What to expect from a career making Jewellery
Creating beautiful jewellery takes attention to detail and artistic flair. In jewellery programs at Ontario colleges, students learn in a creative environment where they can grow as artists and gain the technical knowledge needed to turn their talent into a career.
If you’re patient and good with your hands, and you want to apply your skills and creativity in a jewellery making or jewellery design career, here’s what you need to know.
Jewellery Courses
Ontario college jewellery programs provide students with in-depth knowledge of jewellery making and design, as well as skills in casting, gemsetting, metal finishing, forming and more. By the end of the program, students will have firsthand experience repairing and creating jewellery using a variety of techniques, such as soldering, filing, sawing, grinding, polishing and forging.
Courses cover modern and traditional techniques for working with silver, gold and platinum, as well as gems. On top of these technical skills, students also learn fundamental business skills, like how to promote and market themselves.
Some jewellery programs also include courses on silversmithing, which involves creating and designing hollowware and flatware.
Jewellery Program Requirements
Jewellery programs at Ontario colleges require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including a grade 12 English credit. Advanced diploma programs may also require students to present a portfolio and / or complete a questionnaire. Individual program requirements vary, so be sure to check them carefully.
Colleges also often recommend students have good eyesight and manual dexterity for the best chance at success in this field.
Jewellery Jobs and Salaries
Jewellery programs lead to a wide range of career opportunities in the manufacturing, design, retail and wholesale of fashion jewellery, costume jewellery, accessories and specialty metals. Students will find careers in a number of positions, including (but not limited to):
- Jewellery repair
- Sales
- Gemsetting
- Goldsmithing
- Silversmithing
It’s difficult to determine an average starting salary for workers in the jewellery industry because of the diverse career options. For example, people who make and sell their own pieces may have lower earnings as they get established, whereas those who work on commission in jewellery sales may earn much more. Overall, the average starting salary for jewellery program graduates is between $25,000 and $30,000 per year.
Ontario Colleges Offering Jewellery Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of jewellery programs at Ontario colleges.
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