The introduction of coke to smelting processes in France was made through his studies of techniques used in England.
Jars was educated at the Grand College, Lyon (Lycée Ampère) and then went to work with his father in the mining industry.
In 1747, the École des Ponts et Chaussées (school of bridges and mines) was established and he was sent there to study in 1754.
In 1756 Jars went to mines and smelting industries in Saxony, Bohemia, Austria, Tyrol, Styria and Carinthia.
Gabriel Jars the elder was a correspondent of the French Academy of Sciences (elected 1761) and it was he who published the third volume.