A jeweller (retail) sells jewellery, clocks, watches and silverware. They may also carry out basic jewellery repair or cleaning services.

The Work

You could be:

• arranging displays of jewellery, clocks, watches and silverware in the shop
• discussing what the customer wants and choosing suitable items
• arranging different methods of payment: cash, credit and debit cards or by instalments
• gift wrapping items purchased
• examining pieces of jewellery and quoting a value
• repairing, adjusting and cleaning jewellery
• carrying out stock control duties
• working to meet a set sales target
• specialising in one particular area, such as diamonds or watches.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2023 the National Minimum Wage is £5.28 an hour for workers under 18, £7.49 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20 and £10.18 an hour for workers aged 21 to 22. The National Living Wage for those aged 23 and over is £10.42 an hour.

This may rise to £12.00 an hour or more with experience. Salaries can increase with commission earned on sales.

Conditions

• You will work a five-day week including some evenings and weekends.
• Part time work is common.
• Your pay may depend partly on commission for sales.
• If you are in a management job you might have to travel about the country or abroad to fairs, spending occasional overnights away from home.
• You will have to wear protective goggles if cleaning or cutting stones.
• You may have to wear a uniform.

Getting In

• You do not always need formal qualifications, but a good general education is useful.
• Previous retail or customer service experience would be useful.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2022

2131

1.5 %

RISE

2027

2163

  United Kingdom

2022

36406

1.6 %

RISE

2027

36976

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should have:

• a good eye for detail
• excellent customer service skills
• good observation skills
• a smart appearance
• sales skills
• good practical skills for cleaning or repairing items
• an interest in and knowledge of jewellery.

Training

• You will get training on the job.
• There are SVQs in Retail Skills at SCQF Levels 4 and 5 and Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF Level 6.
• Your employer might expect you to study for professional exams.
• The National Association of Jewellers offers online courses through the Jewellery Education and Training (JET) programme. There are six levels: Essentials, JET 1, JET 2, Business Development, Management and Foundations of Appraisal Practice.
• The Gemmological Association of Great Britain offers a range of tailor made courses in the gem and jewellery trade. There is a gemmology or diamond route.

Getting On

• You can work for independent jewellers as well as for large chains.
• If you work for a large company you can get promotion to a management post.
• You can repair and polish jewellery on a freelance basis for a group of shops.
• You can become self-employed if you have a lot of capital to invest.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.