Bench Jeweler & Studio Manager

Experienced Bench Jeweler & Studio Manager 

J. Cotter Gallery | Minturn, Colorado Full-Time Position - To begin as soon as possible

Compensation: Based on experience — please inquire

Housing: Housing is available at a significantly reduced monthly rate as part of the employment package. The employee is responsible for utilities and personal living expenses. 

The housing offers the unique convenience of living in close proximity to the studio with easy access to the workplace and the surrounding Vail Valley. 

About Us 

J. Cotter Gallery is an internationally recognized gallery of contemporary designer jewelry, founded by artist and metalsmith Jim Cotter in Vail Village in 1970. 

For more than five decades, the gallery has remained in its original location on Wall Street, growing alongside Vail while maintaining its commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and individual expression. 

Jim Cotter has always approached jewelry as a form of wearable sculpture. His work is playful, unconventional, and rooted in the idea that jewelry is about the strength of an idea—not simply the value of its materials. His pieces combine precious metals and gemstones with unexpected materials such as steel, concrete, rocks, and found objects. 

The gallery represents one-of-a-kind work by Jim as well as contemporary jewelry artists from across the United States and around the world. We believe jewelry can be art, sculpture, storytelling, and personal expression all at once. 

Our studio is where that philosophy becomes tangible. It is a working environment where traditional metalsmithing and bench skills meet experimentation, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the unexpected. We make what we sell, and we care deeply about the process behind each piece. 

The studio and gallery are also part of a long history of art and making in the Vail Valley. Jim was a founding member of the Summervail Art Workshop, an influential arts program that brought artists and craftspeople from around the country and the world to the valley beginning in the 1970s. 

Today, Jim continues to create in the studio, while the gallery is led by his daughter, Ramsey Cotter, and a dedicated team of long-standing associates. 

We make what we sell. Unique. Handmade. One of a kind. 

Not Regular. Vail Exclusive. Since 1970. 

About the Position 

We are seeking an experienced Bench Jeweler & Studio Manager to join our Minturn studio team and take a hands-on leadership role in both jewelry production and the day-to-day management of the studio. 

This is a multifaceted position for an accomplished bench jeweler/metalsmith who combines exceptional technical skills with strong organizational abilities, sound judgment, and an interest in the broader operations of a creative jewelry business. 

The ideal candidate is confident working independently, comfortable taking ownership of projects and studio operations, and able to move seamlessly between detailed benchwork, client and gallerist communication, production management, and administrative responsibilities. 

This is an opportunity to become an integral part of a small, creative studio where craftsmanship, individuality, and a high level of personal attention are central to the work. 

Your Role Will Include

Bench & Production 

• Perform skilled benchwork including cleaning castings, assembling components, setting a variety of stones, completing repairs, sizing rings, polishing, and finishing. 
• Execute custom jewelry fabrication and production with a high level of craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. 
• Assist with quality control on castings, finished jewelry, and repairs. 
• Inspect work throughout the production process and identify issues before completion. 
• Collaborate directly with clients and gallerists on custom design and repair projects. 
• Coordinate with third-party contractors and outside production partners for casting, stone setting, engraving, polishing, and other specialized work. 
• Organize and maintain finished jewelry and raw material inventory within the studio. 
• Source gemstones and diamonds for production and custom work. 
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and efficient studio and bench environment. 

Studio & Administrative Management 

• Inspect incoming client work and identify and disclose existing jewelry, gemstone, structural, or condition issues. 
• Prioritize and manage active studio projects and production timelines. 
• Maintain clear systems for tracking jobs, materials, deadlines, and project status. 
• Calculate actual and estimated jewelry costs and apply appropriate markup formulas. 
• Calculate estimated market value for insurance appraisals. 
• Order studio and gallery supplies and maintain tools, equipment, and other studio resources. 
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, suppliers, and outside production partners. 
• Support business operations including invoicing, tracking finances, and coordinating with the bookkeeper. 
• Assist Jim with day-to-day administrative and personal business needs as assigned. 
• Identify opportunities to improve studio systems, workflow, organization, and efficiency. 
• Help maintain high standards of quality, professionalism, and care throughout the studio. 

Who We Are Looking For 

We are looking for someone who is: 

• An experienced bench jeweler/metalsmith with strong technical skill, excellent craftsmanship, and exceptional attention to detail. 
• A natural leader who can manage both people and projects and independently oversee studio operations. 
• An excellent communicator with strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Comfortable working directly with clients, gallerists, vendors, contractors, and Jim on custom design and business needs. 
• Computer proficient, with the ability to manage schedules, administrative tasks, financial information, and vendor/contractor coordination. 
• A thoughtful problem solver who can assess situations, make sound decisions, and take initiative. 
• A team player who can both take direction and confidently guide others. 
• Dependable, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities. 
• Passionate about jewelry, metalsmithing, craftsmanship, and maintaining a high standard of work. 
• Comfortable working in an environment that values creativity, experimentation, unconventional materials, and individual artistic expression. 

Experience & Skills 

• 5 years of professional bench jewelry experience preferred. 
• Strong experience in jewelry fabrication, soldering, stone setting, sizing, repair, polishing, and finishing. 
• Experience working with a variety of precious metals and gemstones. 
• Experience with custom jewelry and one-of-a-kind work. 
• Strong understanding of jewelry construction, materials, and production processes. 
• Previous experience managing a jewelry studio, production workflow, or creative workspace is a plus. 
• Experience working with outside vendors, contractors, casters, setters, polishers, or engravers is a plus. 
• CAD/CAM, laser welding, or other specialized jewelry equipment experience is a plus. 
• Strong computer and administrative skills. 

Compensation & Perks 

• Full-time position in Vail, Colorado 
• Compensation based on experience — please inquire 
• Housing stipend provided as part of the compensation package 
• Full access to our studio facilities for personal growth and professional development 
• Ski pass provided after one year of employment 

To Be Considered 

Please email the following: 

• Resume or CV 
• Metalsmith or jewelry portfolio — 10 images of completed work, including repair and custom pieces 
• At least one professional reference or letter of recommendation 

We are especially interested in seeing work that demonstrates technical skill, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to work across both production and custom jewelry. 

This is an in-person, full-time position based in Vail, Colorado. 

We look forward to hearing from experienced jewelers who are excited by the opportunity to work in a unique, creative, and historically significant jewelry studio.