Van Cleef & Arpels Polisher

Van Cleef & Arpels is a haute-joaillerie maison renowned for artisanal craftsmanship, poetic design and exceptional finishing. As part of the luxury sector, the brand operates dedicated ateliers where master artisans collaborate to produce handcrafted jewellery and timepieces; the maison is integrated within the luxury goods ecosystem and works closely with specialized production teams across its workshops.

1. Execute manual and machine polishing of precious-metal components and finished jewellery to specified surface finishes (mirror, satin, matte), ensuring consistency and adherence to quality standards.
2. Prepare pieces for successive production stages (setting, assembly, plating) by removing burrs, seams and tool marks while preserving design geometry and stone mounts.
3. Operate and maintain polishing equipment and hand tools — micromotors, rotary tools, polishing wheels and buffing heads — and select appropriate abrasives and compounds for each finish.
4. Inspect and measure finished surfaces using loupes, microscopes and metrology gauges; document and report defects or non-conformances to atelier supervisors.
5. Collaborate with gem-setters, assemblers and restoration specialists to coordinate corrective polishing and final finish prior to quality control.
6. Follow atelier protocols for tool care, workplace cleanliness, safety and handling of precious metals and gemstones.
7. Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending technique refinements and participating in skills-transfer with junior technicians.

1. Proven vocational training or apprenticeship in jewellery making, metalsmithing or a related craft (CAP/BEP or equivalent preferred).
2. Minimum three years' experience in high-end jewellery or luxury metal finishing.
3. Exceptional manual dexterity, fine motor control and sustained visual acuity for detailed handwork.
4. Deep familiarity with the behaviour of precious metals (gold, rose gold, platinum) and finishing processes for mounted gemstones.
5. Ability to read technical drawings and follow tight tolerances for surface finish and edge definition.
6. Strong sense of quality, punctuality and respect for atelier confidentiality and brand standards.

1. Micromotor / rotary tools
2. Polishing wheels and buffs
3. Abrasive compounds and pastes
4. Jewellery loupe (10x) and inspection microscope
5. Ultrasonic cleaner
6. Hand files and fine burr tools
7. Metrology gauges and visual inspection techniques

Minimum of three years' experience in jewellery polishing or luxury metal finishing, preferably within an ateliers environment producing fine jewellery or watches.

Vocational qualification in jewellery making, metalsmithing or a related craft; formal apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on training preferred.

The maison cultivates an atelier culture rooted in meticulous craftsmanship, intergenerational skill transfer and respect for artisanal excellence. Teams operate within disciplined, collaborative workshops where technical mastery and aesthetic fidelity are paramount.