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Two certifications in bench technology

Posted or edited: 11.07.08 ... PJC Information Services
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Bench Technology students at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology spend an intense four-month semester training in the most modern techniques of jewelry repair. Students can finish the course with two certificates, one from TIJT, and upon passing the Jewelers of America exam, JA’s Bench Jeweler Technician certificate.

In a world of specialization where technicians often know and perform only one task such as stone setting or polishing, TIJT’s Bench Technology course is comprehensive.

“With this course, students learn to do all of those things,” said Harrel Harrison, a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler and TIJT instructor.
“Most of the students in this program will go to work for stores where they will do general jewelry work, assembly and repairs,” said Harrison. “Typically, we don’t see many go into specialization’s because they do have such a rounded knowledge.”

Some students find Bench Technology attractive because certification can be completed in a single semester. “They can come in, learn the basics, then go out and go to work and learn more from there,” said Harrison.

The program consists of learning the techniques of:

  • Cleaning castings (sawing, filing, emery, polishing and drilling).
  • Sizing rings up and down (dove-tail and butt joint).
  • Retipping, repronging and rebeading.
  • Assembling and seting four- and six-prong rings for round and oval stones.
  • Soldering posts and setting stones on earrings.
  • The bezel set, channel set and bead set bright cut.
  • Repairing chains, bracelets and box catches.
  • Fabricating bearing bezel pendants and lockets.
  • Stretching and shrinking rings.

All work is hands-on and is done in 14k gold, platinum or silver. Students perform tasks multiple times, familiarizing themselves with the process, equipment and materials. The following are examples, but the list of tasks is not comprehensive:

  • Sizing rings down, with soldering: 14 sizings.
  • Sizing rings up (dover-tail and butt joint): 10 sizings.
  • Four-prong rings (assemble, size and set stones): 14 rings.
  • Six-prong rings (assemble, size and set stones): six rings.
  • Oval six-prong rings (two styles; assemble, size and set stones): seven of each style.
  • Bezel pendant (assemble and set stone): four pendants.
  • Retipping four- and six-prong rings: 15.
  • Earrings (solder posts to head and set stone): 12 earrings.
  • Bracelet links (assemble and set stones): 15 links.
  • “Figure-8” safety latch: two box catches, four tongues.

» Download the TIJT brochure. » Download the PJC Catalog reference.