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
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for EmergenciesEmergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.
CollectionsMar 06, 2025
Guzema, 3.1 Phillip Lim Collab on New ‘Snake’ DesignsThe limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 06, 2025
Borsheims’ ‘Ike-It’ Award Goes to JewelerSenior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Store to Close, Confirms Saks GlobalThe 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond SalesThe jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.
AuctionsMar 05, 2025
Sotheby's To Auction 51 ‘Alien’ WatchesThe upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.
MajorsMar 05, 2025
Jewelers of America Unveils 3-Year Strategic Plan The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2025
92NY Accepting 2025 Jewelry Artist Residency ApplicationsThe application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond SwapsManashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful AquamarineThe March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 OscarsFrom Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of MiningOriginally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the FutureThe recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork EarringsThe work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends ForecastFine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement RingHarlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.
MajorsFeb 27, 2025
Winona Ryder, Iman Star in New Pandora CampaignThe Danish jeweler released the next chapter of its “Be Love” campaign, which celebrates love in all its forms.
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality EmeraldsThe 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association ConventionThe learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.
