A maker who forms, solders, assembles and repairs jewelry in gold and other precious metals at the bench.
A goldsmith makes and repairs jewelry in gold and other precious metals. Swiss vocational guidance describes casting and forging the metal, soldering, welding and polishing it, setting stones, and advising clients on repairs. France’s Onisep describes the bijoutier in precious metals making unique pieces or small series in gold or silver, and repairing them. In English-language listings, goldsmith and bench jeweler name much the same work. A silversmith works mainly in silver, making vessels and cutlery as well as jewelry.
The Swiss apprenticeship lasts four years, four days a week in a workshop and one at vocational school: Goldschmied EFZ in German, bijoutier-joaillier CFC in French-speaking Switzerland, where full-time school is also possible. In France, Onisep gives two years for the CAP art et techniques de la bijouterie-joaillerie, then three for the BNMA bijouterie, which CAP holders may enter in its second year.
In job listings
Goldsmith is a workshop title at jewelry houses in Valenza, Italy, and Pforzheim-Birkenfeld, Germany, among other places. Listings ask for assembling pieces to technical specifications, furnace soldering, laser work, and making and altering diamond jewelry; some apprenticeships combine goldsmithing with gem setting and finishing. See current goldsmith roles.
