Wade Jewelers

A 120-day basic bench jeweler training program offered by Wade Jewelers in Daphne, Alabama, taught by a master jeweler. Foundational skills such as soldering, ring sizing, chain repairs, stone tightening, prong work, and professional polishing will be taught. Each month will focus on specific competencies, progressing from basic tool handling to independently completing common jewelry repairs. By the end of the program, apprentices will perform most core repair tasks independently, with some advanced work requiring supervision.

ABOUT THE JOB

1. Foundations & Basic Soldering – Learn shop safety, torch fundamentals, filing/sawing technique, solder flow behavior, and polishing machine safety. 2. Ring Sizing – Learn to size rings up and down, understand stone heat sensitivity, and re-round rings. 3. Chain Repairs – Learn chain repair types, solder selection, clasp replacement, and structural evaluation. 4. Stone Tightening – Learn how to safely tighten stones, assess security, and avoid damage. 5. Seat Cutting & Stone Setting – Learn burr selection, cutting seats, and setting CZs in 4- and 6-prong heads. 6. Basic Prong Repairs – Learn prong re-tipping fundamentals, shaping prongs, and performing simple prong repairs. 7. Finishing & Polishing – Learn professional polishing workflow, surface finishing, and rhodium basics. 8. Repair Sequencing & Evaluation – Learn how to sequence repairs, evaluate jobs, price work, and improve efficiency. 9. Integrated Jewelry Repairs – Combine all learned skills to complete full repairs including sizing, chain repair, stone tightening, and polishing. 10. Independent Core Repair Skills – Demonstrate the ability to independently perform daily bench jeweler tasks safely and professionally. 11. Basic Prong Repairs – Learn prong re-tipping fundamentals, reshaping prongs, and simple prong repair. 12. Stone & Prong Competency Review – Demonstrate safe stone tightening and basic prong repair. 13. Finishing & Polishing Workflow – Learn professional finishing processes, surface textures, and rhodium basics. 14. Repair Sequencing & Job Evaluation – Learn to evaluate repairs, sequence tasks efficiently, and understand pricing considerations. 15. Integrated Jewelry Repairs – Complete full repair jobs including sizing, chain repair, tightening stones, and polishing. 16. Independent Core Repair Skills – Demonstrate the ability to perform daily bench jeweler tasks independently. 17. Basic Watch Battery Replacement – Learn to safely open watch cases, replace batteries, verify functionality, and properly reseal the case.

RESPONSIBILITIES✨

• Learn shop safety, torch fundamentals, filing/sawing technique, solder flow behavior, and polishing machine safety.
• Size rings up and down, understand stone heat sensitivity, and re-round rings.
• Perform chain repairs, including solder selection and clasp replacement.
• Tighten stones safely, assess security, and avoid damage.
• Cut seats and set stones in various settings.
• Perform prong re-tipping, shaping prongs, and simple prong repairs.
• Learn professional polishing workflow, surface finishing, and rhodium basics.
• Sequence repairs, evaluate jobs, price work, and improve efficiency.
• Combine all learned skills to complete full repairs including sizing, chain repair, stone tightening, and polishing.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently perform daily bench jeweler tasks safely and professionally.
• Safely open watch cases, replace batteries, verify functionality, and properly reseal the case.

QUALIFICATIONS✨

• Ability to learn and apply new skills in jewelry repair and maintenance.
• Understanding of basic tool handling and jewelry repair techniques by the end of the training program.

ELIGIBLE SERVICE BRANCHES

US Air Force, US Army, US Coast Guard, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Space Force

BENEFITS✨

• Receive foundational skills training from a master jeweler.
• Progress from basic tool handling to independently completing common jewelry repairs.

OTHER

N/A