To become a goldsmith, you’ll need a combination of skills, including good eyesight and manual dexterity. Although some formal classroom training is required, most goldsmiths find that on-the-job training is most beneficial. You should be able to find work as a jeweler, appraiser, or designer after becoming a goldsmith.
To become a goldsmith, you must have certain physical abilities, such as manual dexterity and good eyesight. Excellent manual dexterity is required to work with small, delicate work pieces, and good eyesight is required to see minute details in a piece of jewelry. A goldsmith’s job requires them to focus on a piece for long periods of time, so excellent focus and determination will help you succeed in this field. Furthermore, staying current with fashion trends will provide a designer goldsmith with the up-to-date style aesthetic required to remain popular in the industry.
To become a goldsmith, you’ll need enough formal classroom training, which you can get from a community college, trade school, or university. Traditional in-person classes or specialized distance-learning programs can be used to complete coursework. A four-year degree in gemology or goldsmithing, on the other hand, may provide you with the best job prospects.
In addition to formal education, on-the-job training, such as an internship, should be obtained to gain practical work experience. Many students start an internship program while still in college and continue until they have gained sufficient work experience. Others go to school full-time and then do an internship after they graduate. Depending on the skills being taught, a goldsmith internship program can last anywhere from one to five years.
You will learn how to appraise gold, gemstones, and antique jewelry during your internship. You’ll also learn how to grade gold for carat value and purity, as well as polishing and restoring gold jewelry techniques. As your skills improve, you’ll learn how to form gold into various shapes using various methods, as well as how to create new jewelry pieces.
After becoming a goldsmith, look for work that matches your skills or area of expertise. Although a jewelry store may be the best place to start, as your experience grows, you might want to specialize in antiques, gemstones, or restoration. As an independent gold and gemstone appraiser, you might be able to find steady work. Consider working as a designer for a jewelry manufacturer if you have a flair for fashion.