[Jewelry making - Article 00818] - Re: [Orchid] Looking for Apprenticeship opportunity

[AlanRevere]

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>      My problem is that although I graduated with a BFA in
>     metalsmithing, I lack the practical experience of being on a bench
>     everyday. 

    Jen, I hear that a lot. Jewelry jobs demand professional level
    skills in fabrication, repair, ring sizing, diamond setting, wax
    modeling, casting, mold making, etc. While university programs, like
    the one you attended, provide a nurturing academic environment for
    training in some areas, they are not geared toward commercialism.
    Academic institutions do not teach "trade" skills, the ones that are
    used in the jewelry industry. Once mastered however, these skills
    free you to do whatever you want; commercial, artistic, self
    expressive, etc. These skills are the foundation for areas like
    jewelry design, jewelry manufacture and custom design. However,
    without basic bench skills, it can be very difficult to get started. 

    As far as apprenticeships, they are almost nonexistent in the US,
    but that's another story. 

    My suggestion is to look for a professional jewelry program. There
    are a few schools around the US and overseas where you can learn at
    a professional level and develop the skills used at the jeweler's
    bench. Some of the more serious professionally oriented schools
    prepare graduates to take the national JA Bench Certification test
    offered by Jewelers of America. The tests are an excellent benchmark
    for trade skills used in the industry. 

    Bottom line: Jewelry is a wonderful field, with an immense diversity
    of jobs. There is lots of opportunity for those who are focused and
    motivated, and willing to pay their dues learning. The more you
    know, the more options you have. And you might as well learn sooner,
    rather than later. Good luck. 

Alan Revere
Director

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, Inc.
760 Market Street
Suite 900
San Francisco, California 94102
USA
tel: 415-391-4179
fax: 415-391-7570
www.revereacademy.com
alanrevere AT aol.com
alan AT revereacademy.com

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