Polisher
Van Cleef & Arpels seeks a Polisher at Les Ateliers de Châteauneuf‑sur‑Isère, France to perform precision polishing and finish for high jewelry.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a Paris-born maison renowned for high jewelry, watchmaking and object creation. As part of the Richemont group, the brand combines artisanal savoir‑faire with rigorous in‑house standards and ateliers dedicated to hand finishing and craft preservation.
Role & Responsibilities
- Manually and mechanically polish and finish precious metal components and assembled pieces to Van Cleef & Arpels’ exacting surface, luster and texture standards.
- Execute final surface treatments using abrasives, pastes (including diamond and rouge), polishing wheels, micro-motors and ultrasonic cleaning to remove marks while preserving detail.
- Collaborate with goldsmiths, setters and quality control to ensure pieces meet technical drawings and aesthetic criteria prior to delivery.
- Inspect finished work under magnification (loupe/microscope), document non-conformities and perform corrective micro‑finishing as required.
- Maintain polishing equipment, consumables and workplace cleanliness; adhere to atelier safety and contamination‑control protocols.
Qualifications
- Vocational qualification in jewellery making, goldsmithing or a related craft (e.g., CAP, BEP) or equivalent professional training.
- Excellent manual dexterity, visual acuity and sensitivity to surface finish.
- Deep knowledge of working characteristics of gold, platinum and common jewelry alloys and how polishing affects gemstones and settings.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and finishing specifications.
Skills
Experience
Proven experience in a jewellery or high‑precision metal finishing environment; typically 2–5 years performing hand and machine polishing on precious metal objects, with demonstrable examples of consistently high‑quality finishes.
Education
Vocational diploma or apprenticeship in jewellery making, goldsmithing or a related craft preferred (e.g., CAP/BEP or equivalent).
Culture
The atelier environment privileges meticulous craftsmanship, intergenerational skill transmission and uncompromising quality. Employees operate within a collaborative workshop structure that values artisanal expertise, attention to detail and respect for traditional techniques.