My Bench: Natalie Handling

NATALIE HANDLING

Works at: Fairfax & Roberts, Sydney

Years in trade: 29 years

Training: Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design, London, six years

First job: Paragon Jewellers, London, 1996

Other qualifications: Gemmologist and hand engraver. I learnt in London and then was taught engraving at Enmore TAFE for two years. I now also run my own engraving business.

Favourite gemstone:

Tourmaline, as it comes in so many beautiful colours.

Favourite metal:

Platinum; it demands respect when you work with it to get a beautiful finish. Also, there’s this fineness you can push it to.

Favourite tool:

Tweezers – I’m lost if I can’t find one of my two ‘special’ pairs!

Best part of job:

Variety, the challenge of a complicated design or repair, and the joy it brings to the recipient.

Worst part of job:

Seeing the disruptive technology, CAD [computer-assisted design], change the skill-set required to become a well-rounded and confident jeweller.

Best tip from a jeweller:

It’s old school: using a gramophone needle in a pin-vice as a burnisher. I still use it almost every day.

Best tip to a jeweller:

Never be afraid to try a new way of doing something. Time taken to get each step of a job where it needs to be along the way will result in a better and faster job.

Biggest health concern on the bench:

Polishing and protecting my eyeballs!

Love jewellery because:

It’s my creative outlet.