Let’s create jewelry people can’t live without.

First time reading? Come join!

Hey, it’s Jenessa.

In today’s issue:

• Deep Dive: The No-Experience Entry Guide…

•DEEP DIVE

No Portfolio, No Problem:

How to Get Started in Custom Fine Jewelry

Is it really possible to break into the fine jewelry industry without any formal training or design background?

Yes—it absolutely is.

In this article, I'll walk you through four real-world ways you can start your career in custom fine jewelry, even if you couldn't tell the difference between a bead and channel setting if your life depended on it.

How do I know these strategies work?

Because I broke into the custom fine jewelry world (over twenty years ago!)—with zero experience and no portfolio.

Now, I'm not going to sugarcoat it…

Breaking into any new industry takes grit, persistence, and the ability to hear "no" a lot without giving up.

But here's something most people don't realize—getting hired is a mutual decision.

You're not just hoping someone picks you.

You're also choosing who you want to work for.

So before you walk into any jewelry studio asking for work, take time to look them up online.

Ask yourself:

I highly recommend targeting custom jewelry studios if you're just starting out.

They're completely different from big box jewelry stores.

Instead of selling mass-produced inventory, custom studios design every piece from scratch for their clients.

This means you learn the entire jewelry design process, from sketch to final polish.

This environment gives you the best chance to discover which part of the fine jewelry industry you love—whether it’s client sketching, CAD design, stone setting, or something else entirely.

Wondering how to spot a real custom studio? Check out their website.

If you see sketches, CAD renderings, 3D prototypes, and behind-the-scenes shots of their jewelry-making process, that's a good sign they're the kind of place where you can learn and grow.

Once you've found a few jewelry stores you're excited about, it's time to start thinking about how you can bring value to their team—even if you don't have traditional experience.

There's more than one way to get your foot in the door.

Here are four real-world ways to break into custom fine jewelry from the ground up.

1. Offer to Be a Greeter or Administrative Assistant

One of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door at a high-end custom jewelry studio?

Ask if they need a greeter or assistant.

It's part hospitality and part admin and an excellent starting point in fine jewelry.

That’s actually how I got my start… kind of.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend the path I took—but it worked.

In my early twenties, with zero experience, I applied for a bench jeweler position at the largest custom jewelry studio in America.

I didn't know how to set a stone, use a torch, or fully understand what a bench jeweler did—but I applied anyway.

To my surprise, I landed an interview.

The owner was kind and honest and said:

"You're not qualified for this role, but would you be interested in greeting clients and doing administrative work?"

I said YES, and that small "IN" was everything.

Being a greeter might seem like a minor role, but in a custom studio, it's incredibly valuable.

You're the first smiling face clients see.

You make them feel welcome, offer them a coffee, and guide them to the right designer or jeweler.

Best of all, you get a front-row seat to see how the entire custom process works.

You'll learn how a studio runs, what clients are looking for, how design conversations unfold, and how jewelry goes from idea to reality.

If you show up with a great attitude and a desire to learn, many stores will take a chance on you—especially if they believe you want to grow with the business.

And if greeting isn't your thing? Don't worry—there are other great ways in.

2. Offer to Run Their Social Media

Here's a little secret: most jewelry store owners don't have time to create content.

They're busy running the business, managing staff, and keeping clients happy.

If you're already spending time on social media and have a good eye for creating content and video editing—this can be your golden ticket.

If you know how to:

You're already a step ahead.

The goal isn’t to master social media—it’s to solve a real problem:

"We don't have time to keep up with content!"

When you position yourself as the solution—someone who can boost their online presence and help bring in more clients—you instantly become a valuable part of the team.

From there, you can ask to shadow the design team, observe consultations, or start learning about behind-the-scenes jewelry production.

It's all about getting your foot in the door and proving your worth.

3. Leverage a Creative Skill Like Photography to Break Into Fine Jewelry

Custom fine jewelry studios need professional photos of their pieces to showcase their work and attract more clients.

Every studio I've worked for has had an in-house photographer and lightbox setup for photographing jewelry.

The best part?

There's usually a straightforward shot procedure you can be trained on to get started quickly.

That's where you come in.

If you have any experience with photography—or even just a good eye and a willingness to learn—you can offer to help with shooting jewelry pieces.

It's a valuable way to get your foot in the door without formal jewelry training.

When I started out, I was hired as a greeter, but I also photographed finished jewelry for their website.

And guess what?

I had zero formal photography experience, but my eagerness to learn made all the difference.

If you can show that you're reliable and produce quality images, you'll quickly become an essential part of the team.

From there, new opportunities in jewelry design may grow.

4. Ask If They Have Any Apprenticeship Openings

If you're serious about breaking into fine jewelry, one of the most effective steps is to ask about apprenticeship opportunities.

Before formal programs existed, jewelers learned through apprenticeships—and that guided support is still a great way to learn the trade today.

Many jewelry studios are willing to take on beginners who are eager to learn, open to feedback, and have a positive attitude.

(Especially now, with a shortage of skilled labor in the industry, many studios are actively seeking reliable, trainable jewelers.)

If they happen to say no, don’t give up—find a way to stay on their radar.

A good friend of mine did exactly that.

Even though the jewelry studio wasn't hiring apprentices at the time, she didn't take no for an answer.

She sent the studio a Christmas card and handwritten updates about her projects throughout the year.

She wasn't pushy—just consistent and thoughtful.

Months later, when a spot opened up, they remembered her and offered her the job.

Follow-ups like this really matter.

You don't have to be the most skilled at first—you just need to be the most memorable, and genuinely excited to be part of the team.

Ready to Start Your Custom Jewelry Journey?

Breaking into the custom fine jewelry world without experience isn't easy—but it's possible with the right mindset and strategy.

So do your homework, pick the studios that inspire you, and confidently reach out.

Your dream career in custom fine jewelry is waiting—go get it.

Until next time, let’s continue creating jewelry people can’t live without!

P.S. — If you want to chat more about how to get started in jewelry or need guidance along the way, just hit reply. I'm here to help.