How to Become a Personal Jeweler
Advice for getting started!
One of the most common questions I get across all of my platforms is how I got started as a Personal Jeweler. This is a job that I feel so lucky to have because quite frankly, it doesn’t feel like work at all. For context, I work one-on-one with clients on custom jewelry projects. I don’t have a brick and mortar because most of my clients are virtual, found through social media. My main mission is to provide people with their dream jewelry without the big brand markups - making luxury feel more personal and accessible.
How I got started:
Being a Personal Jeweler was never in my plans! It had always been a farfetched dream in the back of my mind. I really admired Stephanie Gottlieb in college and told myself I would do what she does in another life! Fast forward a couple of years, I had completed my schooling in the sciences with plans to go into research, but thankfully, when it was time for a full-time job, I wasn’t able to find one (the job market was not in my favor), and I had simultaneously realized that it wasn’t for me. I took that as a sign to give jewelry a try!
My prerequisites:
There is no clear path on how to break into the jewelry industry - plus, there are so many avenues you can take. These steps will differ for everyone, but here’s what I did!
Enrolled in GIA Classes.
I knew that a GIA education would help me feel more comfortable breaking into this industry. (I am a Virgo who has always been very school oriented) but it is not a requirement that you study at the GIA to join the jewelry industry!
Work Experience in a Fine Jewelry Retailer
This is a really great step to take to familiarize yourself with sales and deepen your knowledge of fine jewelry. Bonus points if you work in a shop with a bench jeweler in-house! This was my situation, and I learned so much from just watching!
Social Media
This is the best way to market yourself and share your knowledge! I integrated my TikTok posts with what I was learning at the GIA and from working in jewelry and it really helped me feel more confident in the fine jewelry space!
My advice to those just starting out:
Network!!
This is what has helped me the most! Call around and ask local jewelers and bench jewelers for advice or if they’re looking for work. The jewelry industry is all about who you know and maintaining those connections, so be kind to everyone and ask around. Join Facebook groups, explore Reddit forums, and follow your favorite jewelers online to stay in the loop!
Take Advantage of Social Media
This is the easiest way to market yourself and it’s free! Even if you feel like you’re not ready or have imposter syndrome, just start! Imperfect action is always better than waiting until you feel ready!
Try it all
There are so many avenues you can take in the jewelry industry. Diamond broker, appraiser, gemologist, historian, auction house, jewelry designer, bench jeweler. Figure out what makes you most excited and go with it!
In my experience, just starting (as with anything in life) will open a lot of doors. Once you take the first step, the next step will come! It may not happen exactly the way you planned, but it will happen. If you’re interested in hearing more, I just uploaded a Q&A on YouTube where I answer questions about being a personal jeweler, so be sure to check that out!