Jewellery

WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

Occupation description and WSOS

The name of the skill competition is

Jewellery

Description of the associated work role(s) or occupation(s)

Jewellery manufacture involves creating jewellery pieces using precious metals and jewellery gemstones. A jeweller can create exclusive, individual pieces for clients, ready to be set with gemstones, or prototypes for serial reproduction through the lost-wax casting process. Jewellers may be tasked with replicating existing pieces, refashioning items, or repairing damaged jewellery. They typically work from detailed designs generated through consultation with clients or designers and may use traditional hand sketching or Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings from designers. Increasingly, AI-assisted visualisation tools are used to explore and develop design concepts. Jewellers must accurately interpret these drawings to create final pieces that meet designers’ or clients’ visions.

A jeweller can do all the work on the product, but collaboration with other industry specialists is possible. Collaboration enables the sharing of manufacturing operations to enhance time management and efficiency. A jeweller must have an understanding of production processes, even if they do not perform these themselves. An example of this would be outsourcing to a third party to complete a specific task or sharing a workspace with other jewellery makers or technicians with different specialist skills. Today, jewellers broadly fall into two categories: those specialising in handmade bespoke pieces, often working independently or in small ateliers; and those engaged in mass or serialised production, who may assemble components cast by others or produced through mechanised means. Both approaches require an understanding of precision, workflow, and efficient task delegation.

Once the jeweller has completed their work on a piece, it may progress to further phases of the manufacturing process, requiring jewellery industry skills other than jewellery making, for example, gem setting and casting. For this reason, a jeweller must have some knowledge and understanding of other jewellery industry skills. They must have an appreciation of gemstones, their characteristics, cuts, uses and impact on the finished piece. Similarly, they must be aware of the different phases of reproduction, such as casting, just mentioned, and be familiar with CAD. Technology continues to transform the industry, with CAD and 3D printing enabling the creation of complex designs and more efficient production workflows. AI is also beginning to shape the field, offering generative tools that help visualise and iterate design ideas.

Jewellers work with highly valuable materials; therefore, they must act with complete honesty and integrity. They must understand the security and regulations related to the purchase, production, and sale of precious metals, gemstones, and finished pieces. Whether working as part of a production team or as a sole manufacturer, a jeweller must have a thorough understanding of production costs to determine an acceptable selling price while maintaining profitability. Furthermore, ethical sourcing and sustainability have become central pillars in both consumer expectations and industry standards. Today's jeweller must possess not only technical expertise but also a sound understanding of the broader social and environmental implications of their choices of material An example is awareness of issues such as conflict diamonds, the use of recycled or fair-trade metals, and adherence to responsible mining and supply chain practices.

Clients are increasingly informed and discerning, often seeking reassurance that the pieces they commission or purchase are sourced and created with respect for human rights, environmental stewardship, and cultural integrity. As such, transparency regarding provenance is no longer optional but essential. A jeweller must be prepared to demonstrate that gemstones and precious metals have been sourced through ethical and sustainable means, aligning their practice with global efforts to promote equity, environmental responsibility, and traceability within the trade.

This shift also brings opportunity. Those jewellers who embrace these values not only help uphold the dignity of the craft but also position themselves as leaders in a conscientious and evolving marketplace.

The WorldSkills Occupational Standards (WSOS)

General notes on the WSOS

The WSOS specifies the knowledge, understanding, skills, and capabilities that underpin international best practice in technical and vocational performance. These are both specific to an occupational role and also transversal. Together they should reflect a shared global understanding of what the associated work role(s) or occupation(s) represent for industry and business (www.worldskills.org/WSOS).

The skill competition is intended to reflect international best practice as described by the WSOS, to the extent that it can. The Standard is therefore a guide to the required training and preparation for the skill competition.

In the skill competition the assessment of knowledge and understanding will take place through the assessment of performance. There will only be separate tests of knowledge and understanding where there is an overwhelming reason for these.

The Standard is divided into distinct sections with headings and reference numbers added.

Each section is assigned a percentage of the total marks to indicate its relative importance within the Standards. This is often referred to as the “weighting”. The sum of all the percentage marks is 100. The weightings determine the distribution of marks within the Marking Scheme.

Through the Test Project, the Marking Scheme will assess only those skills and capabilities that are set out in the WorldSkills Occupational Standards. They will reflect the Standards as comprehensively as possible within the constraints of the skill competition.

The Marking Scheme will follow the allocation of marks within the Standards to the extent practically possible. A variation of up to five percent is allowed, if this does not distort the weightings assigned by the Standards.

WorldSkills Occupational Standards

Section		Relative importance (%)
1	Work organization and management	20
	The individual needs to know and understand: The requirements and implications of jewellery production on the environment and related sustainability issues Sources of advice relating to the objectives, requirements, and specifications Quality requirements of the product or service Methods for restructuring, reprioritising, and adapting project plans in response to timeframes and unforeseen challenges to ensure progress toward deadlines Modifications that can be made to the plan to respond to unforeseen developments Reporting requirements for accidents, incidents, and other non-conformances with WHS procedures Information analysis techniques appropriate to tasks and position Methods of categorizing and organizing information including correct sequencing of information Methods of recording and communicating information Types of information relevant to the workplace and required tasks Processes or tools for effective decision making How to deliver and receive constructive criticism to better work in a collaborative manner Safe operation, maintenance, and regular inspection of both individual and shared workshop tools and machinery. Procedures for the secure storage of jewellery and materials Methods for identifying and managing risks associated with workplace tasks and hazardous materials, and the application of appropriate control measures. Out-sourcing practices to external contractors for the purposes of electro-plating and the electro-plating process, gemstone mounting and the gemstone mounting process Processes for manufacturing both single and mass unit production, e.g. 1 piece, 10 pieces, 100 pieces.
	The individual shall be able to: Follow environmental policies and systems, manage risks and resource inefficiencies in the workplace, and suggest improvements where appropriate Plan work activities using appropriate planning tools such as technical drawings, sample pieces and sketches or rendered images from 3D digital models, whilst following established procedures, including work health and safety (WHS) requirements Check plans to ensure accuracy and conformance and modify the plan components, as a contingency for overcoming any unforeseen difficulties or developments Identify hazards, implement and evaluate risk controls, use and maintain PPE, and follow SOPs and WHS procedures to ensure workplace safety Create efficient work practices to minimize waste Access, interpret, organize, and clarify workplace information, using appropriate terminology and symbols Work with a high degree of accuracy and precision on fine and delicate pieces Operate machinery and tools in a manner that avoids risk tothemself or others within the workshop Gather relevant information, seek input from team members, and engage in effective dialogue to make informed decisions Communicate effectively in various workplace situations, including giving and receiving feedback.
2	Design jewellery components	20
	The individual needs to know and understand: Specialist techniques both historical and regional Features, availability, and delivery processes of products and services offered The management of customer requirements, including the provision of alternatives and communication of service limitations Strategies for managing customer issues Record keeping requirements of customer service interactions and transactions Iterative processes to enable effective development of client designs Potential problems or limitations that may affects or limit a client’s design Effective communication techniques to better understand client needs Trends, innovations, and breakthroughs in relevant design fields Methods to establish rapport with customers aimed at providing a positive customer experience Research techniques and design resources, including how and where to locate them Existing designs, ethical and competitive considerations Applicable industry standards or regulations Drawing media and their purposes/applications including paper, and ink/pencil/stencils/erasers Principles and techniques for visually communicating design ideas, including basic sketching, 2D and 3D drawing methods, the relationship between technical and artistic drawings, and the use of CAD software with appropriate terminology and symbols Fundamental and advanced design principles relevant to jewellery, including form, function, harmony, line (interpretive and actual), and the elements that define both basic and complex components Jewellery construction techniques and suitable manufacturing technologies The use of techniques associated with applying texturing to precious metal surfaces for creative effect How to extract mass and area properties using 3D design software Information on specifications, design documentation, illustrations, design drawings and other applicable source documents Industry requirements and availability of industry expertise Safe work practices Processes for material recycling and waste disposal. How to implement sustainable practices in jewellery design, including ethical sourcing of materials such as gemstones and precious metals. This includes knowledge of standards and certification or fair trade and responsible mining.
	The individual shall be able to: Identify and interpret specifications Identify purposes and needs, including design restraints, budget considerations, item end-use, proportions, desired features, and available materials Develop research/ideas to a sufficient level to determine customer expectations and/or design outcomes Clearly communicate design intent and feasibility to customers and relevant stakeholders (engineer, master pattern maker) using appropriate terminology Record and communicate design development and intent through annotations (call outs), visual cues, and process documentation Create, refine, and approve drawings and renderings using appropriate tools and techniques to accurately communicate jewellery design concepts Engage with experts, mentors, or peers to gather input and diverse perspectives on design challenges Identify and solve problems that may affect design, form or functionality Interpret and address diverse customer requirements using product knowledge, propose suitable alternatives, identify potential design limitations, and manage issues that may arise during the design process.
3	Manufacture of precious metal alloys	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Methods for coordinating with others to ensure correct preparation and documentation of alloy blends The composition and properties of precious metal alloys and solders, including how additives affect colour, pliability, durability, and how alloys respond to common jewellery-making processes Legislation, industry standards, and ethical frameworks relating to the purchase, production, and sale of precious metals, and finished pieces, including requirements for responsible sourcing from suppliers and manufacturers, adherence to fair trade practices, and sustainability obligations across the jewellery supply chain Assaying processes and procedures for the country of operation, purchase, and sale of jewellery products Assaying marks delineating precious metal quality Forms in which precious metals are sold, such as sheet/wire/granules.
	The individual shall be able to: Recognize authenticity and quality signs for precious metals Source precious metals of the correct price and quality for jewellery manufacture Calculate the proportions and quantities of fine precious metals and base metals required for any predetermined amount of any recognized precious metal alloy Cast precious metal alloy ingots and bars of any predetermined weight, with a minimum of residual impurities, ready to be milled or rolled in preparation for the manufacture of jewellery components.
4	Handling of metal alloys for the manufacture of jewellery components	5
	The individual needs to know and understand: Properties and applications of various recognised precious metal alloys The process for the transformation of precious metal alloy ingots in preparation for the manufacture of jewellery components Applications and uses for different recognized precious metals Methods for collaborating with team members and suppliers to ensure proper use and handling of tools and materials.
	The individual shall be able to: Reduce precious metal sheets and square wires made from precious metal alloys to a predetermined thickness using manual or electrically powered rolling mills Reduce square or round wires made from precious metal alloys to predetermined dimensions using drawing banks Manufacture round wire from square wire and reduce it to a predetermined diameter using a drawing bank Apply basic mathematical formulas to calculate metal weights and achieve the desired dimensions.
5	Manufacture of both simple and complex jewellery components	35
	The individual needs to know and understand: Decision making processes applied when selecting fabrication techniques, working out tolerances, or addressing challenges in mechanical components or gemstone settings. The use of CAD for layout or cross-referencing digital models to translate designs into physical components. Methods for articulating the rationale behind fabrication choices when collaborating with designers, gem setters, or clients. Methods and techniques for evaluating the functionality of mechanisms and wearability of finished components before final assembly. Metthods of anticipating how individual components integrate into larger assemblies and workflows Legislation and regulations regarding the purchase, production, and sale of precious metals, gemstones, and finished pieces Various jewellery components and their intended applications Techniques and methods for forming and constructing components and methods for finishing components The requirements for gemstone seating to ensure professional gem setting outcomes The correct and safe use of solders and soldering torches, and hard soldering techniques Other techniques used in the joining of one or more components to create a completed piece without the use of heat or solder.
	The individual shall be able to: Manufacture Chenier/tubes and reduce to any predetermined diameters using a drawing bank Transform precious metal alloy sheet, wire or Chenier/tube into simple jewellery components employing bending, shaping, and forming to conform to any shape pre-determined by technical drawing or sample component Drill precious metals accurately to conform to any shape pre-determined by technical drawings or sample component Transform simple jewellery components employing abrasive techniques such as milling, grinding, filing, ajour-sawing etc. to conform to any shape pre-determined by technical drawings or sample components Hammer, emboss, shape or dome precious metal sheets of appropriate thickness into low relief, to conform to any shapes pre-determined by technical drawings or sample components using appropriate doming tools Manufacture settings for precious gemstones to conform to shapes or designs pre-determined by technical drawings or sample components Manufacture functioning mechanisms for jewellery such as hinges, clasps, articulations, pressure snaps riveting and screw threads as determined by technical drawings or sample components, or of their own design Refine and revisit complex constructions like hinges, clasps, and articulated pieces to ensure mechanical integrity and durability Assemble basic jewellery components and complex jewellery components into completed jewellery pieces by means of precious metal solder joins to conform to any designs pre-determined by technical drawings or sample components Repair damaged or worn pieces of jewellery so that the restored pieces will be indistinguishable from their original aspect at the time of manufacture.
6	Surface finish	15
	The individual needs to know and understand: Skill specific finishing and polishing methods and techniques that reduce waste, reuse abrasives, and minimise environmental impact Procedures, tools, and techniques to gain the optimum surface finish, Common surface imperfections and defects and appropriate methods for their repair International grades of sandpaper used in surface finishing Precious metal lemel control and collection processes to reduce waste and encourage reuse Best practice for refining to ensure maximum returns of scrap precious metals to ensure sustainable practices are upheld in the workplace.
	The individual shall be able to: Remove marks, scratches, and surface imperfections throughout all stages of manufacture of simple and complex jewellery components and completed jewellery pieces before the application of final surface finishes Finish surfaces at stages throughout the manufacturing process Apply non-reflective 800ASA sandpaper (or equivalent) appropriate for critical evaluation and/or passing on to any subsequent phases of production requiring other jewellery’ industry skills, such as casting, gem-setting, engraving, and polishing Work in an organized and efficient manner to minimize loss of precious metals Return all surplus metal and lemel/scrap to assess loss prior to recycling.
	Total	100

References for industry consultation

General notes

WorldSkills is committed to ensuring that the WorldSkills Occupational Standards fully reflect the dynamism of internationally recognized best practice in industry and business. To do this WorldSkills approaches a number of organizations across the world that can offer feedback on the draft Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards on a two-yearly cycle.

In parallel to this, WSI consults three international occupational classifications and databases:

ISCO-08: (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/stat/isco/isco08/)
ESCO: (https://ec.europa.eu/esco/portal/home )
O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org/)

References

This WSOS (Section 2) appears most closely to relate to the occupation of Jeweller (which is rather higher):
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9071.01

and the occupation of Jeweller here, which may be a closer fit:
ttp://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/618a854a-4ecd-4535-84e6-350e1fe0aa0f .

Adjacent occupations may also be explored through these links.

ILO 7313

The following table indicates which organizations were approached and provided valuable feedback for the Description of the Associated Role and WorldSkills Occupational Standards in place for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Organization	Contact name
C Rempel Joias	Claudinei Rempel, Director
DARI	Ryo Yasuda, President
Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry	Yoshikazu Yamada, Instructor
Japan Jewelry Association	Akio Sakamaki, Vice Chairman
Mikimoto Jewelry MFG. Co. Ltd	Takuya Konno
Newkogei Co., Ltd.	Yohihiro Nishida, President
ODA Professional field of jewelry and object design	Andrea von Allmen, Co-President
Sarah and Sebastian	Robert Sebastian Grynkofki, Co-Founder, Product Director
The Goldsmith Centre	Robin Kyte, Education and Training Consultant
UID, Karnavati University	Dhiraj Kumar, Director Academics