What does a Gemsetter/Goldsmith (606G) do?

Gemsetter-Goldsmiths fabricate, repair, and assemble all types of jewellery and gemstone work.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

Working with clients to determine design need and/or repairs
Preparing, sketching, and colouring drawings; preparing written repair or item orders
Acquiring and applying knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act; handling designated substances; wearing, adjusting, and maintaining protective equipment
Acquiring knowledge of gemsetting theory and techniques
Communicating effectively with customers, using both words and pictures to confirm design/style of piece and timeline/cost expectations
Designing, repairing, setting, and altering jewellery and gemstone work
Measuring, cutting, sawing, filing, and drilling metals
Working with precious stones, semi-precious stones, synthetic stones, chains, and clasps
Making models of rings, brooches, pendants, bracelets, and lockets prior to fabrication and assembly of the piece
Examining, cutting, shaping, and polishing diamonds, precious stones, and synthetic gems
Examining and determining extent of damage to jewellery
Cleaning, polishing, and finishing jewellery and gemstone work
Performing casting, centrifugal casting, and vacuum casting techniques
Presenting finished products for customer approval

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Secondary school diploma with geometry, art, chemistry, and English credits; computer literacy an asset as drawings use Computer Assisted Design
Completion of 8,000-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training

What's Your Future as a Gemsetter/Goldsmith (606G)?

Demand tied to discretionary spending on items in niche market
Full-time (40 hours per week) with little supervision; may work evenings, weekends, and overtime during busy periods
Many gemsetters open their own business

Wage Rate

Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $20.00 per hour.

Self-Rating

Gemsetter-Goldsmith (606G)

Ask Yourself:	Yes	No
Do you have good hand-eye coordination?
Are you interested in precious metals and gems?
Are you interested in mastering different soldering, setting, repairing, and altering techniques?
Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines?
Do you consider yourself a creative person?
Do you enjoy working with your hands and a variety of different tools?
Are you a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision?

If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as an Gemsetter-Goldsmith (606G) may be for you!

You might want to look at these similar trades as well;

Jewelry Designer
Watch Repairer
Silversmith
Graphic Designer
Jewelry Repairer
Pattern Maker
Blacksmith
Composite Structures Technician