Van Cleef & Arpels Jeweller (Bench Jeweller / Goldsmith)
About Van Cleef & Arpels
Van Cleef & Arpels is an esteemed French Maison of high jewellery and watchmaking, celebrated for artisanal craftsmanship, poetic design and exceptional finishing. The maison is part of the Richemont group and operates a global network of boutiques and ateliers where traditional techniques and rigorous quality standards are central to the brand's identity.
Van Cleef & Arpels seeks a Jeweller in Biarritz for bench work, repairs and stone-setting. Permanent, full-time position at the maison's boutique/atelier.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute precision bench work on high-jewellery and goldsmith pieces: soldering, assembly, polishing and finishing to maison standards.
- Perform stone setting across techniques (claw, bezel, pavé) and ensure secure, aesthetic mounting of precious stones.
- Carry out repairs, resizing, restorations and bespoke modifications while respecting original design intent and quality control criteria.
- Inspect incoming and outgoing pieces using loupe and microscopy; document interventions and escalate complex issues to atelier management.
- Maintain bench tools and equipment, uphold strict cleanliness and security of the work area, and follow safe handling procedures for precious metals and gems.
- Collaborate with boutique staff, atelier colleagues and gemmologists to meet client expectations for bespoke and after-sales services.
Qualifications
- Vocational qualification in jewellery making, goldsmithing or an equivalent apprenticeship (e.g., CAP/BEP, BTS or trade diploma) or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Proven technical mastery of traditional jewellery bench skills and gemstone handling.
- Excellent visual acuity, manual dexterity and meticulous attention to detail.
- Professional integrity, discretion and respect for maison confidentiality and luxury service standards.
- Good communication skills and ability to liaise with boutique teams and clients when required.
Skills
Experience
Minimum three years' progressive experience as a bench jeweller or goldsmith within a luxury jewellery house, high-end atelier or specialised repair workshop; experience with high-jewellery pieces strongly preferred.
Education
Vocational diploma or apprenticeship in jewellery making / goldsmithing (CAP/BEP or equivalent) or demonstrable professional training and experience.
Workplace
This position is based in Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, within easy reach of Bordeaux.
Culture
The maison fosters a culture of artisanal excellence and reverence for craft, where precision, creativity and long-term skill development are prized. Teams operate in a respectful, discreet environment that balances traditional techniques with exacting luxury standards.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Van Cleef & Arpels, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Bench Jeweller», «Goldsmith - Jewellery Workshop», «Stone Setter», «Jewellery Repair Technician», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.