Education · 1 of 4

The path

College or an apprenticeship under a goldsmith, then years at the bench.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 10 to 12

   Art, metalwork or tech classes. Any small, careful handwork helps.

2. 2

   Jewellery program or apprenticeship

   1 to 3 years

   Public colleges in Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax and Calgary run jewellery arts programs from 1 to 3 years. Or find a goldsmith who will train you at the bench.

3. 3

   Junior bench

   1 to 2 years

   Sizing, soldering, polishing, chain repair. Speed and cleanliness come with volume.

4. 4

   Stone setting and custom work

   2 to 5 years

   Prong, bezel, pave and channel setting. The skill that raises your pay most.

5. 5

   Gemmology (optional)

   1 to 2 years part time

   The Canadian Gemmological Association's FCGmA (Fellow of the Canadian Gemmological Association) diploma trains you to identify and grade stones.