My Bench: Darren Nancarrow

Darren Nancarrow

Works at: Diann Darling Jewellers. Engadine NSW

Age: 49

Years in trade: 33 years

Training: Trade Certificate at Ultimo Technical College

First job: Apprentice Jeweller

SIGNATURE PIECE
 

CEYLON SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND RING

2.12ct Ceylon Sapphire double halo ring with F / G colour diamonds in 18-carat yellow and white gold. This piece was made for stock as a point of difference. Our clientele prefer jewellery designs that are classical yet outspoken.

Favourite gemstone:

Sapphires, especially Australian sapphires with the variety of colours, their hardness being a great selling point.

Favourite metal:

18-carat yellow gold due to it being a clean and easy worked metal. It’s also nice to have a change from the large majority of remakes being white gold or platinum.

Favourite tool:

Definitely the saw frame, which allows many different techniques, styles and intricacies to be created.

Best new tool discovery:

Draw bench (saves my arms!)

Best part of job:

The face of a happy client.

Worst part of job:

Polishing

Best tip from a jeweller:

Learn from your mistakes.

Best tip to a jeweller:

It’s good to listen to others opinions because we never stop learning.

Biggest health concern on the bench:

My back.

Love jewellery because:

Being able to create a design that means so much to someone and may hopefully be passed down for years to come.