[Jewelry making - Article 00076] - Re: [Orchid] [Quincy, Illinois] Gem City Jewelry School

[Aufin]

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    I went to Gem City in 1970 for their diamond/stone setting course.
    Didn't learn a whole lot more than I had already been shown by the
    guy I was apprenticing for. I actually picked up more,
    technique-wise, from some of the "students" than from the instructor.
    I guess the boss just wanted the piece of paper to hang on the wall.
    From what I've been able to tell from talking to some folks who have
    attended some of the jewelry schools out there, Gem City, etc., about
    all you're going to learn is basic "how to" stuff. Enough to get you
    in deep trouble without a lot of practice, exposure, and advanced
    tutoring. Just because you learned how to size a ring, or solder
    something in a controlled environment doesn't mean you're ready to
    hang the ol' shingle out and start "jewelling". You will need quite a
    bit of practical exposure/experience before you're ready to be on
    your own. Anyone who has been at the bench for any number of years
    will tell you, every day something new or odd hits the bench for
    repair. Number one, you need an aptitude for this type of work.
    Outside of sizing and chain repair, rarely are two jobs just alike. 

    Number two, study every piece of jewelry that hits your bench. Don't
    just look at it, but actually study how it was put together. Study,
    and remember, how it was engineered and constructed. You'll also
    need to figure out the steps of assembly. Which piece was put in
    place first, second, etc. Someday you will see a piece in need of
    repair and you'll know how the missing, broken, crushed, or just
    plain worn out part looked when it was new. 

    I'm not trying to rain on anybody's parade, but simply saying, if you
    intend to go into this business, don't expect some school to be your
    great savior. Schools are only a starting point that will probably
    get your foot in some jewelry store's door a bit easier than starting
    out with nothing. After school, hit the top jewelry store in town and
    see if they'll give you a break. Learn everything from anyone who'll
    show you. There are a lot of tricks of the trade and shortcuts that
    schools won't show a beginner. When/if you get an opportunity to sit
    beside and learn from someone, make sure he/she is well regarded in
    the trade. There are already too many hackers and butchers out there
    taking good money for shoddy workmanship. 

    Something I saw on a shop wall years ago and it stuck with me - "Why
    is there always time to do a job over, but never enough time to do
    it right the first time?" 

Good luck. Hope something breaks for you.

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