Van Cleef & Arpels Photo Retouching Assistant (Apprenticeship)
Van Cleef & Arpels (Paris) seeks a Photo Retouching Assistant (Apprenticeship) to support jewellery image post-production for digital and print.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a maison renowned for high-jewelry excellence and poetic craftsmanship, operating within the luxury jewellery sector and part of the Richemont group. The brand combines artisanal savoir-faire with exacting artistic direction across advertising, e-commerce and editorial photography.
Role & Responsibilities
- Support senior retouchers in the post-production of jewellery and accessory photography for digital and print channels, ensuring absolute fidelity to colour, texture and gemstones.
- Perform detailed retouching tasks: cleaning, colour correction, masking, compositing and polishing of high-resolution images to brand specifications.
- Prepare and export image deliverables in formats and colour profiles required for e-commerce, lookbooks and press, maintaining consistent file naming and metadata.
- Contribute to image quality control: check resolution, sharpness, tonal consistency and retouching continuity across product ranges.
- Maintain and organise the digital asset library and retouching workflows, including version control and archival of master files.
- Collaborate with the photography studio, art directors and production teams to meet tight schedules and iterative creative feedback.
- Participate in technical and creative training modules as part of the apprenticeship, and apply learnings to daily production.
Qualifications
- Enrolled in an accredited programme in photography, digital imaging, graphic design or a related visual arts discipline (BTS, Licence, Bachelor or equivalent) under an apprenticeship/alternance arrangement.
- A demonstrable portfolio or showreel with examples of detailed retouching and product photography work.
- Strong visual sensibility with an eye for jewellery materials, reflections and colour accuracy.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow strict brand and colour management guidelines.
- Capacity to work methodically under deadlines and to receive iterative creative direction.
Skills
Experience
Apprenticeship-level: prior internship experience in a retouching studio or academic coursework with hands-on retouching practice; a portfolio demonstrating relevant work is essential. 0–12 months of professional exposure is acceptable if supported by strong practical samples.
Education
Currently enrolled in a photography, digital imaging, visual arts or graphic design programme (BTS/DUT/Licence/Bachelor) suitable for an alternance/apprenticeship.
Workplace
The successful candidate will be located in Paris, Île-de-France, France. 3.349 luxury roles are listed in Paris on Cerulean, 56 posted in the last 48 hours. Across the Île-de-France region, Cerulean lists 3.763 open positions — 73 listed in the past two days. Cerulean currently advertises 4.322 open roles in France, including 87 added in the last 48 hours.
Culture
Van Cleef & Arpels blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary creative direction; the workplace values meticulous artisanal standards, close collaboration between studios and ateliers, and mentorship through experiential learning. The maison offers an environment where attention to detail and respect for heritage drive creative and technical excellence.
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.