Senior Jeweler
Van Cleef & Arpels seeks a Senior Jeweler in New York to perform high-jewelry fabrication, restoration and stone setting at its New York atelier.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a Parisian maison of haute joaillerie renowned for poetic design and exceptional handcraftsmanship. As part of the Richemont group, the house combines historic savoir-faire with contemporary ateliers to create and maintain exceptional high-jewelry pieces for a global clientele.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute high-precision fabrication, assembly and repair of haute joaillerie using traditional bench techniques and contemporary processes.
- Perform expert stone setting (pavé, prong, bezel, channel), micro-setting and finishing to brand quality standards.
- Conduct restoration and refurbishment work on period and heirloom pieces, diagnosing structural and gemological issues and proposing solutions.
- Carry out final polishing, surface finishing and quality control inspections to ensure conformity with conservation and presentation standards.
- Document work performed, maintain traceability for repairs and restorations, and liaise with client services and ateliers to meet delivery timelines and client expectations.
- Mentor and coach junior bench staff, share technical best practices, and help maintain a disciplined, safety-focused atelier environment.
- Maintain tools, microscopes and equipment; ensure bench housekeeping and compliance with health and safety protocols.
Qualifications
- Vocational diploma, formal apprenticeship or equivalent training in jewelry benchwork, metalsmithing or watch/jewelry restoration.
- Demonstrable mastery of stone setting techniques and precious-metal fabrication; experience with delicate, high-value pieces.
- Strong visual acuity, manual dexterity and the ability to work under magnification for extended periods.
- Proven ability to diagnose and plan complex repairs and restorations on haute joaillerie.
- GIA certification or equivalent gemological credential preferred.
Skills
Experience
Typically 5+ years of progressive bench experience in high jewelry or fine jewelry fabrication and restoration, with a portfolio of work demonstrating advanced stone setting, finishing and complex repairs for luxury clients.
Education
Vocational diploma or completed apprenticeship in jewelry benchwork, metalsmithing or related field; GIA or equivalent gemological certification preferred.
Culture
The maison prioritizes artisanal excellence, discretion and meticulous attention to detail. The atelier environment fosters intergenerational skill transfer, rigorous quality standards and close collaboration between designers, gemologists and bench artisans.