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Jeweler vs bench jeweler

The differences between jewelers and bench jewelers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a jeweler and a bench jeweler. Additionally, a bench jeweler has an average salary of $43,153, which is higher than the $43,022 average annual salary of a jeweler.

The top three skills for a jeweler include customer service, CAD and laser welding. The most important skills for a bench jeweler are laser, laser welding, and custom design.

Jeweler vs bench jeweler overview

JewelerBench Jeweler
Yearly salary$43,022$43,153
Hourly rate$20.68$20.75
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs359479
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a jeweler do?

A jeweler specializes in designing and creating jewelry from various materials such as diamonds, metal, and gems. They can also restore and clean pieces of jewelry using different techniques and substances, examine materials for its worth, and conduct research and analysis to identify components. A jeweler may also sell jewelry and assist clients by answering inquiries, helping clients choose which suits them the best, and explaining jewelry specifications. Moreover, a jeweler must be proactive and keep up with the latest trends.

What does a bench jeweler do?

A Bench Jeweler is responsible for cleaning and repairing jewelry and adjusting features according to the customers' specifications. Bench jewelers inspect the jewelry's condition and design one as necessary, depending on the jewelry store they are employed in. They must have a keen eye for details and knowledge of the jewelry processing to advise customers and recommend products based on their interests. A bench jeweler engraves metals and creates customized sizes and personalized items for the customer.

Jeweler vs bench jeweler salary

Jewelers and bench jewelers have different pay scales, as shown below.

JewelerBench Jeweler
Average salary$43,022$43,153
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $69,000Between $26,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityMinnetonka, MN-
Highest paying statePennsylvania-
Best paying companyTesoro-
Best paying industry--

Differences between jeweler and bench jeweler education

There are a few differences between a jeweler and a bench jeweler in terms of educational background:

JewelerBench Jeweler
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorFine ArtsFine Arts
Most common college--

Jeweler vs bench jeweler demographics

Here are the differences between jewelers' and bench jewelers' demographics:

JewelerBench Jeweler
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 49.5% Female, 50.5%Male, 63.6% Female, 36.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 11.7% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.9%Black or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 12.0% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 4.0%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between jeweler and bench jeweler duties and responsibilities

Jeweler example responsibilities.

  • Process and manage blanket purchase order for tier one customer.
  • Create releases, update pricing and resolve accounting issues between BPA and customer invoice.
  • Create customized jewelry by engraving gems
  • Assist primary jeweler with minor repairs, polishing and machine engraving
  • Demonstrate time management skills via maintenance of appointment itineraries for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
  • Identify process and systems improvements for order management, supply chain and planning.
  • Show more

Bench jeweler example responsibilities.

  • Prepare pieces using grinders, buffers, acetylene torches, and fine grit wheels to order completion.
  • stone setting all styles, engraving.
  • School by GIA in Atlanta for diamond setting.
  • Work in jewelry repair shop, polishing, repairing, sizing and electroplating jewelry.
  • Solder parts together or fill holes and cracks with metal solder, using gas torches.
  • Experience in both torch and laser jewelry work, stone setting and cabbing, and casting.
  • Show more

Jeweler vs bench jeweler skills

Common jeweler skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • CAD, 16%
  • Laser Welding, 12%
  • Laser Machine, 12%
  • Product Knowledge, 8%
  • Engraving, 5%
Common bench jeweler skills
  • Laser, 22%
  • Laser Welding, 14%
  • Custom Design, 8%
  • Gem, 7%
  • Engraving, 6%
  • Sales Floor, 6%

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