How to Become A goldsmith In South Africa

A goldsmith is a metalworker who specializes in working with gold and other precious metals

What Does a Modern Goldsmith Do?

While the name implies that goldsmiths work solely with gold, they actually work with a variety of precious metals such as silver and platinum to make jewelry. They are also skilled at selecting and placing gemstones.

What Items Do Goldsmiths Make?

Most goldsmiths today create jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches, although as artists, the possibilities are only as limited as their imaginations. Many goldsmiths specialize in a specific style of jewelry making and they typically craft pieces that fit their desired aesthetic. Others work on a wider range of products that are appealing to large markets.

What is a Goldsmiths Salary?

Goldsmiths employed in the South Africa earn between R 453392.94and R1057916.87. In the UK, median earnings are a bit higher, at around £40,000 or more as smiths gain experience. For goldsmiths who are self-employed, annual income can be even greater than the estimates provided here.

How to Become A goldsmith In South Africa

Education Paths for Goldsmiths – Where to Begin?

As with other trades, there is no one path to becoming a goldsmith.

Depending on where you live, you may have different opportunities available to you in the metalworking field, so be sure to do research about degrees and programs in your area to find the educational path that works best for you. It may or may not be a traditional degree, as there are other options such as self-teaching and apprenticeships, which will be covered in this section.

1) Goldsmith College/Technical School

Goldsmithing is becoming an increasingly common area of study in major arts colleges worldwide. Most four-year colleges offer a bachelor of fine arts in subjects such as jewelry design or artistic metalworking more generally.

Any program that incorporates hands-on learning is a great option for prospective goldsmiths because you will be gaining experience working with different metals and techniques in the classroom.

2) Goldsmithing Apprenticeships

Like other metalworking professions, golds mithing is oftentimes taught through apprenticeships with local master smiths and organizations. Apprenticeships allow for one-on-one training in a real workplace setting, so it is a great way to learn the trade in an individualized manner and become familiar with industry practices.

Additional Skills & Requirements of Goldsmiths in South Africa

Each goldsmith has his or her own unique set of characteristics and mastered techniques. The following are a few skills all goldsmiths need to succeed at the craft and stand out amongst competitors. For those seeking self-employment, their skillset must be even broader.

1) Manual Dexterity

Goldsmithing involves working with very small pieces of metal and shaping them in intricate ways. Therefore, goldsmiths require a high degree of manual dexterity and the ability to perform repetitive motions with their hands.

2) An Eye for Design & Visualization

Goldsmithing is a highly artistic craft that requires knowledge in design. Goldsmiths need to make good-looking products in order to sell them, and the more beautiful and tasteful their work is, the more sought after it will become.

3) Customer Service/Business Skills

Goldsmiths work with many clients throughout their day-to-day routine, so strong customer service skills are a must. Basic administrative skills are also helpful, especially for self-employed goldsmiths. Answering phone calls and emails, organizing orders and invoices, and other ‘housekeeping’ is necessary for running your business successfully.

Career Prospects for to Become A goldsmith In South Africa

While the number of goldsmiths entering the workforce has been decreasing steadily over time, this does not mean that their skills are not valued in today’s economy. People will always be interested in buying high-quality jewelry for themselves and their loved ones, so goldsmiths are needed to meet demands.

The gemstone industry (which is closely linked to goldsmithing) is a multi-billion dollar industry that requires goldsmiths and others who are well-versed in precious gemstones and metals to buy and use their raw materials.

There continues to be a need for goldsmiths, and although it is not a popular career path, it is one that is important to the economy today.

What qualifications do you need to become a goldsmith In South Africa?

There are no specific academic qualifications required to become a goldsmith/silversmith. Most entrants have an artistic background or a qualification in applied art and design, design and technology or craft. The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant to this area of work.

How long does it take to train as a goldsmith In South Africa?

Full-time. 3 – 5 years training, depending on specialist area

Age: 16+ Like to know more about apprenticeships?

How much does a goldsmith make In South Africa?

Goldsmith Salary

PercentileSalaryLocation
10th Percentile Goldsmith SalaryR 444974.95SA
25th Percentile Goldsmith SalaryR 557068.80 SA
50th Percentile Goldsmith SalaryR 680180.09 SA
75th Percentile Goldsmith SalaryR 840258.03

Is gold smithing a good career?

Today, goldsmiths mainly fashion pieces of jewelry. This can be a lucrative career for creative and detail-oriented individuals who enjoy metalworking on a smaller, more delicate scale than similar trades like blacksmithing or blade smithing.

What does a goldsmith use In South Africa?

A goldsmith uses the non-luminous zone (outermost zone) of candle flame to melt gold and silver because it is the hottest part of the candle flame and has most temperature.

Is Goldsmiths University good?

Goldsmiths University London is ranked #1192 in Best Global Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

How does goldsmith work In South Africa?

Goldsmiths design and make gold jewellery, including jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones. This may involve cutting, filing, hammering, turning, spinning, bending and casting gold or other metals. They may design and create pieces for commission, for a jeweller or mass production.

Are goldsmiths prestigious?

Goldsmiths has an excellent reputation as an academic and research institution with a famously strong arts and social sciences offering and there are several world-renowned artists among its alumni.

What is made by the goldsmiths for the dancers?

Goldsmiths are making jewelleries for personal adornment and chain for the feet of blue pigeons. All these are for rich people like nobles and kings. They are also making golden girdles for the dancers and golden sheaths for keeping the king’s swords.