 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Registered Jeweler (RJ) — American Gem Society
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against jewelers and precious stone and metal workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.