Independent Jewelry Designer
This is probably the most common jewelry job you'll find since many hobbyist soon turn to selling their own work, first to cover costs and then eventually in the hopes of turning their hobby into a full-time business. Though it is the most common, it is also the most competitive since jewelry making is hugely popular. However, it does happen. Some jewelry designers do find a way to turn their passion into successful careers as is evidenced by designers such as Tina Tang and Maya Brenner. This is probably the hardest road to travel in the jewelry making career world; however, it is probably also one of the most rewarding as well.
Gemologist/Diamond Grader
Fine jewelry manufacturers will higher gem stone graders to help determine the quality of the materials they purchase and then use for their designs. This position requires specific training in gemology and even more training if you plan to specialize in diamonds. The Gemological Institute of American offers training and certification in gemology.
They are one of the heavy-hitters in the jewelry world as far as education, thus making them a good source for training as well as possible job placement in this field. If you manage to find a job in this area, it is normally going to be a salaried position with a fairly large company who specializes in fine jewelry manufacturing.
Sales/Manager Professionals
Someone has to sell all of this finished jewelry, from little mom and pop shops to large department stores, and that's where sales and managerial professionals with a background in jewelry will find a good fit. While you may not be required to have hands-on knowledge of how jewelry is made, you'll need to know a lot about the materials used such as precious metals and gemstones.
These jobs are usually salary based with the addition of commission. They don't always require any specific kind of degree or may not require one at all because experience is a major factor when selling. A successful jewelry sales professional will need to be able to educate the customer about the product while also persuading her or him to purchase it.
Jewelry Store Owner
When we think of owning a jewelry store, most of us will think of a fine jewelry type of store. However, you can have your own finished jewelry shop, even if you are not a fine jeweler.
Like any retail business once you move to brick and mortar you have a lot of overhead to consider: insurance, rent, advertising, pay roll, just to name a few. Location is also crucial since you'll need to have your shop located in where your customer base will be, so you would need to know who that is before you just throw a dart at a map. Retail on any level, especially traditional retail storefront, requires a huge commitment of time. If you aren't there to open your shop, then your shop isn't open for customers to come in and buy. So anyone who thinks this might be the way to go should be prepared for this.
Bead Shop Owner
Perhaps ditto is not enough information, but much of the same that can be said for a jewelry store owner can be said for a bead shop owner. Expect to work long hours while you establish yourself. Make sure you are located in an area where there is enough foot traffic to provide a sound customer base.
QA Consultant
Before finished jewelry pieces can be sold by some of the larger manufacturers, they must be inspected by a quality assurance specialist. So, obviously, this job requires a thorough knowledge of jewelry making practices. Most often this position will require working mainly with fine jewelry such as gold, platinum, and diamonds. Little if any travel will be required, but most companies of this level will be located in large metropolises like New York City.
Jewelry Publishing
If you have writing skills and a love of jewelry, then you may be surprised to learn that there are a number of ways to combine them into a career. You can take various roads as well. If you want to take the "how-to" route, you can write jewelry making books as well as magazine articles for the large assortment of hobby-related jewelry magazines out there.
Remember, too, that these magazine and book publishers are operated by editors and designers as well, so you could actually try to become a staff member of one of these companies. If you are more interested in the professional jewelry world rather than the hobbyist, there are magazines such as InStore, Modern Jeweler, and Accessories who also have a staff to write, compile, and publish these trade magazines.
