Apprentice Silversmith Level 2

Tiffany & Co; Cumberland (RI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Tiffany & Co. operates a manufacturing facility in Cumberland, RI where jewelry products are crafted by a diverse workforce. An apprentice silversmith role focuses on interpreting production artwork, fabricating items, and meeting QA standards within prescribed timelines.

The position emphasizes attention to detail, reading blueprints, and hands-on metal fabrication, including soldering, finishing, and assembly, in a collaborative team environment. Safety and process adherence are required.

Qualifications

• English communication is essential.
• Teamwork skills are necessary.
• Experience with metal fabrication is required.
• Strong problem-solving abilities are important.
• Attention to detail is critical for precision work.
• Ability to read blueprints and fabricate three-dimensional objects.

Responsibilities

• Interpret blueprints and fabricate items to meet production artwork and QA standards.
• Perform soldering, fitting, and finishing across a wide range of product sizes.
• Maintain organization of work instructions and drawings; assist in SOP development.
• Provide progress updates and help meet production schedules.
• Collaborate with team members and support other projects as skill sets progress.

Skills

Teamwork skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

English communication

Metal fabrication

Education

High school diploma or GED

BFA/MFA in metals and jewelry

Tools

CAD software

Laser welder

Job description

Tiffany & Co. is one of the most legendary brands in the world today. With a history that spans back to 1837, Tiffany & Co is a jeweler and specialty retailer whose merchandise offerings include an extensive selection of jewelry, as well as timepieces, sterling silverware, china, crystal, stationery, fragrances, and accessories. Tiffany & Co. operates a manufacturing facility in Cumberland, RI where jewelry products unique to our company are crafted by a diverse workforce. Tiffany offers our employees the resources they need to be successful in an environment that recognizes and rewards creativity, innovation, and dedication. We take great pride in helping each of our employees design an exciting future within our enduring tradition of excellence. At Tiffany & Co., an inspired career is life’s best accessory.

Responsibilities:

Always work safely by consistently following safe work procedures for your position, as well as all safety procedures required at your worksite. Promptly report all incidents and safety issues to your supervisor.

AT THE BENCH

• An apprentice silversmith will be learning to interpret blueprints and fabricate items based on designs and tolerances set forth in production artwork to meet company QA standards within prescribed timelines. A focus on detail, in process QA and limiting inventory failure is necessary while working on a wide size range of products where fitting, machining, and soldering (etcetera) is required. Utilize multiple torch sizes and types from gas flux pin torches to large scale soldering and annealing torches.
• Apply correct sequences of silver solder from high temp 800 to lower temp 560 to the lowest temp tin/silver solder. An understanding of the use of solder stop out, files, burs, sanding belts and scotch stones is required to perform all levels of solder cleanup and over-run prevention. Apprentices are responsible for the cleanup and fitting of cast, die struck, machined, spun and hand fabricated components. Hand form spouts, handles and other hollow components with the use of the hydraulic press, wooden dies, hammers, and stakes. Hallmarking by hand a wide variety of items as well as utilize aluminum and steel hammers to raise and planish during fabrication and repair.
• Minimize porosity in solder seams and castings with the use of laser weld and appropriate filler wire, rotary planisher, Swiss hammer and steel planishing hammers.
• Possess knowledge of hand forging of steel punches, chasing tools, snaring irons and stakes. The ability to use chasing tools, punches and engravers is required during complex fabrication practices. Utilize the drill press and flex shaft to drill, tap and thread components in order to mechanically fixture complex items to allow for the finishing and refurbishing process. Set up and operate power equipment including the draw bench, jump shears, band saw, disc and belt sander, power press, kick press, spinning lathe, machining lathe and any other tools essential to the job. 75% Critical Necessary
• Focus on organization of work instructions, drawings, notes, capturing in-process images and assisting in the writing of SOPs for new and existing products where required.
• Provide management with consistent progress updates and estimated completion schedules.
• Work to maintain the production schedule and be willing to assist on additional projects as skill sets progress.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and respectful work environment while complying with company policies and procedures. Participate and carry out team tasks by helping co-workers where needed.
• Demonstrates competencies as needed in Hollowware for tours and filming as needed.
• Perform other activities as directed.

Qualifications:

• The ability to effectively communicate in English is essential
• Good teamwork skills
• Metal fabrication experience
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to Detail
• Ability to read blueprints and effectively fabricate three-dimensional objects
• High school diploma or GED
• Computer literate
• BFA/MFA in metals and jewelry

Preferred:

• Basic knowledge of laser welder machine
• Advanced Computer / CAD skills