At first glance, running a jewelry store might seem like a creative, rewarding business — and in many ways, it is. But beneath the surface, the industry is facing a growing challenge: a shortage of skilled workers.
For generations, the jewelry world has been a place where tradition meets artistry, where skilled designers turn raw materials into incredible, wearable art. But today, fewer young people are entering the field.
“We have an aging workforce that’s retiring, and frankly, younger generations aren’t exactly lining up to fill those shoes,” said Nick Gurney, general manager of Jewel360. “Add in the appeal of tech careers and the growing need for digital skills in jewelry design and management, and you’ve got a whole new level of complexity to this crisis.”
For jewelry store owners, this isn’t just a challenge — it’s a call to action. The shortage of skilled jewelers threatens the standards of quality, craftsmanship, and innovation that customers expect. As the industry evolves, your strategies for finding and retaining the next generation of talent must adapt as well.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what’s driving the jewelry skills crisis — and what you can do about it. From building relationships with schools to creating real career paths and making smart use of technology, we’ll share practical ideas to help you bring in new talent and keep your business moving forward.
Let’s get started.
In 2025, the jewelry industry is facing a serious workforce crisis, making it harder for you to find and keep experienced and committed employees. This challenge stems from an aging workforce, a dip in new talent, and changing skill demands across the profession.
Many experienced jewelers are nearing retirement, creating a gap that younger generations aren’t quickly filling. This has led to a shortage of skilled artisans and technicians — essential for maintaining the quality and craftsmanship jewelry is known for.
The jewelry industry struggles to attract new talent. Younger individuals often view the field as outdated compared to tech-driven industries. This perception is compounded by a lack of awareness about career opportunities within jewelry, from design and crafting to sales and management.
On top of that, many university jewelry programs are experiencing funding cuts, and the burden of student debt makes it financially challenging for graduates to pursue careers in a field that may not offer immediate high earning potential.
As technology becomes more integrated into jewelry retail, the skills required are changing. Jewelers now need proficiency in traditional craftsmanship as well as digital tools for design and inventory management. This shift demands ongoing training and adaptation, which can be intimidating for both new and existing staff.
The jewelry industry is known for its artistry and precision — but it’s facing real challenges when it comes to attracting and holding on to new talent. Understanding what’s getting in the way is the first step to tackling the skills gap and keeping the future of the trade strong.
In today’s society, trades are often seen as less prestigious than careers that require a four-year college degree. This perception shapes many young people’s career choices, steering them away from skilled paths like jewelry making. Despite the intricate craftsmanship and creativity involved, the jewelry profession is often overshadowed by the appeal of white-collar jobs — contributing to the growing talent gap in the industry.
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Many young individuals are unaware of the diverse career paths available in the jewelry world. From design and crafting to sales and management, the field offers a wide range of roles that require both creativity and technical skill.
It’s not just bench jewelers in demand — CAD designers, gemologists, and repair specialists are also in short supply. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness leads many to overlook jewelry careers and miss out on fulfilling, potentially lucrative work.
There’s a common misconception that trade jobs — including those in jewelry — are low-paying. In reality, many roles offer competitive salaries, especially for skilled artisans and technicians. As demand for high-quality craftsmanship grows, so do the financial rewards. The challenge is that this information isn’t widely known, which makes attracting new talent difficult.
Some young people are deterred by the perceived harsh conditions and instability associated with trade work. Concerns about job security and career progression in the jewelry industry can make these careers seem less appealing. In reality, many jewelry roles offer stable, rewarding work environments that encourage creativity and innovation.
As technology advances, many young people are drawn to tech-related fields, which are often seen as more innovative and aligned with future trends. This shift diverts attention from traditional trades, even though modern jewelry creation increasingly incorporates technology such as CAD design and 3D printing. Bridging this gap requires showcasing how technology enhances the jewelry industry, making it an exciting and forward-thinking career choice.
Media stories and cultural trends often spotlight tech entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, overshadowing the achievements and opportunities in trades like jewelry. These influences shape how people view career paths and what kinds of work they aspire to pursue — which means it’s crucial for the jewelry field to actively promote its value and relevance today.
By addressing these challenges head-on, the jewelry industry can reshape perceptions, raise awareness, and attract a new generation of skilled professionals. This requires clearly communicating the benefits of jewelry careers while adapting to changing societal values and advancing technology.
To address the growing skills crisis in the jewelry field, you need proactive strategies to attract and retain talented professionals. The solutions below can help you bridge the talent gap and build a stronger future for your business.
As Gurney puts it: “The jewelry industry must evolve with the times. By investing in training and creating pathways for growth, we can attract and retain the talent necessary to thrive in a competitive market.”
Collaborating with art schools and community colleges can help create a steady pipeline of new talent eager to enter the jewelry industry. By developing partnerships and offering hands-on experience through internships or collaborative projects, you give students real-world exposure while identifying promising employees early on.
Pro tip: Host workshops or guest lectures to raise awareness and spark interest in the wide range of career opportunities in jewelry.
Apprenticeship programs offer a practical, effective path for attracting new talent and teaching essential skills on the job. Providing competitive starting wages makes these programs more appealing to young people exploring careers in jewelry.
Apprentices learn directly from experienced jewelers, gaining valuable skills, industry insight, and confidence. When you invest in apprenticeships, you build a skilled workforce tailored to your store’s needs and standards.
Developing clear paths for advancement within your company can motivate employees to stay and grow with your business. Whether it’s moving from apprentice to master jeweler or stepping into a management role, showing what’s possible demonstrates your commitment to their development.
Regular performance reviews and goal-setting conversations help employees see a future with your company — boosting both job satisfaction and retention.
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In an industry that’s always evolving, offering education on new technologies and techniques is essential. You can host in-store workshops or sponsor employees to attend industry conferences and training programs.
Keeping your team up to date on the latest advancements ensures they stay competitive and ready to meet modern demands. Ongoing learning not only sharpens their skills — it also shows your commitment to their long-term growth.
Adapting to modern work preferences by offering remote roles for CAD designers can expand your talent pool and increase job satisfaction. Many designers prefer the flexibility of working from home, which often leads to greater productivity and creativity. Remote work also allows you to attract top talent from a wider geographical area — ensuring access to skilled professionals without being limited by location.
The jewelry skills crisis presents a significant challenge to the industry’s future, but it can serve as a catalyst for transformation and growth. Addressing this issue can help build a sustainable talent pool for years to come.
This approach allows you to safeguard your store’s tradition of craftsmanship and artistry while embracing modern advancements.
The importance of tackling the skills shortage can’t be overstated. Skilled jewelers, designers, and technicians are the backbone of the industry — driving innovation and maintaining the high standards that customers expect.
“Without new talent, the industry risks stagnation and a decline in quality,” said Gurney. “If we address the skills crisis head-on, we can continue to thrive, offering unique and high-quality products that captivate and inspire.”
Overcoming these challenges requires a willingness to adapt. You need to embrace new strategies to fill the skills gap and build a foundation for long-term success.
The jewelry skills crisis is a call to action for you to invest in your most valuable assets — people and the right tools.
Jewel360 is a comprehensive point of sale (POS) platform that makes it easier to train new employees, improve team performance, and keep your store running smoothly — despite the skills shortage.
Here’s how Jewel360 can help:
To explore how Jewel360 can support your store’s growth and success, schedule a demo today.