Careers

Croft & Stern is a working jewelry studio, not just a showroom. We design, we create, we restore, we educate, and we serve. That means the people who thrive here are hands-on, curious, reliable, and eager to learn.

We don’t often have open positions—but we’re always interested in meeting people who are serious about growing in the world of fine jewelry. Whether you’re experienced in sales, bench work, jewelry specific CAD design, photography, or gemology, consider this your invitation to introduce yourself.

Current Opportunities

Location: On-site at a fine jewelry studio in Maple Grove
Schedule: min. 2 days per week, max 15 hours per week

(Tuesday–Saturday availability), flexible hours set in advance. Must be during store hours.

Compensation: $30/hr · Contractor

About the Role

We’re looking for a dedicated jewelry/gemstone product photographer to join us on a part-time, in-store basis. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys precision work and has a strong eye for detail.

What You’ll Do

  • Photograph fine jewelry using either:

  • Our PC + Nikon setup, or your own preferred gear

  • Shoot consistently in our tabletop lightbox or styled with in-store props

  • Image stack / focus stack in Photoshop (for full sharpness across depth)

  • Organize and manage files clearly by SKU / item number

  • Either:

  • Edit in-house (select images), or

  • Send unedited files to our external editor via Dropbox

Requirements

  • Experience shooting jewelry or small product photography (must be able to light reflective metal & gemstones)

  • Familiarity with focus stacking techniques (Photoshop)

  • Strong file organization & consistency

  • Able to work on-site during retail hours in our back office

  • Reliable, detail-oriented, and self-directed

Growth Potential

Additional photography or content opportunities available based on skill and interest (e.g., social media, event photography, product video).

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 15 per week

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule

Ability to Commute:

  • Maple Grove, MN 55369 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Submit Your Resume

Education & Training Resources

While we do not currently offer apprenticeship opportunities, there are excellent schools and scholarship programs dedicated to jewelry arts, gemology, and metalsmithing. If you're serious about building a foundation in this industry, the following organizations are a great place to begin your education and connect with funding options.

Education & Apprenticeship: Where to Begin in The USA

If you're serious about becoming a bench jeweler, here are solid routes to consider:

  • GIA (Gemological Institute of America) offers top-tier programs in jewelry arts and education—Graduates can earn credentials like Graduate Jeweler or Jewelry Design & Technology certifications. (gia.edu)

  • Paris Junior College (Paris, TX) runs a respected jewelry technical certificate program. (parisjc.edu)

  • MJSA Apprenticeship Program—now approved as a U.S. Department of Labor National Guidelines Standards model. It’s a 50-week structured curriculum that, when paired with classroom or in-house training, can be registered for tax credits and support. (mjsa.org)

  • New Approach School for Jewelers (Tennessee) – Offers intensive, hands-on programs in stone setting, repair, and advanced bench techniques, designed to fast-track skills with real-world application. (newapproachschool.com)

Scholarships & Financial Support

Costs can be a barrier—but there is help:

  • Jewelers of America (JA) offers scholarships for bench jewelers and professionals via its Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and partnerships with GIA, AGS, and other certifying bodies. (Jewelers of America)

  • MJSA Scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers—one award grants a free MJSA student membership on top of financial aid. (mjsa.org)

  • GIA Scholarships & Financial Aid—including federal financial aid for eligible on-campus programs (but not all), plus private scholarships like AGS Member Scholarships, the Clear Cut fund, Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) diversity scholarships, and Lonia Tate scholarships with internship opportunities. (GIA, blackinjewelry.org, WJA, Clear Cut, AGS)

  • AGA (Accredited Gemologists Association) awards gemology scholarships globally based on need and merit. (Accredited Gemologists Association)