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.
Job DescriptionRole 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: Ongoing. Early applications encouraged, as we are keen to fill the position.
Practical interviews: 17/18/20 July (dates may be flexible).
Start Date: end-July or mid-August 2026
Successful candidates are invited to a practical interview / 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 O2O-7354-4237.
Skills Required
- Professional full-time fabrication bench experience (minimum 3 years)
- Proficiency working with gold, silver, and mixed media
- Exceptional attention to detail and high-quality finish
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and alongside the artist
- Experience calculating dimensions, efficient material use, and identifying production issues
- Comfortable handling large-scale projects and texturing/finishing large wire strips
- Organised, proactive, reliable with excellent communication and time management
- Ability to interact with clients professionally during fairs and studio viewings
What We Do
Ute Decker is a London-based artist-jeweller renowned for her minimalist, bold sculptural jewellery that blends body adornment with fine art. A pioneer in the international ethical jewellery movement, she champions sustainability by using exclusively Fairtrade gold and recycled silver. Her work is described as 'wearable sculptures' and 'geometric poetry,' often exploring architectural language, volume, and negative space.
