Makes and repairs jewellery such as rings, brooches, chains and bracelets; crafts objects out of precious metals, or cuts, shapes and polishes rough gemstones to produce fashion or industrial jewels.

Examines designs and specifications for jewellery and precious metal objects; shapes and moulds metal by cutting, filing, beating, turning and bending, using specialised hand and power tools; assembles articles by soldering, screwing, riveting and otherwise joining; secures precious stones in retaining prongs and ridges, and smoothes and checks final settings; engraves designs on ring settings, brooches, bracelets and other articles; repairs jewellery by soldering, replacing and rebuilding worn and broken parts; appraises the quality and value of jewellery; cuts and divides stones to approximate final shape, using precision hand and power tools and jigs; secures stones and shapes, cuts angles, smoothes and polishes; finishes articles using files, emery paper and buffing machines.

• Works indoors predominantly in small factories, workshops or jewellery stores and may be self-employed.
• Work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated.
• Constantly works with stone cutting and polishing machinery and hand tools.

• Physical demand level is light.
• Standing or sitting on stools is constantly required for long periods at workbenches, cutting, grinding and polishing machines or when carrying out fine or detailed work. Walking about the workshop between the machines, workbenches and to collect stones is frequently required.
• Stretching up or across, squatting, crouching or kneeling, and twisting of the body or neck, are not required.
• Bending over workbenches is frequently required.
• Lifting and carrying is occasionally required to transport stones for use but this is unlikely to exceed light physical demand.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required.
• Driving is not required.
• Jewellers use a wide range of hand tools including a variety of measuring instruments, glass cutting hand and abrasive bevelling tools or machines and a range of precision hand tools for shaping and finishing.
• Mental skills include technical, design, problem-solving and planning skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.