Goldsmith / Jeweller / Studio Assistant

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 this SmartRecruiters page:

Please use the following file naming convention for all documents:

FirstNameLastName-ShortTitle.jpg / docx / pdf

Please attach your cover letter in the 'message to hiring team' box. PLEASE do not attach your cover letter separately.

Important Dates

Application deadline:  3 July 2026.  Early applications encouraged, as we are keen to fill the position!
Practical interviews: 10/11/13 July (dates may be flexible).
Start Date: mid-July or August 2026

Successful candidates will complete a bench test followed by a paid trial period.

Explore Ute’s work on utedecker.com

For any questions, email opportunities(at)utedecker.com or call 020-7354-4237

Thank you.