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 The Graduate Bench Jeweler ProgramIs a career as a Bench Jeweler right for you?Bench Jewelers design, fabricate and repair jewelry. There are many career paths in which a jeweler may follow. For example, handling repairs at a retail shop, designing their own work, or working for a jewelry manufacturer. Jewelers can further specialize in areas such as Stone Setting, Hand Engraving or CAD (Computer Aided Design). Bench jewelers are detailed oriented and patient with superior fine motor skills, as most jewelry work involves a series of small, intricate steps. Many have a strong interest in art and design as well as an aptitude for tools and machines. At NASJ, students will develop the skills needed to achieve the Jewelers of America Level II Certification in as little as 12-weeks. JA is the national trade association for jewelers. The JA Bench Jeweler Certification program provides a national standard that rates the talents and proficiency of the bench jeweler. This is completed through a series of tests at four levels. If you are contemplating a career as a bench jeweler, New Approach School for Jewelers is designed to give you the foundation you need to grow and be successful in this industry. Jewelry Technician Program8 Weeks (320 Hours) The first eight weeks of the Graduate Bench Jeweler program, known as the Jewelry Technician program, is based around a commercial bench jeweler’s "job box". Students learn in an environment similar to a working repair shop where they will be responsible for keeping tracking of materials and working at an efficient pace. Core skills are taught encouraging confidence, consistency, and speed through the development of fundamental techniques. Graduates leave with the ability to gain employment as entry or intermediate level bench jewelers and are prepared for the JA Level I Bench Jeweler Technician Certification. Graduate Bench Jeweler12 Weeks (480 Hours) The Graduate Bench Jeweler program provides students with the 8-week Jewelry Technician program plus an additional 4 weeks of advanced classes. Students will learn Advanced Stone Setting, Ornamental Hand Engraving, and Platinum Fabrication. They are also given the choice of either Wax Carving or Computer Aided Design. Students graduating will be proficient in mainstream jewelry repair and stone setting skills using gold, silver and platinum. Graduates are prepared for JA Level II Bench Jeweler Certification and beyond. Classes are held Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Benches are fully stocked with all the tools and materials you will need. It is not necessary to purchase any tools prior to arrival. CurriculumWeek 1-4Orientation - School and program requirements and policies. Safety - School and lab rules, industrial standards, instruction on proper use of bench tools, soldering/welding equipment, grinders, flex shafts, and polishing equipment Hazardous Materials - Regulations regarding usage, proper storage and disposal methods; proper ventilation and containers; precautions of mixing various compounds, acids and solvents and in which applications they apply Workstations Fundamentals - Identification of hand, power tools and measuring devices; explanation of their individual applications and maintenance; preparation and modification of specialized tools; and organization of the workbench Core Skill Development - Sawing and filing techniques, rolling and drawing metal, soldering techniques using silver and gold, torch theory, setting construction, layout using measuring tools and proportional spacing, preparation of surfaces, cleaning techniques, bending shanks and basic polishing Basic Metallurgy - Discussion of properties and melting points for precious metals Gemstones - Introduction to precious and semi-precious stones, the different cuts and unique hazards Stone Setting - Level One - Setting techniques, layout, and custom tool making; setting styles include flush, bezel, prong (round & fancy), bead and bright, emphasis is placed on bur control and graver use Repair Skills - Level One
Business Ethics - Discussion of quality and honest workmanship, and the importance of clear communication in the work place Industry - Trade reference materials and journals, organizations, manufacturing options, career paths, tool vendors Week 5-8Repair Skills - Level Two
Shop Set-up - Discussion of pros and cons of equipment, layout, ventilation, production procedures Stone Setting - Level Two - Marquise, baguette, emerald, princess, gypsy, channel, and cluster settings, discussion of stone breakage, custom tool making for specific settings Bench Tricks and Tips - Discussion of proven time and cost saving methods Finishing Methods - Introduction to the various polishing tools and compounds, using vibratory tumbler and rotary, emphasizing on maintaining details and sharp edges, ultrasonic and steam cleaning Fabrication - Plan layout, fabricate three stone basket setting and ring from raw materials Plating - Basic electroplating, proper uses of anodes and tips on masking items for plating with both gold and rhodium Week 9-12Ornamental Hand Engraving - Discussion of tools and the history of engraving, Graver grinding and sharpening, proper hand position, primary cuts, the art of scrolls, and floral patterns Wax Carving Intensive * - Exploration of design, layout, carving, faux granulation, bezel, prong, and channel work, hollowing, finishing, discussion of mold making and casting Computer Aided Design * - 3-D computer modeling using Rhinoceros software, jewelry design, photorealistic rendering, rapid prototyping, layout, casting and assembly Advanced Stone Setting - Advanced prong setting techniques, princess cut, emerald cut, baguette, inlaid channel, grooved princess, bead setting, thread setting pavé, advance pavé, discussion of advanced fragile stone and invisible settings Platinum Fabrication - Discussion of bench tools, workspace preparation and safety, unique soldering techniques, sizing with the fusion method, heat temperatures and stone protection, bi-metal attachments, metal inlay, scrap reclaiming, plumb platinum solders, finishing techniques * Students are given the option of either taking the Wax Carving Intensive or the Computer Aided Jewelry Design (CAD) class.
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