A Day in the Life of a Jeweler: Behind the Bench with Nina
Ever wondered what a jeweler’s day really looks like? At Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair, every day is a blend of artistry, precision, and storytelling. From repairing cherished heirlooms to creating one-of-a-kind custom designs, my daily routine is part craftsmanship, part creativity, and part problem-solving.
Here’s a look behind the bench into a typical day in my life as a jeweler in Seattle.
Morning: Planning and Preparing for the Day
My day begins early with tea, breakfast, and a bit of exercise. Once settled, I spend the first couple of hours on planning and organization. This is when I:
Review my schedule and client projects
Answer emails and send quotes
Order materials for upcoming work
Sketch out new custom jewelry designs
What does a jeweler do before heading into the studio?
A jeweler typically prepares designs, orders supplies, communicates with clients, and organizes the day’s projects before beginning hands-on work.
Mid-Morning: Repair, Restoration, and Creation
By mid-morning, I’m at my Capitol Hill jewelry studio. This is when the real hands-on work begins; repairing broken chains, restoring heirlooms, or creating brand-new custom pieces.
My studio is compact but carefully organized, with tools ranging from tiny engraving burs to advanced machines like my laser welder. Whether I’m tightening prongs on an engagement ring or resetting a diamond, each movement requires absolute focus.
How do jewelers repair delicate jewelry without damaging it?
Tools like laser welders allow jewelers to fix fragile settings with precision while minimizing heat damage to nearby gemstones.
Lunch Break (and Fresh Air if I Can!)
I usually eat lunch at my bench, though if the Seattle weather cooperates, I’ll step outside for a much-needed break before diving back in.
Afternoon: Consultations and Collaboration
Afternoons often shift from intricate bench work to client consultations and collaborations. Meeting with clients is one of my favorite parts of the day because:
Every piece comes with a story.
I get to explain the repair or design process.
Sometimes I’ll do quick repairs on the spot so clients can see their jewelry transformed right before their eyes.
I also spend this time working on production jewelry, either my own designs or collaborative projects with other jewelers.
Why should I meet with a jeweler in person?
Meeting in person allows clients to see repair techniques, discuss custom design ideas, and better understand the artistry behind their jewelry.
Evening: Finishing Touches and Reset
I wrap up around 6 p.m., clean my workspace, and prepare for the next day. My evenings include:
Reviewing upcoming projects
Writing new to-do lists
Taking notes home for sketching or admin work
Why I Love What I Do
Jewelry connects people across generations. Every repair, restoration, or new design is a chance to preserve a memory or create a future heirloom. That’s what keeps me coming back to the bench day after day.
For anyone considering a career in jewelry, know this: it’s a journey of constant learning, patience, and passion. And for me, every day is another chance to bring beauty and meaning into the lives of my clients.
Ready to see the process yourself? Book a consultation with Seattle Jewelry Design & Repair in Capitol Hill today.
Hey there, I’m Nina!
I’m a Seattle-based jeweler specializing in custom designs, heirloom restorations, and thoughtful repairs, all done by hand, start to finish, right here in my studio. Every piece I work on carries a story, and I take pride in preserving that story through craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re dreaming up a one-of-a-kind creation, bringing new life to a family treasure, or simply fixing a favorite everyday piece, my goal is to make the experience personal, collaborative, and meaningful.
If you have an idea, or even just a feeling, about what you want, let’s bring it to life together.
