If you work for yourself, you will be able to decide what equipment you use the most and what is worth investing in. If you work for an employer they will provide the tools needed and you will likely need to know how to operate a more extensive list of equipment. Most goldsmiths today create jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches, although as artists, the possibilities are only as limited as their imaginations.
Many goldsmiths specialize in a specific style of jewelry making and they typically craft pieces that fit their desired aesthetic. Others work on a wider range of products that are appealing to large markets. As with other trades, there is no one path to becoming a goldsmith.
Depending on where you live, you may have different opportunities available to you in the metalworking field, so be sure to do research about degrees and programs in your area to find the educational path that works best for you. It may or may not be a traditional degree, as there are other options such as self-teaching and apprenticeships, which will be covered in this section.
Goldsmithing is becoming an increasingly common area of study in major arts colleges worldwide. Most four-year colleges offer a bachelor of fine arts in subjects such as jewelry design or artistic metalworking more generally. Any program that incorporates hands-on learning is a great option for prospective goldsmiths because you will be gaining experience working with different metals and techniques in the classroom.
Many technical schools also offer degrees in metalworking or jewelry making and are shorter, usually more cost-effective programs. While they may not be as in-depth as a traditional college degree, two-year programs allow you to learn what you need in a short amount of time so you can get into the workforce and gain real-world experience faster. If you are wondering what programs are available in your area, check out metalsmithsociety.
Like other metalworking professions, goldsmithing is oftentimes taught through apprenticeships with local master smiths and organizations. Apprenticeships allow for one-on-one training in a real workplace setting, so it is a great way to learn the trade in an individualized manner and become familiar with industry practices.
One of the most prestigious apprenticeship programs for goldsmiths is through The Goldsmith Company in the UK. Apprentices learn the trade and demonstrate their skills at trade shows and events. If you are located in the UK or are willing to travel, this program is definitely worth checking out. For prospective goldsmiths in other regions of the world, inquire with local goldsmithing organizations or individual smiths in your area for information on apprenticeship programs.
In addition to learning through a traditional program, self-teaching and regular practice can help you acquire a wider range of skills and help you develop your own unique style of jewelry making. Experiment with different metals, finishing techniques and designs to refine your personal aesthetic and master the skills needed to make a wide range of items. Self-teaching is not only inexpensive and flexible, but it shows that you are a motivated individual who is truly passionate about goldsmithing.
Each goldsmith has his or her own unique set of characteristics and mastered techniques. The following are a few skills all goldsmiths need to succeed at the craft and stand out amongst competitors.
For those seeking self-employment, their skillset must be even broader. Goldsmithing involves working with very small pieces of metal and shaping them in intricate ways. Therefore, goldsmiths require a high degree of manual dexterity and the ability to perform repetitive motions with their hands. Different names for these specialized jobs help to narrow down the field. Bench jewelers work in jewelry retailers and can split their time between cleaning, repairing, and fabricating jewelry.
Mold and model makers usually work in large jewelry manufacturing businesses and focus just on making the tools that a goldsmith uses. Assemblers put jewelry components together and set stones, while engravers and polishers are finishing jewelers who personalize the final product and prepare it for sale. Learning the trade of gold smithing is usually done in trade and technical school metalworking programs and on the job from other experienced jewelers.
Though the demand for gold-crafting workers tends to be good, it also fluctuates based on how well the luxury products economy is doing. Working with gold and precious jewels is one of the world's oldest professions and many of the tools used in a goldsmith shop are of the same type used hundreds of years ago. Exceptions to this include laser cutting and engraving systems and computer-design software. This can include working at large wholesale retailers, design jewelry studios or shops, private offices, etc.
Many goldsmiths take up jobs at stores that provide a combination of luggage, leather products and jewelry ranges.
You can also choose to be self-employed or have freelance projects which sometimes involves collaborating with other sellers, buyers, designers, assistants, etc. In order to pursue a career path as a goldsmith, you can either complete formal education and acquire these credentials or pursue on the job experience.
You can easily take up a diploma program or gain a trade certificate based on the opportunities available. The minimum educational qualification expected from a worker is that of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. If you decide to join a trade school program, the course will extend between 6 months to 1 year and include coursework in metals, resizing, casting, cutting, setting, gemology, etc.
Those who search for applied experience in the occupation have the option to shadow more seasoned professionals and learn from them face-to-face. In addition, you can take a look at pre-apprenticeship courses via community colleges, since this is a great way to expand networks and find more options for a suitable apprenticeship once the course is over.
It is recommended that one masters a solid foundation in concepts required of the trade, before focusing on acquiring the best possible apprenticeship. It is a long process that lasts four to five years and may not always guarantee a great job on its own. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
How do Goldsmith salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? This makes it an Above Average Salary. How does Goldsmith job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By , there will be a change of -4, jobs for a total of 35, people employed in the career nationwide. This is a Table of Contents.
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