Jewelry repair educational programs are an asset to those who want to be bench jeweler technicians as well as appraisers and jewelry designers. Usually, community college and technical schools offer jewelry repair degrees and training programs consisting of both undergraduate certificates and degree level certification. These repair training programs can be very practical and offer students the opportunity to participate in field trips and gain experience while working in hands-on labs. Certification programs completion range from six months to one year, while there are also associate and bachelor degree options, requiring two for four years of study. The skills and degree you hold will determine your career opportunities.

There are some jewelers who learn their trade with on the job training with an experienced jewelry repair technician. Formal training requires either trade school courses to obtain a certificate or a community college to obtain a jewelry repair degree. The undergraduate jeweler repair degree training usually combines both repair and design. Jewelry repair technicians need to have good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail, no matter what certification they are seeking.

There are three types of jewelry repair educational opportunities. The jewelry repair certificate is geared toward teaching those wanting to be a bench jeweler technician. Students learn an overview of the jewelry business and it includes gemology, appraising, stone setting and metal-smithing. They also learn to work with tools such as drills, blades, pliers, drivers, soldering accessories, wax molds, clasps, measuring devices and magnifying lenses. The associate jewelry repair degree includes coursework in jewelry repair. Students learn to work with both fine and costume jewelry. Other education includes learning about material sourcing and identification, casing, soldering and metal forming. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in jewelry repair prepares student to create jewelry as works of art. Students learn to work with bronze, gold, silver, aluminum, platinum and brass jewelry. Computer aided design is also included in the bachelor degree program.

Once you have the training, experience in the jewelry repair field is essential. Generally, those who have received a jewelry repair degree have had some hands-on work experience, but the student may consider an informal apprenticeship to again more work experience. Apprenticeships are generally offered by jewelry manufacturers or through jewelry repair technicians that work independently. The jewelry repair technicians have career opportunities as independent contractors or even employees at retail outlets, creative plants and repair kiosks.

Licenses and certifications are not required to be a jewelry repair technician, but if you have a jewelry repair degree, you can voluntary take exams form the Jewelers of America. The different types of certification include Certified Master Bench Jeweler, Certified Senior Bench Jeweler, Certified Bend Jeweler and Bench Jeweler Technician. To qualify for any of these forms of certifications the applicant must pass a written and practical exam.

To further your education or just gain more insight about the jewelry business after obtaining a jewelry repair degree, you can attend workshops or seminars. The workshops usually last a couple of days and offered by metal guilds, schools and art centers.