Van Cleef & Arpels Senior Jeweller, Technical Expert — High Jewellery Development

Van Cleef & Arpels is a storied maison of haute joaillerie renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, poetic design language and artisanal workshops. As part of the Richemont group, the brand combines heritage-led creativity with rigorous technical standards and international retail and manufacturing operations.

1. Lead technical development of high jewellery models from design brief to finished prototype, ensuring manufacturability and fidelity to creative intent.
2. Produce and validate technical drawings, specifications and assembly sequences for complex pieces, including stone setting, pavé, and articulated mechanisms.
3. Supervise prototyping and finishing phases in internal workshops and with external partners; manage iterations to meet quality, cost and timing targets.
4. Collaborate closely with design, sourcing/gemstone teams, quality control and production to anticipate technical constraints and propose engineering solutions.
5. Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior jewellers and bench staff; establish best-practice standards and workmanship guidelines.
6. Ensure compliance with workshop safety, material traceability and the Maison's quality standards throughout the development cycle.

1. Recognised vocational qualification in jewellery-making, goldsmithing or equivalent (e.g. CAP/BMA or technical diploma); advanced apprenticeship or specialised training preferred.
2. Deep specialist knowledge of haute joaillerie techniques: complex stone setting, pavé, micromechanics and precious-metal fabrication.
3. Ability to read and produce precise technical drawings and specifications for production.
4. Fluent French; professional working proficiency in English preferred.
5. High standards of manual dexterity, attention to micro-detail and a demonstrable track record in luxury jewellery workmanship.

1. High jewellery stone setting (micro pavé, invisible, prong, bezel)
2. Hand fabrication and precious-metal soldering
3. Prototyping and finishing techniques for gold, platinum and mixed-metal constructions
4. CAD/CAM workflows (experience with Rhinoceros / MatrixGold or equivalent advantageous)
5. Technical drawing and specification writing
6. Gemstone identification and handling
7. Workshop leadership and mentoring

Senior-level experience in haute joaillerie development; typically 8+ years working on complex, one-off or limited-edition high-jewellery creations within an established maison or specialised atelier, with demonstrable examples of technical problem-solving and prototype delivery.

Vocational qualification in jewellery-making or goldsmithing (CAP/BMA or equivalent). Advanced technical or specialised jewellery training preferred.

The Maison emphasises artisanal excellence, meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative dialogue between creative and technical teams. Van Cleef & Arpels fosters a workshop culture where traditional handcraftsmanship is combined with selective technological tools to produce exceptional, atelier-quality pieces.