FAVOURITE GEMSTONE: Star sapphire. FAVOURITE METAL: 18-carat yellow gold. In terms of silversmithing, sterling silver. FAVOURITE TOOL: Planishing hammer. BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY: Micro torches and micro welders. BEST PART OF THE JOB: The variety of commissions and interaction with customers. WORST PART OF THE JOB: Time pressure, loss of colleagues and skills. BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER: Keep loose gemstones on the bench in a tray. BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER: Don’t repair silverware with lead solder. Also acknowledge that there is always team effort involved in any successful business. I'm very appreciative of the support of my wife Marion, and Glenn Busch, who began with us as an apprentice. BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH: Loss of dexterity and eyesight. LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE: All jewellery and trophies have emotion at their core. The reason it is given or awarded is relived over many years. |