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Apprentice Diamond Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rio Grande

Jewelry Stone Setter

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Measure, mark, and drill the jewelry to create proper settings for stones. Use of Tools and ... Has completed a Jewelers apprenticeship or certification program, and/or 2 years of experience in ...

Syntec Optics

Mold Maker

Rochester, NY · On-site

... drilling, and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining). * Interpret blueprints, CAD models, and ... Opportunity to learn diamond turning along with mold making/working on molds. * May be required to ...

All JobsApprentice Diamond Drilling Jobs

Apprentice Diamond Drilling information

See salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do apprentice diamond drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice diamond drilling in the United States is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by apprentice diamond drillers during their initial training period?

Apprentice Diamond Drillers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to operate specialized drilling equipment safely, and understanding strict safety protocols. The work environment can be remote and requires long hours, sometimes in harsh weather conditions. However, apprentices are typically supported by experienced drillers and supervisors, helping them build technical skills and resilience over time. Teamwork and communication are also vital, as apprentices frequently collaborate with geologists and other crew members on site.

What is an apprentice diamond driller?

Apprentice Diamond Drilling jobs are entry-level positions where individuals learn how to operate diamond drilling equipment, typically used in mining, construction, and geological exploration. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced drillers, gaining hands-on experience in drilling techniques, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance. The role involves both classroom learning and on-the-job training, preparing apprentices for a career as a qualified diamond driller. These positions are ideal for those interested in working outdoors, handling machinery, and pursuing a skilled trade.

What is the difference between Apprentice Diamond Drilling vs Apprentice Blasting?

AspectApprentice Diamond DrillingApprentice Blasting
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, on-the-job trainingSafety certifications, blasting licenses, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, tunnelingMining sites, construction, quarrying
Industry UsageMining, construction, infrastructure projectsMining, quarrying, demolition

Both roles require safety certifications and on-the-job training. Apprentice Diamond Drilling focuses on drilling precise holes in hard materials, while Apprentice Blasting involves handling explosives for material removal. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the mining and construction industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice diamond driller?

To thrive as an Apprentice Diamond Driller, you need a basic understanding of construction or mining operations, good physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling rigs, core sampling tools, and safety certifications such as First Aid or WHMIS is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help you work safely and efficiently in challenging environments. These skills are vital for maintaining safety standards, accurately collecting geological samples, and ensuring smooth drilling operations.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Diamond Drilling jobs? The most popular types of Diamond Drilling jobs are:
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Apprentice Diamond Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Diamond Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,806 per year, or $22 per hour.

Jewelry Stone Setter

Rio Grande

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Jewelry Stone Setter


The Opportunity:

We are looking for a Stone Setter to join our jewelry production team. The Stone Setter will be responsible for setting precious and semi-precious stones into various pieces of jewelry, ensuring precision, quality, and security in the final product. Join a team that values growth and development. We’re committed to training and providing opportunities for advancement as you build your career with us.


What You’ll Do:

Stone Setting:

  • Set various types of gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and others into metal jewelry pieces.
  • Use specialized tools like prongs, bezels, or channels to securely position and attach stones.
  • Choose the appropriate setting method based on the type of gemstone and the jewelry design (e.g., prong setting, bezel setting, pave setting, channel setting).

Assessing Stones and Jewelry:

  • Inspect gemstones and jewelry for quality and suitability for setting.
  • Ensure stones are cut, shaped, and polished properly before setting.

Precision Work:

  • Perform meticulous and delicate work to ensure stones are set correctly and securely without damaging the jewelry or the stone.
  • Measure, mark, and drill the jewelry to create proper settings for stones.

Use of Tools and Equipment:

  • Operate specialized tools like microscopes, setters, prying tools, and polishing equipment to ensure accuracy and fine details.
  • Sometimes use a laser or other technologies for more advanced stone setting techniques.

Stone Security and Longevity:

  • Ensure that stones are securely fastened and unlikely to become loose or fall out over time.
  • Perform quality checks to ensure there are no flaws, cracks, or imperfections in both the stone and setting.

Repairs and Adjustments:

  • Re-set stones in damaged or defective jewelry pieces.
  • Modify existing settings to better secure stones if needed.

Collaboration:

  • Works closely with jewelry designers to understand design specifications and achieve the desired aesthetic.


What You’ll Need:

  • Experience & Training: Has completed a Jewelers apprenticeship or certification program, and/or 2 years of experience in jewelry stone setting particularly in gold prong settings preferred.
  • Attention to Detail: The ability to work meticulously and with precision is essential in setting stones correctly and avoiding damage.
  • Manual Dexterity: A steady hand and excellent hand-eye coordination are necessary for delicate stone-setting work.
  • Knowledge of Gemstones and Metals: Understanding the properties of different gemstones, their value, and how they interact with various metal types preferred.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to adjust and fix settings or gemstones that might not fit perfectly.
  • Familiarity with microscopic or precision assembly ( electronic, dental, optical, or medical device industries).

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work for extended periods while seated or standing.
  • Good vision and hand-eye coordination are essential for the fine, detailed work.

Work Environment:

  • Works independently or as part of a larger team in a Manufacturing setting.
  • Rio Grande is a Metal-Free environment within our operations areas.

Schedule:

  • FT Mon-Fri 7:00 am- 3:30 PM with limited OT.


At Rio Grande, our employees are the heart of our more than 80-year legacy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our culture is guided by our 3R principles: Respect, Responsibility, and Results. We believe in a bias to action mindset that turns ideas into outcomes and in empowering employees to take initiative, grow through continuous learning, and making meaningful impacts every day. Recognized as a 2025 Platinum Award Family Friendly Business, we promote a work-life balance, clear expectations, and a supportive environment, including quality benefits, robust wellness resources, and an onsite fitness facility. Through our employee recognition and community involvement, we celebrate individuality, foster belonging, and ensure every voice is valued. A career at Rio Grande offers more than a job. You’ll join a workplace where your contributions matter and your growth is supported. Your work will help shape the future of the company and support our customers and industry.


Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions.


The Reward:
Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes:

  • Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine
  • 401(k) matching program
  • Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays
  • Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Flexible spending account
  • Pet insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • On-site gym and company wellness program
  • Bereavement leave
  • Employee discounts at Rio Grande
  • Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment
  • Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits


Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within. For more information on us please visit: www.riogrande.com


The Company:
Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.


Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.