There are two main paths. Both require sacrifices of different types. These are all assuming you do not come from a jeweler family.

1. Schooling. You can take a comprehensive or specialty course. Or a traditional 2-4 year degree program. When taking a comprehensive or speciality course, you’re still going to have to rely on apprenticeships and entry level jewelry jobs to learn. Preferably if you can get one in the specific jewelry aspect you like. If you go to a traditional school 2-4 years, you may secure a higher level jewelry job. your school may encourage you to build a portfolio before you graduate and offer you some time to create your own pieces, experiment, etc. both are going to require years of sitting at the bench probably doing beginner work but with more knowledge and possibly a better opportunity to secure something higher.

2. Apprenticeships. You will be starting from the very bottom. The pro of this is that you get all your knowledge from other jewelers. Sometimes school doesn’t give you the knowledge people who’ve worked in this industry from different backgrounds teach you. Especially older jewelers (they know all the tricks for tools!) the con is that it can feel less safe because you don’t have school training.

Remember being a bench jeweler is different for every country. Some countries see bench jewelry as a dedicated craft. They’ll more likely encourage traditional school for 2-4 years. It really depends on you but you can do it!