Jewelry & Metalsmithing | University of Akron Main Campus

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-9071.00

Skills

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical Thinking

Knowledge

Customer and Personal ServiceDesignProduction and ProcessingSales and MarketingAdministration and Management

Abilities

Near VisionFinger DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityCategory FlexibilityVisualizationProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning

Tasks

Clean and polish metal items and jewelry pieces, using jewelers' tools, polishing wheels, and chemic
Smooth soldered joints and rough spots, using hand files and emery paper, and polish smoothed areas
Create jewelry from materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones.
Measure, cut, and file pieces of jewelry, such as rings, brooches, bracelets, and lockets.

Technology

Graphics or photo imaging softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareAccounting softwareInventory management software

Tools

Adjustable bench visesAir compressorsAutomatic lathesAwl setsBail pliersBall peen hammersBanding pliersBattery testersBead reamersBeading pliersBeading toolsBeading tweezersBelt sandersBench knivesBench refractometers

Work Values

Working ConditionsAchievementRecognitionSupportRelationshipsIndependence

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-9071.00	Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Full jewelry fabrication workflow — execute autonomously across cutting, filing, soldering, setting, and finishing to create complete custom pieces from gold, silver, and platinum in a professional studio.
Complex stone setting techniques — perform channel, pavé, flush, and tension settings across a wide range of precious and semiprecious stones to exacting tolerances in a high-end jewelry environment.
Non-routine repair challenges — diagnose and resolve structurally compromised pieces, antique mountings, and multi-stone assemblies using advanced soldering and fabrication methods in a full-service shop.
Precision quality inspection — use magnification and measuring instruments to evaluate gemstone alignment, structural integrity, and finish quality against client specifications with no supervisory oversight.
Design visualization and originality — translate client concepts into detailed technical drawings or CAD models that guide fabrication of bespoke jewelry in a custom design studio.
Comprehensive cost analysis — calculate full production costs, including labor, materials, overhead, and markup, to develop accurate client quotes and monitor profitability in a jewelry business.
Critical thinking in materials selection — evaluate metal alloy properties, stone hardness, and setting suitability to recommend optimal material combinations for durability and aesthetics.
Customer consultation and oral communication — lead detailed design and repair consultations, articulating technical options and trade-offs clearly to clients in a retail or studio setting.
CRM and sales software — manage client order histories, follow-up communications, and custom job tracking to maintain relationships in a full-service jewelry operation.
Workshop tool maintenance and calibration — inspect, maintain, and calibrate bench tools, soldering equipment, and polishing machinery to ensure production accuracy and safety standards.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.