How does one become a jeweller in Quebec?

How does one become a jeweller in Quebec?

Jewellers used to be mostly men and it was a craft that was passed from generation to generation, often from father to son. Thankfully now of days there is an increasing number of women working in the field. Today women hold prestigious positions in the industry and Flamme en rose is proud to be one of the first female run jewellery studios in Montreal.

Three jewels on the ankle of a jeweller's bench

What does a jeweller do in Quebec

The jeweller's trade is divided into several specialisations, but basically the jeweller is professionally trained to make and repair jewellery made of precious and semi-precious metals such as rings, earrings and pendants. They work with silver, gold and platinum combines with precious stones such as diamonds. Their skills enable them to braze (melt) precious metals, make and cast moulds, solder, polish and set (fix) stones. After completing their training, Quebec jewellers can also advise, sell and market their creations at exhibitions and art shows.

Jeweller Michèle Côté looks at a cast jewel with a magnifying glass

Michèle Côté, Quebec-trained jeweller and co-founder of Flamme en rose

Sterling Silver Round Pendant with Globe in Sterling Silver
band for men in sterling silver with textures reminiscent of the movement of water
Square earrings in sterling silver with the centre uncovered

Becoming a jeweller in Quebec

Unless you are learning the techniques of fine crafts and jewellery as an apprentice to a master, you will have to move closer to Quebec's two major urban centres to learn the jewellery trade. The Diplôme d'études collégiales en techniques des métiers d'art avec spécialisation en joaillerie artisanale (Diploma of Collegial Studies in Craft Techniques with a Specialization in Artisanal Jewellery) is offered at the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal, in partnership with theÉcole de joaillerie de Montréal, and at the Cégep de Limoilou, partner of the École de joaillerie de Québec. 


This three-year, full-time course focuses primarily on the art of jewellery making, the design and production of unique pieces of hand made jewellery. Here are some of the courses offered.

Façade of the Sommer building on Maisonneuve West in Montreal

Montreal Jewellery School, Sommer Building

  • Technical drawing
  • 3D computer drawing
  • Lost wax, jewellery construction and assembly
  • Setting techniques
  • Jewellery repair
  • Business management and accounting

There are also programs that combine the Diploma of Vocational Studies and the Diploma of College Studies. This program, called the DEP-DEC, recognizes the achievements of a 16-month DEP in jewellery making at the École des métiers du Sud-Ouest de Montréal and the Centre de formation professionnelle Maurice-Barbeau in Québec City. Up to 13 courses can be recognized.

Becoming a jeweller thanks to adult training

According to data from Emploi-Québec, there were more than 1,500 workers in jewellery-related occupations throughout Quebec in 2018. We're talking about jewellers,  jeweller-artisans, gemologists, watchmakers, gemstone setters, polishers and cutters, among other things. If you are interested in one of these trades, you should know that nearly 40% of these workers are aged 55 and over, which suggests a good job prospect for the years to come. To be eligible to register for the DVS, you must meet one of the following three criteria:


  • Have a high school diploma.
  • Must be 16 years old and have successfully completed Secondary IV French, English and Mathematics or their equivalents.
  • Be 18 years old and have equivalent knowledge.

The salary of a jeweller

In 2021, the average annual salary for jewellers in Quebec ranges from $29,250 for entry-level positions to $46,750 for more experienced workers. Some jewellers, setters and designers can even demand more than $60,000 from their employers if they have several years of experience and a good reputation.

Trained at the École de joaillerie de Montréal

Jeweller Audrée Michaud, jeweller, working on a piece of jewellery, sitting at her jewellers bench.

Audrée Michaud, jeweller trained at the ÉJM and co-founder of Flamme en rose

Michèle Côté and Audrée Michaud both obtained their DEC in craft techniques with a specialization in artisanal jewellery from the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal / École de joaillerie de Montréal. It was at this school that they met while Michèle was giving a jewellery repair course to Audrée. In 2009, they co-founded Flamme en rose  one of Montreal's most prominent jewellery stores. In addition to creating exclusive collections and selling online, the business specializes in high-end custom jewellery making and transformation. They are frequently visited by students from the École de joaillerie de Montréal and the École des métiers du Sud-Ouest de Montréal to share their experiences as jewellery entrepreneurs.

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