How do you become a jeweler in Quebec?

Before starting, we will use the term jeweler and not jeweler to simplify the form of the text but the fact remains that this article is aimed at women as well as men. Moreover, more and more women are practicing the profession of jeweler , a field which was formerly reserved for men. Women today occupy prestigious positions associated with the world of jewelry as business manager, master jeweler, fine jewelry designer and establishment director.

The jeweler's profession is divided into several specializations but basically, he receives professional training to make and repair jewelry made of precious and semi-precious metals such as rings, earrings and pendants. He works with silver, gold and platinum which he combines with precious stones such as diamonds. His know-how allows him to braze (melt) precious metals, make and cast molds, weld, polish and set (set) stones. At the end of his training, the Quebec jeweler can also advise, sell and market creations during exhibitions and arts fairs.

Unless you learn the techniques of crafts and jewelry as an apprentice to a master, you have to move closer to the two major urban centers of Quebec to learn the jewelry trade . The college studies diploma in craft techniques with specialization in artisanal jewelry is offered at the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal in partnership with the École de joaillerie de Montréal and at the Cégep de Limoilou , partner of the École de joaillerie de Quebec.

This three-year full-time course focuses mainly on the art of jewelry , the design and creation of unique pieces in an artisanal manner. Here are some courses offered there.

According to data from Emploi-Québec, there were more than 1,500 workers working in trades related to jewelry throughout Quebec in 2018. We are talking about jewelers, jewelers-jewelers , jewelers-artisans, gemologists, watchmakers , gem setters, polishers and cutters among other things. If one of these professions interests you, you should know that nearly 40% of these workers are aged 55 and over, which suggests a good prospect of employment for the years to come. To be eligible to register for the DEP, you will need to meet one of the following three criteria:

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

Michèle Côté and Audrée Michaud both obtained their DEC in craft techniques with a specialization in artisanal jewelry from the Cégep du Vieux-Montréal / École de joaillerie de Montréal tandem. It was at this school that they met while Michèle was giving a jewelry repair course to Audrée. In 2009, they co-founded Flamme en rose , one of Montreal's most prominent jewelry stores. In addition to creating exclusive collections and selling online, the company specializes in the high-end manufacturing of custom jewelry and transformation . They frequently receive visits from students from the Montreal Jewelry School and the Sud-Ouest Montreal School of Trades to share their experience as entrepreneurial jewelers.