Job Opening for Bench Jeweler (Encinitas, CA)

Job description:

Full-Time Bench Jeweler

Julez Bryant Fine Jewelry | Encinitas, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Encinitas, CA (On-Site)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and skill level

About Julez Bryant Fine Jewelry

At Julez Bryant Fine Jewelry, we create meaningful fine jewelry rooted in craftsmanship, artistry, and timeless design. Our collection is handcrafted in-house by our team of skilled artisans, giving each piece the distinctive character and craftsmanship that define the Julez Bryant brand.

Our jewelry is thoughtfully designed and created to celebrate individuality while honoring traditional, heirloom-quality techniques and materials. We value the human touch behind fine jewelry and believe the artistry of the maker is an essential part of every piece we create.

As our brand continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Full-Time Bench Jeweler to join our Encinitas workshop and contribute directly to the creation of our artisanal fine jewelry.

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Bench Jeweler with advanced technical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a genuine passion for fine jewelry craftsmanship.

This is a hands-on position that plays an important role in the creation of our in-house, handcrafted jewelry collection, as well as custom builds, heirloom remodels, engagement rings, and fine jewelry repairs.

The Bench Jeweler will work closely with Julez Bryant and the Head of Production to review orders and designs, understand specifications, discuss construction and fabrication methods, and execute each piece according to the approved design and production timeline.

Because our jewelry is artisanal in nature, we are looking for a jeweler who understands that subtle hand-finished details and the individuality of a handcrafted piece are part of our aesthetic. The right candidate will have the technical expertise to achieve exceptional quality while preserving the character and artistic intention of each design.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, dependable, and capable of managing multiple assigned projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities In-House Collection, Fabrication & Assembly

• Handcraft, fabricate, assemble, and finish pieces from the Julez Bryant fine jewelry collection in-house.
• Preserve the artisanal character and hand-finished aesthetic that define the Julez Bryant brand.
• Fabricate and finish custom designs, engagement rings, remodels, and collection pieces.
• Work confidently with precious metals, including 14K and 18K gold, platinum, and sterling silver.
• Perform soldering, laser welding, ring sizing, assembly, and structural modifications.
• Prepare castings and components for assembly and stone setting.
• Execute polishing, refinishing, texturing, and specialty finishes.
• Follow CAD designs, technical drawings, work orders, and production specifications while maintaining the intended handcrafted aesthetic.
• Ensure all jewelry is constructed with proper proportions, durability, wearability, and exceptional attention to detail.

Advanced Stone Setting

• Perform high-level diamond and gemstone setting with exceptional precision and consistency.
• Set diamonds and gemstones using a variety of techniques, including prong, bezel, pavé, bead, flush/burnished, and other fine jewelry setting styles.
• Set center stones and accent stones in engagement rings, custom pieces, remodels, and collection jewelry.
• Evaluate settings for proper fit, alignment, security, and structural integrity.
• Perform prong rebuilding, retipping, reshaping, and stone tightening.
• Work confidently with delicate, valuable, and client-owned diamonds and gemstones.
• Inspect all stone-setting work for security, symmetry, cleanliness, and overall finish.
• Recognize potential risks involving fragile stones, worn settings, or unusual construction before beginning work.

Custom Builds, Remodels & Engagement Rings

• Execute custom jewelry builds according to approved designs and specifications.
• Perform heirloom remodels and transformations while carefully handling client-owned gemstones and sentimental jewelry.
• Fabricate, assemble, set, and finish engagement rings.
• Collaborate with Julez Bryant and the Head of Production to determine appropriate construction and fabrication methods.
• Identify potential technical or structural concerns and communicate them before proceeding.
• Maintain the original design intent throughout fabrication, stone setting, and finishing.

Fine Jewelry Repairs & Restoration

• Perform ring sizing, soldering, laser welding, and structural repairs.
• Repair chains, clasps, prongs, settings, and other jewelry components.
• Perform prong retipping, rebuilding, stone tightening, and stone replacement.
• Restore and refinish worn or damaged jewelry.
• Prepare jewelry for rhodium plating and perform finishing as needed.
• Handle client-owned and heirloom pieces with exceptional care.
• Ensure repairs are structurally sound and meet Julez Bryant quality standards.

Collaboration & Production Responsibilities

• Work closely with Julez Bryant and the Head of Production to review orders, designs, specifications, and production requirements.
• Collaborate on construction, fabrication, and stone-setting methods to ensure each piece is executed according to Julez’s creative vision and craftsmanship standards.
• Follow production priorities, project assignments, and delivery timelines established by the Head of Production.
• Communicate technical questions, construction concerns, material needs, and potential delays promptly.
• Manage multiple assigned collection pieces, custom builds, remodels, engagement rings, and repairs while maintaining an organized and efficient workflow.
• Ensure all completed work meets Julez Bryant’s craftsmanship standards before submitting pieces for final quality control.

Quality Control & Craftsmanship

• Inspect work throughout fabrication, stone setting, repair, and finishing.
• Ensure proper stone security, clean solder joints, finishing, symmetry, and structural integrity.
• Identify and correct craftsmanship issues before submitting completed pieces for final inspection.
• Maintain consistency with Julez Bryant’s signature artisanal aesthetic and finishing standards.
• Understand the distinction between intentional handcrafted character and workmanship that does not meet quality standards.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of assigned work.

Workshop Operations

• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace.
• Properly handle and account for precious metals, diamonds, gemstones, and client-owned jewelry.
• Maintain tools and equipment in excellent working condition.
• Follow established workshop procedures and safety standards.
• Contribute to an efficient, collaborative, craftsmanship-driven workshop environment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional bench jewelry experience, preferably in fine, luxury, or artisanal jewelry production.
• Strong proficiency in jewelry fabrication, assembly, soldering, and finishing.
• High-level diamond and gemstone setting experience required.
• Strong proficiency in multiple stone-setting techniques.
• Experience working with gold, platinum, and sterling silver.
• Experience with handcrafted fine jewelry, custom builds, engagement rings, remodels, and repairs.
• Ability to read and follow CAD designs, technical drawings, and production specifications.
• Strong understanding of jewelry construction, durability, stone security, and quality control.
• Ability to work confidently with delicate, high-value, and client-owned jewelry.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assigned projects and meet production deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Dependable, professional, and able to work on-site in Encinitas, California.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced laser welding experience.
• Extensive diamond and gemstone setting experience.
• Experience with custom engagement ring fabrication.
• Experience with heirloom jewelry restoration and remodeling.
• Experience producing handcrafted or artisanal designer jewelry.
• Knowledge of specialty finishes, including satin, hammered, textured, and milgrain finishes.
• Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler certification or comparable professional training.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for handcrafted fine jewelry and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Appreciates the artistry and individuality of jewelry made by hand.
• Is confident in both advanced bench work and stone setting.
• Takes pride in producing beautiful, high-quality work.
• Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable.
• Can efficiently manage multiple projects without sacrificing quality.
• Understands the responsibility involved in handling sentimental and high-value jewelry.
• Works efficiently while maintaining the integrity of the craft.
• Communicates proactively and works well within a collaborative production environment.
• Takes ownership of their work from the moment a piece reaches their bench through completion.
• Values artistry, precision, quality, and teamwork.

Compensation & Opportunity

• Competitive compensation based on experience and demonstrated skill level.
• Full-time, on-site position in Encinitas, California.
• Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to an in-house, handcrafted artisanal fine jewelry collection.
• Opportunity to work on custom fine jewelry, engagement rings, meaningful heirloom remodels, and unique client projects.
• Direct collaboration with Julez Bryant and the Head of Production.
• Opportunity to grow within a creative, craftsmanship-driven fine jewelry brand.

Selected candidates may be asked to complete a practical bench and stone-setting assessment to demonstrate technical ability, craftsmanship, precision, and finishing standards.

Work Location: In person

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