Nicholas Wilson
Year Graduated: 
2010
Jeweler
Gold Rush Jewelers

Job description

I am the jeweler as well as the manager of a jewelry store in Sonoma county. My shop specializes in custom settings, repairs and bridal jewelry. Most of the time I’m working on the bench setting stones, sizing rings, or carving waxes to cast for custom projects as well as basic repairs.

Why did you choose this program?

I was unsure of what I wanted to do my first year at HSU. My first semester I took a freshman interest group focused on oceanography, which was not for me. After that first semester I branched out and took some art classes and discovered how much I enjoyed them. Halfway through my second semester I decided that I wanted to major in Art. If I remember correctly I believe I had to major in Art to sign up for the jewelry making class, so that was the reason I declared as an Art major.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program prepared me for my job by teaching basic jewelry design principles and techniques as well as critical thinking.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I really enjoyed the end of semester projects in this program. Having the freedom to design and create a piece of jewelry with the skills we learned over the semester was awesome.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

If you have any interest at all in this subject it’s worth giving it a try. What helps you become successful in practice is a close attention to detail, patience, and creativity.

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