QuestionWhat is required to make and sell jewelry or open a jewelry shop in the U.S.? From what I have read it does not appear that certification is required, just encouraged. Is that correct?
AnswerStephen, if you refer to certification of bench jeweler skills, certification is not required. Certification is not many years among us and although many jewelers are not certified, I suspect in years to come customers will look to certification as a means of locating a skilled jeweler. Also, at the time being certification is certainly one aspect a potential employer would like to see in a potential employee.
If you refer to some other sort of certification please let me know, fair enough?
I have over 30 years in the business and am not certified. Why? At my age and position this would only be a laurel for the hat. For younger bench jewelers, I do recommend certification since that is the only base line of qualifications which is recognized and standardized. Had certification been available many years ago when I was younger, certainly I would have obtained that credential.
Best Wishes and God Bless. Thomas. July 8, 2008 8:10pm
