Bench Jeweler

The Southeast Arkansas College Bench Jeweler Program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of jewelry craftsmanship. This comprehensive program is designed to prepare aspiring jewelers for a rewarding and fulfilling career in creating, repairing and enhancing fine jewelry. This program emphasizes hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills to produce skilled professionals who can contribute to the worlds of jewelry design and repair.

Summary

The Bench Jeweler Program at Southeast Arkansas College provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful bench jewelers. Participants gain skills in crafting, repairing and restoring jewelry. The curriculum covers a wide range of essential skills from metalwork, gemstone setting, engraving and design principles.

Bench Jeweler Program Degree Sheet (PDF)

Highlights of the Program

• Craftsmanship: Students are trained in both traditional and contemporary jewelry making techniques. This ensures that they can create intricate and stunning pieces that meet industry standards.
• Repair and Restoration: This program provides students with the necessary skills to restore jewelry back to its original brilliance. They can breathe new life into treasured pieces.
• Gemology Knowledge: Participants will gain a better understanding of gemstones and their properties. They will also learn how to set them expertly into jewelry settings.
• Design Principles: This program covers the fundamentals of design, allowing students to conceptualize unique and aesthetically pleasing designs.
• Hands-on Experience - Through practical projects and hands-on exercises, students gain confidence in working with precious materials, gemstones and intricate jewelry components.

Job Outlook

The projected job growth for bench jewelers looks promising. From 2016 to 2026, employment opportunities are expected to increase by 14%. Bench jewelers are in high demand as the demand for finely crafted and customized jewelry continues to grow.

Responsibilities

• Create and craft intricate jewelry pieces by using different metals and gemstones.
• Restoring damaged or outdated jewelry back to its original condition.
• Setting gemstones into different jewelry settings.
• Working with clients to bring jewelry design ideas to reality.
• Using engraving and decorative techniques for jewelry aesthetics.
• Assuring the quality of each jewelry item.

Average Wages in Arkansas

Top 10% Annual: $58,350.00*

Average Annual: $36,850.00*

Average Hourly: $17.72

Note that the wage figures are estimates and may change depending on factors such as location and experience.

Enrollment Information

Students interested in taking the program beginning this fall need to:

1. apply to SEARK: https://seark.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Create 
2. enroll in the intro to Jewelry course starting in September 2023: https://p2.seark.edu:8443/Student/Courses/Search?subjects=JEWL 

Upon successful completion of the introduction course, students will be selected to enter the full program.

For more information, contact Lyric Seymore, Dean of Technical Studies at lseymore@seark.edu, 870-543-5966.