Man Offers Jewel of a Job

   The job market has seen better days, but Jose Samaniego sees no reason to despair. Samaniego, who emigrated from Ecuador 30 years ago said, "It's still the land of opportunity. In this land you can do whatever you want if you work at it."

   Samaniego not only makes a good living, but also provides opportunity for others to do the same.

   He started working with jewelry at age eight. He's been in the business for 35 years and for 10 years owned his own custom jewelry store.

   "But I got tired. I always wanted to teach but never did for different reasons. Then this opportunity came along," said Samaniego.

   His Jewelry Art School, located on Beaver Ruin Road, is the only jewelry store in Georgia and is unlike most others in the country.

   "Most jewelry schools give you history and knowledge you're not going to use. I don't want to waste people's time on things they never use." 

   Samaniego starts with the four C's of precious stones-cut, color, clarity, carat-then involves his students in hands-on workshops including safety, soldering, stone setting and sawing. 

   "No one moves on until they master each skill. I will go over everything as many as six times to make sure they know what to do."

   "And what if someone doesn't get it in six tries," I asked.

   "The way I teach, no one takes six time. I guarantee anyone who takes my course is going to pass."

   The school is authorized under the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990. Certification requires six weeks of classes plus a two-week workshop. Students work at their own pace.

   Marissa Markley, Director of Jewelry Arts School said a major jewelry company is seeking their graduates and offering a starting salary of $40,000.
And here's the best news. Starting on October 1, the Jewelry Arts School will qualify for funds provided through the Workforce Investment Act.

   "Anyone who is unemployed or qualifies for unemployment can apply for training through the WIA. They can get up to $5000 every two years to enhance an existing career or start from scratch," said Markley, a former software engineer who was laid off and went through WIA training for her present job. 
Applicants go though a basic screening test and may apply for any job on the Department of Labor Web site. www.dol.state.ga.us    To be a jeweler, one only needs to score at the eighth grade competency level and be willing to work.
Samaniego also offers courses for hobbyists. Basic jewelry making includes construction of simple rings, chains, earring and pendants.

   Are you unemployed? Seeking a mid-life career change? You might want to visit Samaniego, even if the thought of being a jeweler never entered your mind. Hey, you never know. You could be a diamond in the rough.

   (For more info: www.jewelryartschool.net  770-906-8100 or Gwinnett Career Center, 770-840-2200.)

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