" Making jewelry started as a hobby. I could visit my local Goodwill for old jewelry and craft stores for supplies to make some really cool pieces. I got so many compliments in high school that I started selling my work. I was like a walking mannequin. I would walk into school with a pair of earrings on and walk out with cash in my pocket. I started working part-time for a local jeweler my senior year and learned how to engrave names and initials onto rings. Later, I learned how to restring pearls, which was exciting to know I was restoring antique family heirlooms that had so much history. Working under an experienced jeweler over the next several years, I gained experience listening carefully to clients and sketching their ideas. In time, I discovered how to create these one-of-a-kind pieces of art. It’s easier now with computer software, but I still primarily use traditional sketching. Today, I still produce my own pieces and sell them at local galleries. It's an amazing job, and I am very fortunate to be in this creative field."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 51-9071

Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Jewelry repair
• Performing channel and platinum rebuilds
• Re-tipping prongs
• Stone setting

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Select production input materials
  • Estimate costs of products, services, or materials
• Information Input
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications
  • Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes
• Work Output
  • Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly
  • Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products
  • Smooth metal surfaces or edges
  • Repair precision devices or workpieces
  • Solder parts or workpieces
  • Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing
  • Build production molds

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Midlands
• Greenville
• Trident

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Signet Jewelers
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Etchers and Engravers
• Gem and Diamond Workers
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.