If you choose to become an engraver, there are many directions in which you can take your career including working for yourself or for a company. Most times, you learn to become an engraver by receiving on-the-job training. Even though there are no strict educational requirements to perform the duties of an engraver, you may find it beneficial to complete a degree program in Fine Arts, as it will provide you with engraving courses. At a minimum, all you need to become an engraver is a high school diploma or its equivalent.
The duties that you will perform as an engraver can only be mastered through on-the-job training and experience. These duties often include cutting and filing different pieces of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and more, as well as soldering and polishing. To help fix damaged jewelry, you will also need the ability to use precision hand tools and sometimes lasers to perform your job duties. You should stay up-to-date on what tools are available for you to use because cleaning, repairing, and engraving items must be done accurately.
Actual engraving duties include engraving dates, etchings, names, and short phrases onto jewelry pieces. In order to effectively engrave, you must have a steady hand and good vision. You also need to have good communication skills because you will meet with a number of clients who will bring jewelry to be engraved, fixed, or polished. To become a successful engraver, you should be able to perform any type of engraving or repair that a client requests.
There are a large amount of engravers who obtain a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. You will find this type of degree to be very beneficial, especially if you obtain one with a concentration in engraving. If you do not want to obtain a college degree, there are certifications that you can acquire, usually focused on the making and repair of jewelry. Schools that offer programs for engravers can be found on an international basis.
If you prefer, you can complete an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom lessons. If you have a specific employer for whom you wish to work, see if they offer on-the-job training. Most likely, you will be able to shadow an already employed engraver, though without earning any income. The more experience you obtain, however, the quicker you will be on your way to becoming an independent and highly-qualified engraver.