TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY
Tools used with judgment
bench pins, saws and precision hand tools, torches, soldering and laser welders, microscopes and stone-setting tools, rolling, forming and polishing equipment, CAD, resin printing and casting systems.
← Gemsetter/Goldsmith overview
01 · WHAT · PRODUCE PATH
What is the Gemsetter/Goldsmith trade?
A Gemsetter/Goldsmith designs, fabricates, assembles, repairs, modifies, sets gemstones in, polishes and finishes jewellery and related precious-metal work.
THE CORE OF THE WORK
Inspect. Diagnose. Repair. Improve.
A Gemsetter/Goldsmith designs, fabricates, assembles, repairs, modifies, sets gemstones in, polishes and finishes jewellery and related precious-metal work.
Not every Gemsetter/Goldsmith performs every task. The mix changes with the employer, sector, workplace, equipment and level of responsibility.
- protects self and others through safe work practices
- plans work and prepares drawings, metals, stones, materials and tools
- measures, cuts, saws, files, drills and forms precious metals
- designs, repairs and modifies jewellery and gemstone work
- performs fabrication and assembly procedures
- sets precious, semi-precious and synthetic stones
- polishes and finishes completed work
- provides customer service for design and repair work
WORKING CONDITIONS
Understand the environment
very fine close-up work; valuable and fragile materials; fumes, heat and polishing dust; repetitive hand and eye strain; high expectations for finish and security.
SAFETY FIRST
Learn the hazards before the task
Training, supervision, safe procedures, appropriate PPE and stopping when conditions are uncertain are essential. Requirements vary by workplace and assignment.
STRENGTHS THAT GROW
Skill develops through practice.
fine motor controlpatiencevisual judgmentprecisioncreative problem-solving
ADVANCED SPECIALIZATIONS
One trade can lead to very different work.
These are advanced work directions within or adjacent to Gemsetter/Goldsmith, not promises of separate credentials or pay. Requirements vary by employer, equipment, experience and any additional training or authorization.
Diamond setting
Set round and fancy stones using prong, bezel, channel and pavé methods.
Coloured gemstones
Work with differing hardness, cleavage, treatments and setting risks.
Goldsmith fabrication
Form, join and finish precious-metal jewellery from sheet, wire and cast parts.
Repair and restoration
Resize, rebuild, retip and preserve worn or antique pieces.
Custom jewellery CAD
Translate client concepts into digital models for printing and casting.
Engraving and decorative metalwork
Add hand-cut lettering, textures, inlay and ornament.
Studio ownership and appraisal support
Manage commissions, sourcing, security, costing and client relationships.
EVIDENCE BASE
Sources & verification
Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.
Skilled Trades Ontario — Gemsetter/Goldsmith ↗Official scope, duties, training and certificationGovernment of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmarkSkilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registrationOntario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway
Why might this career fit me?