MajorsFeb 07, 2024
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Gets New Designation From Dept. of Labor SurveysFeb 29, 2024
Want Insight Into Industry Salaries? Check Out This Careers Guide
From bench jewelers to appraisers, Jewelers of America’s updated guide shares an overview of how much industry employees are being paid.
Jewelers of America’s new “Careers in the Jewelry Industry” guide is available online and in print.
New York—Jewelers of America has updated its career guide for the jewelry industry for the first time in a decade.
The new “Careers in the Jewelry Industry” guide, available online and as a full-color booklet to all members of the jewelry industry, was designed as a tool to attract new talent to the industry.
This is the third edition of the guide.
The online version also contains the results of JA’s salary study, conducted anonymously last spring.
The results can be found under “Career Pathways” or in the “Skills Spotlight” section of the website.
For the study, the organization asked company owners, managers, and HR professionals to securely provide information on salary basics, commission structures and benefits, work environment information, and education and experience-level requirements.
Using responses from the 217 participants, the study compiled enough data to obtain salary information for 17 positions, including bench jeweler, appraiser, sales professional, and executive-level roles.
The results share salary information for those in the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles, as well as information about commission and bonuses, where applicable.
For example, the study found that a sales manager has a median total compensation of $85,300 while a bench jeweler has a median total compensation of $62,000.
It also compares averages for the various roles to the national average using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The study results also share insights into the respondents, like where their stores are located and how many employees they have.
The majority of the participants had one store or sales location with a median of eight full-time employees. Eighty-five percent of respondents identified as a “small business.”
Those interested in learning more can download an overview of the study by Nan Lung Palmer of Facets Jewelry Consulting here.
Palmer’s overview shares her insights into compensation and benefits for various roles within the jewelry industry.
Related stories will be right here …
The new “Careers in the Jewelry Industry” guide, available online and as a full-color booklet to all members of the jewelry industry, was designed as a tool to attract new talent to the industry.
This is the third edition of the guide.
The online version also contains the results of JA’s salary study, conducted anonymously last spring.
The results can be found under “Career Pathways” or in the “Skills Spotlight” section of the website.
For the study, the organization asked company owners, managers, and HR professionals to securely provide information on salary basics, commission structures and benefits, work environment information, and education and experience-level requirements.
Using responses from the 217 participants, the study compiled enough data to obtain salary information for 17 positions, including bench jeweler, appraiser, sales professional, and executive-level roles.
The results share salary information for those in the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles, as well as information about commission and bonuses, where applicable.
For example, the study found that a sales manager has a median total compensation of $85,300 while a bench jeweler has a median total compensation of $62,000.
It also compares averages for the various roles to the national average using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The study results also share insights into the respondents, like where their stores are located and how many employees they have.
The majority of the participants had one store or sales location with a median of eight full-time employees. Eighty-five percent of respondents identified as a “small business.”
Those interested in learning more can download an overview of the study by Nan Lung Palmer of Facets Jewelry Consulting here.
Palmer’s overview shares her insights into compensation and benefits for various roles within the jewelry industry.
Aside from the salary study, the updated guide highlights career opportunities and shares information on the skills that are currently the most sought-after in the jewelry industry.
“The industry has changed so much during the last decade, and it was important that the guide reflects the jewelry industry as it is today,” said Susan Thea Posnock, JA’s director of public affairs and education.
“From the sleek new design of the booklet to the comprehensive and easy-to-navigate Jewelry Careers center online, the updates shine a light on exciting opportunities for job seekers, whether they are just out of school or looking to change careers.”
The guide, now in its third edition, outlines 12 career paths, including new sections on marketing, jewelry executives, and entrepreneurs, as well as information about sales and management careers on the retail and supplier sides of the industry.
The new “Skills Spotlights” section delves into which areas of knowledge are important to have, such as skills in technology and finance, and can open new doors career wise.
The guide also includes profiles of jewelry professionals, sharing how their careers began and the impact the industry has had on their lives.
The printed booklet has been shared with jewelry programs across the United States, said JA, while the “Jewelry Careers” online platform has been sent to career centers.
To access the online Jewelry Careers Guide, visit the JA website.
To request copies of the booklet, email Susan Thea Posnock at sposnock@jewelers.org.
More on Surveys
The Latest
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
WatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch HistoryThe book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
AuctionsOct 23, 2025
Freeman’s | Hindman Names New VP, Senior Specialist for Jewelry & WatchesAlexis Vourvoulis, who most recently worked at Tiffany & Co., brings more than two decades of jewelry experience to her new role.
TrendsOct 22, 2025
The Taylor Swift Effect: Antique Diamonds EditionThe superstar’s August engagement put the stamp of approval on an already hot engagement ring trend.
