Becoming a Jeweler : The Programs of Excellence of the Haute École de Joaillerie

In the exclusive and demanding world of jewelry, few establishments can boast a reputation as prestigious as that of the Haute École de Joaillerie. Founded in Paris in 1867, this institution has trained some of the biggest names in the industry. Jewellers, designers, gemmologists, creators and entrepreneurs are trained there every year, supported by a recognized teaching approach and prestigious partnerships.

With its four departments—foundation, work-study programs, professional, and international training—the Haute École de Joaillerie offers a comprehensive range of courses tailored to all profiles: high school students, professionals seeking career change, artisans looking to improve their skills, and international students.

Expertise passed down for more than 150 years

From its three campuses located in Paris, Lyon and Aix en Provence, the Haute École de Joaillerie shines throughout the world thanks to its founding mission: to transmit the ancestral know-how of French jewelry, while integrating the most contemporary technologies. Thanks to its proximity to the profession, the school has a 100% employability rate.

Thanks to its strong reputation, the courses fill up shortly after the opening of registrations: don't delay or you will end up on the waiting list...

The admission criteria are very strict. A word of advice: prepare your portfolio with the greatest care: only the best of you will be selected!

Training in the jewelry industry

Initial training: the path to excellence

The initial training is aimed at young students wishing to enter the jewelry sector through a recognised diploma course. It is divided into four main sectors:
• Manufacturing Course: Superior Certificate of Jewelry (CSJ) in three years, dedicated to workshop professions.
• Creation Course: Bachelor's Degree in Jewelry Design in three years, for aspiring designers.
• Digital Stream: Bachelor's Degree in Digital Designer in Jewelry in partnership with Cartier, accessible in one year.
• Management Track: MBA in Jewelry Management, also in one year.

The Manufacturing and Creation courses are sponsored by major jewelry houses such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel or Cartier, which support students by organizing conferences, competitions, workshop visits and personalized coaching.

Admission procedures: Application file, motivation interview and entrance exam with technical or artistic tests depending on the field.
Tuition fees: between €6,000 and €12,000 per year depending on the program.

Work-study training: learning at the heart of the workshops

Thanks to a partnership with the Île-de-France region, the Haute École de Joaillerie offers a work-study program that combines classes at school and immersion in a company. These courses lead to national diplomas:
• CAP Art and Techniques of Jewelry (options: jewelry, setting, polishing)
• BMA (Brevet des Métiers d'Art (options : Jewelry, Gem-setting or Polishing and Goldsmithing)
• Additional mention in jewelry

Admission procedures : level test, interview and signing of an apprenticeship contract with a company.
Tuition fees : paid by the OPCO or the employer.

Continuing education: for professionals and enthusiasts

Continuing education is aimed at adults wishing to retrain, improve their skills or certify their skills:
• Preparation for diplomas (CAP, Complementary Mention)
• Certification training (gemology, CAD/CAD, prototyping)
• Practical workshops for companies

Admission procedures: on file and interview; for profiles in retraining, a 1/2 day placement test with a teacher from the school makes it possible to determine whether the candidate demonstrates an aptitude for metalworking
Tuition fees: from €1,500 to €20,000 depending on the modules and duration. Financing by CPF, training plan, aid from the IDF region or individually.

International training: an immersion in French excellence

Open to students from all over the world, this department offers tailor-made training courses:
• Jewelry manufacturing
• Jewelry Design
• Volume & wax model
• Manufacturing techniques

The modules can be adapted according to the needs and profiles of the students. The teaching emphasizes the transmission of French jewelry culture, through concrete experimentation in the workshops.

Admission procedures: online application, student visa if required.
Tuition fees: variable depending on the tailor-made program (from €2,000 per short module).

Gemology at the service of the knowledge of stones

The Haute École de Joaillerie has partnered with the French Gemological Laboratory (LFG) to offer high-level gemological training.

Thanks to this partnership, students have access to rigorous scientific pedagogy and advanced analytical equipment. They develop expertise in the identification, evaluation and selection of gems, an essential skill in the high-end jewelry sector.

Short training courses to explore, test, deepen

Throughout the year, the school offers introductory and advanced sessions in jewelry, design, CAD or gemology. Intended for enthusiasts as well as professionals looking for new skills, these training modules are the ideal opportunity to discover a profession, validate a career path or broaden one's know-how.

Discover the school during the next Open Days

Want to dive into the fascinating world of jewelry? The Haute Ecole de Joaillerie regularly organizes Open Days. On the program: visit of the workshops, meeting with teachers and students, technical demonstrations, presentations of the courses and advice for admissions.

Can't make it to the school? Take advantage of the informational webinars organized by the school to learn about the different programs available to become a jeweler.

Internationally recognized talent

As a testament to the quality of the training, the students of the Haute École de Joaillerie are regularly awarded prizes in international competitions such as the Prix de la Création de la Ville de Paris, the Révélations competition and the WorldSkills.

In 2024, 9 students (out of a class of 20) were national gold medalists in the Best Apprentices in France (MAF) competition: who can say better?

Whether you want to become a craftsman, designer, gemologist or entrepreneur, the Haute École de Joaillerie offers all the keys to flourish in a demanding and constantly evolving world.

See you at the next JPO to discover the workshops, the stones... and maybe write your own story following in the footsteps of Pierre Dubail, Frédéric Boucheron or Frédéric Mané!