Vacancy
Goldsmith / Jeweller / Studio Assistant
Ute Decker artist jewellery
About Ute Decker
Artist jeweller Ute Decker is known for her one-off and limited-edition award-winning sculptural and architectural pieces; her works are exhibited internationally and found in major public and private collections including the V&A.
Within the vibrant creative community of Cockpit Studios in Bloomsbury, Ute, a pioneer of the responsible jewellery movement, hand-sculpts her works, where every detail matters and tells its own story.
Role Overview
We are seeking a skilled goldsmith to support Ute Decker's studio practice. This hands-on assistant role involves working closely alongside Ute to help realise her unique sculptural jewellery pieces and support during exhibitions and studio events.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing metals and materials for Ute to sculpt.
- Finishing jewellery to the highest standard.
- Precise bench work, including filing, soldering, texturing, and hand-polishing edges.
- Comfortable handling large-scale projects, such as texturing and finishing 5-meter-long wire strips.
- Identifying potential issues in making/working processes before they arise.
- Meticulously checking and refining the finish of final pieces.
- Maintaining accurate records of works, including materials, dimensions, and Fairtrade details (training on Artlogic database will be provided).
- Supporting studio operations, inventory management, client viewings, and exhibition preparations.
- Interacting with clients in a friendly and professional demeanour while helping during Goldsmiths' Fair and the bi-annual Cockpit Open Studios.
Requirements
- Solid professional, full-time fabrication bench experience (min. 3 years, not suitable for recent graduates).
- Proficiency with gold, silver, and mixed media.
- Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently as well as closely alongside the artist.
- Experience in calculating dimensions, using materials efficiently, and identifying potential issues during production.
- Organised, proactive, and reliable with excellent communication and time management skills.
What's on Offer
- The opportunity to contribute to a leading contemporary art jewellery studio known for its sculptural approach and responsible practice, within an internationally exhibiting studio environment.
- A flexible freelance structure, typically averaging 5 studio days per month, increasing up to 8 days during busy exhibition periods.
- An hourly rate of approximately £20/hr, depending on experience and technical proficiency.
How to Apply
If your practice reflects technical precision, sensitivity to material, and exceptional finish, I would be delighted to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a brief cover letter, and 5 high-resolution close-up images demonstrating your bench skills and quality of finish via our SmartRecruiters page:
Apply https://smrtr.io/yYXP-
Please use the following file naming convention for all documents:
FirstNameLastName-ShortTitle.jpg / docx / pdf
Important Dates
Application deadline: 3 July 2026. Early applications encouraged, as we are keen to fill the position.
Practical interviews: 17/18/20 July (dates may be flexible).
Start Date: end-July or mid-August 2026
Successful candidates are invited to a practical interview / bench test followed by a paid trial period.
Explore Ute's work on utedecker.com
For any questions, email opportunities@utedecker.com or call 020-7354-4237.
Thank you.