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Goldsmith Silversmith

Do you want to become a Goldsmith Silversmith? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Goldsmiths and silversmiths are craft workers and make all sorts of objects out of precious metals. They mainly use gold and silver, but may also work with platinum. When they are making jewellery they may also be combining precious stones into the work, although the preparation and polishing of gemstones is a separate craft skill.

The opportunities for employment fall into two main categories:

• Manufacturing for the jewellery trade involves making a wide variety of items, ranging from those produced on a large scale for the High Street trade to expensive ornamental pieces for specialist stores.
• Small scale, self-employed craft goldsmiths and silversmiths who design and produce individual and entirely handcrafted work.

The work involves casting, forging, polishing and finishing, and beating.

Goldsmiths or silversmiths in the jewellery manufacturing industry generally work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Self-employed craftworkers decide their own hours, and may need to work long hours to meet deadlines.

Salaries range from about £9,000 for a new trainee to approximately £20,000 or more for a supervisor or manager.

A goldsmith or silversmith should:

• be very good at working with their hands
• have good eyesight
• have good hand-eye co ordination
• be patient and able to concentrate on detailed work
• should enjoy making and designing things.

Goldsmiths and silversmiths in the manufacturing industry do not need academic qualifications, but GCSEs in art and design or design and technology will be useful. Apprenticeships are sometimes available to help new entrants get started. Craft designers usually start by studying art and design on a Foundation course and then go on to an HND or degree specialising in gold and silversmithing or jewellery. Entry requirements vary according to the college or university.

Training for apprentices and trainees in the industry is a combination of learning in the workshop and at college. NVQs in Manufacturing Jewellery and Allied Products are currently being developed. Craft designers can go on a range of courses including HNDs, degrees and BTEC awards throughout the UK.

Experienced workers in the industry can become workshop supervisors or move on to management positions. Self-employed craft goldsmiths and silversmiths need to become established and earn a good reputation as designers and jewellery makers.

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