Jewelry retail is a challenging career for people who love to build relationships with clients and derive satisfaction from the sale of high-quality merchandise. These people have many options for careers in the industry. They may choose to work on the supply side of the industry as jewelers who design and sell to retailers, or they may choose to work on the customer service end as sales representatives who provide assistance at storefronts and online. Other career opportunities include opening a jewelry store or working as an appraiser.
The average job qualifications for a jeweler include a high school education or equivalent and training in the craft of jewelry making. Some people receive informal on-the-job training, while others attend technical schools that offer courses ranging from six months to two years. These programs cover topics such as how to use and care for jewelry tools, diamond setting and other metal working skills. College art programs may be available and provide four-year degrees in areas such as gemology, CAD/CAM and jewelry design.
For a person who wants to get into the jewelry business, it is essential to find a mentor. A good mentor will teach you the basics of merchandising, sizing, designing and selling jewelry. They will also help you learn about the industry and your future goals. Many stores that employ jewelers will have a formal mentoring program for employees.
Jewelers are skilled at building long-lasting relationships with their customers. They are often able to match a client’s taste and personality with the right piece of jewelry. In addition to making sales, these professionals also set up jewelry displays and windows and use computers to track inventory and manage customer relationships. Increasingly, jewelers are also responsible for marketing their products through social media and other digital channels.
Successful jewelers have a well-thought out pricing strategy that takes into account the competition, local market conditions and perceived value of their products. They should be able to match or undercut the prices of competitors, or they may choose to premium price their jewelry to convey a message of luxury and exclusivity. In some cases, they may also need to factor in shipping costs into their pricing model.
Choosing the right manufacturer is critical to the success of a jeweler. Choosing one who is experienced and dedicated to precise manufacturing will allow them to produce pieces that meet the quality standards for major retailers. A reputable manufacturer will also keep detailed records of each piece that they produce, including details such as the materials used and the pricing.
One of the biggest obstacles to entering the jewelry business is the capital investment required to take over a store or start from scratch, Bullock says. Young people who see their parents work six or seven days a week often make up their minds about going into other professions because of the hours and stress of jewelry retail, Boyajian adds. Other roadblocks include lack of credit standing and the fact that a store can be difficult to run successfully on a small profit margin.
