Apprentice Bench Jeweler - Dahlkemper's Jewelry Connection

About Us

For over 60 years, Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection has been a trusted, family-owned destination in Northwest Pennsylvania, built on integrity, craftsmanship, and personalized service. Now in its next generation of ownership, the company continues to honor its family legacy while embracing thoughtful growth to enhance the client experience.

Known for stunning, hand selected diamonds, fine jewelry, custom design, and expert on-site repairs, Dahlkemper’s Jewelry has proudly served generations of loyal clients. With a strong commitment to quality and a relationship-driven approach, the team is dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting moments for every customer.

About The Role

We are seeking an Apprentice Bench Jeweler who is eager to build a long-term career in the jewelry industry while working alongside an experienced Master Jeweler in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with foundational bench experience who values teamwork, takes pride in their craftsmanship, and is excited to continue learning and developing new skills.

What You'll Do

• Assist our Master Jeweler with polishing, refinishing, and quality control on completed repairs
• Perform rhodium plating on fully white gold rings as well a two tone rings
• Tighten basic prong-set melee diamonds and other small stones
• Complete routine soldering repairs, including chain repairs, jump rings, charms, and simple ring shank repairs
• Size sterling silver, yellow gold, and white gold rings up and down
• Re-round plain metal rings without stones
• Perform same-day and while-you-wait repairs when needed. The repairs are within the scope of the stone tightening, rhodium plating, or soldering a chain or jump ring
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional bench environment, including daily equipment and workstation upkeep for the entire repair department & equipment
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-first culture focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with a specific job packets in a retail jewelry store environment is highly preferred
• Comfortable with polishing, finishing, rhodium plating, and basic stone tightening
• Proficiency with standard jewelry soldering techniques (using a laser welder)
• Experience with ring sizing up or down and basic repair work in silver, yellow gold, and white gold
• Strong attention to detail and pride in producing quality workmanship
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support urgent customer requests when needed
• Professional, polished presentation appropriate for a customer-facing family friendly retail environment

Jewelry school graduates and emerging bench professionals are encouraged to apply. Candidates with strong technical fundamentals and a willingness to learn will be considered.

Additional Skills That Are a Plus

While not required, experience or interest in the following areas is highly valued:

• Hand or machine engraving
• Watch battery replacement and basic watch repair
• Learning watch stem repairs
• Expanding into additional bench and service disciplines through continued education

Growth & Development

We believe in investing in our people. Team members have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including company-supported training and industry education programs. If there is a skill you want to learn, we'll work together to help you get there. This is more than an entry-level bench position; it's an opportunity to build a lasting career with a stable, growing, family-owned business committed to the future of the jewelry industry.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $17–$22 per hour, based on experience and skill level.
• Health, dental, and AFLAC coverage eligibility after 90 days
• Employee discount program
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

After one year of continuous full-time service, employees become eligible for:

• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays
• Sick time
• Bereavement leave
• Snow day pay
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• Company health benefits and retirement contributions

Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $22