DAY’S JEWELERS
BENCH JEWELER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Revised 01/15/2020
Revised 3/31/2026
CLASSIFICATION
Hourly wage, non-exempt
REPORTS TO
Store Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Bench Jeweler performs a wide range of tasks in jewelry repair, design, and provides expert guidance to the Day’s customers and the Day’s staff members. Bench Jewelers are often called upon to fashion new settings or to make recommendations on replacement items and their value. These tasks are always done with the customer’s best interest in mind and in coordination with the sales and service team in the effort of building customers for life.
OBJECTIVES
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To ensure that the service department achieves monthly profitability target.
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To deliver service in an effort to exceed customer expectations.
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To foster healthy interpersonal relationships with our guests and co-workers.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Perform the needed repairs to each customer order as instructed. If upon initial inspection, you discover further recommendations are required to complete the job in the customer’s best interest, advise a member of store management, the sales and/or service staff before starting the job. The Bench Jeweler will complete jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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If pricing of a repair job is illogical, bring the job to the attention of a member of store management before starting the job.
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Understand and maintain proper and efficient levels of shop and minor repair supplies (gemstones, metals, tools, safety equipment etc.) as needed to complete the jobs and maintain a full service shop.
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The Bench Jeweler must complete all assigned repair jobs, with the exception of rush jobs, by 4:00 PM on the day before the job is due. If it is not possible to have the job completed on time, the Bench Jeweler must present the job to the Store Manager as soon as possible, at least one day before the due date, so that the customer can be contacted ahead of time. Preferred completion time for repair jobs is a maximum of 7 days.
Before allowing any of his/her jobs to leave the shop, the Bench Jeweler is responsible to make certain:
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Jobs are polished completely.
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Ultrasonically cleaned and steamed.
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Placed into a plastic, zip lock bag.
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Placed in the proper repair envelope.
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All stones are tight.
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Work is complete as per instructions.
Responsible for his/her own skill advancements and training. This should be accomplished through reading books and periodicals. If the Bench Jeweler wishes to take a specific training course, he/she should discuss with the Store Manager.
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Must advise all other store personnel on how to logically accept jewelry repairs. Teaching can be best accomplished by using specific examples of actual jobs taken in.
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Provide support to the service team to maximize department contribution targets through careful expense control and promoting service sales.
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As all Day's employees are accountable to our customers, Bench Jewelers may be asked to assist customers when necessary.
Organization and Maintenance
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Maintain and use all bench tools and equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
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Maintain neatly organized bench tools and equipment on the Bench Jeweler's bench.
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Understand shop supplies and inventory on hand, before ordering components for shop work.
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Must keep his/her bench and all commonly used countertops clean and neat.
- Responsible for vacuuming buffing systems and cleaning bench sweeps on a weekly basis and sweeping shop floors on a daily basis (all sweeps and vacuum bags are to be kept in a closed container).
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Drains and cleans steam machines and ultrasonic cleaners weekly.
Safety
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Label every container in the shop area with its contents including all chemicals, cleaning supplies and water.
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Maintain proper disposal requirements of all hazardous chemicals such as rhodium.
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Read and understand all MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and must maintain a binder for chemicals existing on the premises.
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Ensure the existence of all safety guards for buffing wheels and steamer pedals.
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Understand how to operate ventilation systems, maintain the filters, and maintain the eyewash station by keeping it clean and functional at all times.
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Trained to utilize a fire extinguisher properly in the event of a small shop fire.
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Maintain availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as aprons, protective eyewear, face masks, and gloves.
COMPETENCIES
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Craftsmanship – Delivers expert-quality work with precision, creativity, and pride.
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Technical Proficiency – Uses tools, technology, and methods effectively and safely.
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Quality Assurance – Ensures work meets company and industry standards for durability and aesthetics.
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Innovation – Adapts to new techniques and design approaches to elevate work.
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Continuous Learning – Stays current with evolving jewelry trends and methods.
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Ethical Conduct – Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions, safeguarding trust with customers, colleagues, and the company.
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Communication – Communicates with clarity and impact, actively listening and adapting messaging to build alignment and positive relationships.
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Advanced Gem Knowledge – Applies deep understanding of gemstones, their properties, and best practices for setting, repair, and care.
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Financial Responsibility – Manages bench supply expenses responsibly, balancing quality work with cost efficiency.
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Conflict Resolution – Addresses customer and team concerns with professionalism, empathy, and fairness, resolving issues quickly to maintain trust and positive relationships.
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Ownership Mindset- Acts with an ownership mindset, making decisions that protect resources, strengthen company performance, and uphold long-term organizational health and success.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a jewelry repair shop. This role routinely uses standard jewelry repair and manufacturing equipment such as polishing, soldering, steaming, and plating and hand tools. Some toxic chemicals are used in the jewelry repair process. A computer is used to track customer repair jobs and provide email communication. Safety features and protective personal equipment is provided by the company.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires sitting and standing frequently and occasional walking and bending. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds. Frequent grasping, reaching, and fine finger dexterity and motor skills are required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is usually a full time position and part-time in some exceptions. Days and hours of work vary depending on need. The retail store is open seven days a week, nights and some holidays. This position regularly requires long hours and weekend work especially during peak holidays such as Mother’s Day and Christmas.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED, on the job training through an apprenticeship, proven jewelry repair skills and knowledge demonstrated by bench test.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
3 - 5 years’+ experience as a Bench Jeweler, Jewelry Certification trained; GIA, JA, DCA, etc.,
Jewelers of America or Equivalent Certification such as, Certified Bench Jeweler Technician, Certified Bench Jeweler, Certified Senior Bench Jeweler and Certified Master Bench Jeweler.
AAP/EEO STATEMENT
H. E. Murdock Co Inc., DBA Day’s Jewelers is committed to equal employment opportunity and employs all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or any other classification protected by the federal, state or local laws.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Signatures
- This job description has been approved by all levels of management:
Manager____________________________________________________
Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
Employee________________________________________________ Date_____________
