Additional Information
If you want to get into jewelry, the best thing to do is learn about the
business, whether you're working in it or not.
If you want to be more of a designer or craftsperson like Jason Hampton,
that means you might want to take a course in jewelry making. You can find
these courses in continuing education programs, community colleges and vocational
institutes.
In the meantime, Hampton says the easiest and best way to get into the
business is the way he did it. He hounded a shop owner he knew until the man
gave him a low-paying job mopping the floor and sizing the odd ring.
From there, a show of interest and eagerness got him into doing more actual
jewelry making. Sales experience on the showroom floor also came with the
job.
Hampton says it is very difficult to get an informal apprentice position,
though. You really have to know someone in the business and hustle to get
work.
There are educational institutes that specialize in the jewelry industry.
The Gemological Institute of America, with campuses across the country, is
an example. There, you can get certification as a gemologist. However this
won't guarantee you a job.
There are various other titles one can obtain through education and experience,
like certified gemologist appraiser and registered jeweler.