Events & AwardsMay 08, 2023
JA announces 2023 Class of ‘20 Under 40’IndependentsMay 11, 2023
JA Relaunches Bench Certification Program
It offers three levels of certification.
Jewelers of America has brought back its professional certification program for bench jewelers, which requires candidates to pass a written and a physical proficiency test to receive one of three levels of certification.
New York—Jewelers of America has relaunched its Bench Professional Certification Program.
The nationally recognized program was established in 1997 to promote the professionalism of jewelers and store owners but has been on hiatus for the past five years.
The reworked program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels.
The levels are:
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience;
JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience; and
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ), the highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification that demonstrates mastery at all skill levels.
“We are thrilled to bring back our popular Bench Professional Certification Program at this important time,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
“With bench jewelers’ demand at a high and a new generation of jewelry professionals entering the industry, we have an opportunity to better serve our jewelers by providing certification opportunities that demonstrate competencies while serving as a platform to improve consumer confidence.”
Related stories will be right here …
The nationally recognized program was established in 1997 to promote the professionalism of jewelers and store owners but has been on hiatus for the past five years.
The reworked program establishes national standards and administers tests to rate the talents and proficiency of bench jewelers at three levels.
The levels are:
JA Certified Beginner Bench Jeweler (CBBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a trained entry-level bench jeweler generalist performing jewelry repair with about one year’s experience;
JA Certified Bench Jeweler (CBJ), which reflects skills and knowledge generally expected of a bench jeweler generalist performing most jewelry repairs with two or more years of experience; and
JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler (CMBJ), the highest level of JA Bench Professional Certification that demonstrates mastery at all skill levels.
“We are thrilled to bring back our popular Bench Professional Certification Program at this important time,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte.
“With bench jewelers’ demand at a high and a new generation of jewelry professionals entering the industry, we have an opportunity to better serve our jewelers by providing certification opportunities that demonstrate competencies while serving as a platform to improve consumer confidence.”
Candidates must pass an “open book” online written exam and a series of practical tests to become JA certified.
Completion of the written exam is a pre-requisite for the practical bench tests, which require the candidate to perform tasks set to national standards, utilizing the tools and technology available to complete the projects.
It may be taken at the candidate’s own bench using his or her own tools and equipment or at another location of choice.
JA said grading criteria is like that used in a shop. Completed practical tests are anonymously sent to approved graders who use a comprehensive grading system consistent with quality standards for jewelry repair and manufacturing.
Graders may decide if a test with errors in workmanship will need to be reworked or retaken.
Upon certification, individuals receive a Bench Professional Certification certificate, a JA Bench Professional Certification lapel pin, use of a JA Bench Professional Certification logo, and a press release template.
JA members also receive a Bench Professional Jeweler Certification decal for display in the window or door of a store, shop, or other place of business and a special designation in the Find a Jeweler Directory on Jewelers.org.
Scholarships are available for the JA Bench Professional Certification program, according to JA’s website.
For more information or to register for certification, visit JA’s website, email exam@jewelers.com or contact JA’s Member Services at (800) 223-0673.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
