A jewelry repair technician is also known as a bench jeweler and is a specialist who restored damaged jewelry. Students who study to earn jewelry repair certification are able to restore items such as earrings, bracelets, rings and other personal items back to original or near original condition. Tools used by bench jewelers are simple items such as pliers, wire cutters and ball peen hammers, and also more advanced equipment such as torches, chemical baths and even lasers. Duties of a bench jeweler include assessing the state of the damage pieces, selecting replacement metals, gems or other materials and creating models from clay, plaster, or wax. Duties may also consist of soldering joints, drilling holes as well as trimming and polishing rough areas and evaluating repair quality.

For high school students who are want to obtain a jewelry repair certification, they can begin preparing while still in school. Taking courses in mathematics, art and chemistry are all essential to acquiring skills needed by those working in jewelry repair. Other courses such as computer-aided designs and mechanical drawing are also helpful. After obtaining your high school diploma or GED, you can apply to a postsecondary technician training program. Even if you do not prepare in high school, you can still apply to a training program. It is never too late to apply to a jewelry repair program.

Although the majority of bench jewelry have a formal education in jewelry repair, it is possible to learn on the job and train with someone who owns a shop. However, if you want to obtain a jewelry repair certification, then you will need to find a technical or community college that offers that specific program. With these programs the student will obtain a certificate and learn different soldering methods, plating and surface treatments and casing methods. The student will also engage in supplemental labs and work hands-on with precision tools and metals. Programs vary. Some focus on jewelry repair, while others address both jewelry making and repair.

There four types of jewelry repair certification and all are available from the Jewelers of America. Each certification requires and exam containing both written and practical tests. After one year of study, a student is qualified for the title of Certified Bench Jeweler Technician. After two years of study, a student is qualified as a Certified Bench Jeweler. After earning these certifications, if you can demonstrate mastery of the skills tested for both CBJT and CBJ and competence in advanced skills, you will earn the Certified Senior Bench Jeweler. The most advanced skills are required to earn the Certification Master Bench Jeweler, which opens up the most opportunities in jewelry repair.

When starting your career, your level and position will depend on what jewelry repair certification level you hold. Your ability to gain employment with a jewelry repair shop or to open your own business depends on your initiative and skills. When opening your own business, knowledge of sales, business management and marketing are all essential for initial success. However, it will be the relationships you build along with your reputation that will prove you are a competent and skilled jeweler.