MASTER JEWELER & CUSTOM DESIGNER

About the Role

This is not a typical bench jeweler position. The role is designed for an accomplished craftsperson who wants to take their career—and their creativity—to another level. You’ll create one-of-a-kind, high-end custom pieces from concept through completion, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern CAD/CAM technology. You’ll also work directly with Bailey’s ownership to help design and develop our growing Bailey’s private-label jewelry collection—pieces that can ultimately be introduced across our stores and become part of the creative identity of a 78-year-old family jewelry company.

We don’t want someone simply executing work orders. We want an artist, craftsperson, and designer who has ideas of their own. If there’s a piece you’ve always wanted to create, we want to hear about it. If there’s a design you believe should exist, show us. If you’ve spent years developing your craft but haven’t had the freedom or environment to see how far you can take it, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Responsibilities

• Design and produce exceptional custom jewelry from concept through completion
• Create important one-of-a-kind pieces for Bailey’s clients
• Perform advanced goldsmithing, fabrication, stone setting, and finishing
• Translate original concepts into precise, production-ready CAD/CAM designs
• Collaborate directly with Bailey’s ownership on special pieces and new collections
• Help develop Bailey’s private-label jewelry line
• Experiment with new designs, techniques, and ideas
• Create pieces that may ultimately be sold across multiple Bailey’s locations
• Practice your craft in a dedicated studio environment designed for concentration and creativity

What You Won’t Be Doing

• Work on a retail sales floor
• Spend your day being pulled away from your bench by sales associates
• Have frequent direct customer interaction
• Constantly switch between creative work and the normal distractions of a busy jewelry store

Requirements

• Exceptional bench-jeweler and advanced goldsmithing skills
• Excellent stone-setting, fabrication, and finishing capabilities
• Strong CAD/CAM design skills using Rhino, Matrix, MatrixGold, or similar software
• A deep understanding of jewelry construction and manufacturing
• Strong creative instincts and an eye for proportion, detail, and design
• The ability to take an idea from sketch or concept through a finished piece
• The confidence to work independently
• A genuine passion for fine jewelry and craftsmanship

Most importantly, we want to see your work. A portfolio demonstrating your craftsmanship, CAD ability, and original designs will matter tremendously in our selection process.

Benefits

• Work alongside an award-winning custom design team
• Access to sophisticated technology and resources
• Join a company willing to invest in both your craft and your growth
• Opportunity to concentrate on making great jewelry without interruptions
• Relocation assistance available

Pay

$90,000–$125,000+ annually, depending on experience, craftsmanship, and portfolio. For an exceptional candidate, we’re prepared to be flexible.

About the Location

If this opportunity requires a move, Raleigh deserves a serious look. The Milken Institute ranked Raleigh the #1 Best-Performing Large City in America in 2025, and Raleigh-Cary remains a Top-5 Best-Performing Large City in 2026. Raleigh has also been recognized by Livability among America’s Top 100 Best Places to Live, with a thriving economy, outstanding universities, excellent restaurants and culture, mild winters, and easy access to both North Carolina’s mountains and coast. It’s a growing city with an exceptional quality of life—and a great place to build both a career and a life.