My Bench: Louis Kleimeyer

SIGNATURE PIECE:

(ODE TO OLIVIA)
 

I handmade my fiancé a bangle for the 2023 JAA Jewellery Design Awards and called it ‘Ode to Olivia’. The bangle design was inspired by the Art Deco period and features an oval 1.42-carat pink spinel set within a diamond floral halo arrangement with millgrain accents. More than one carat worth of natural diamonds is a bezel set in round and marquise patterns, a handmade heart-shaped hook, and an eye-style clasp. The side of the bangle is personalised with small family initials O, L, and S and a love heart symbol representing a future family member.

FAVOURITE GEMSTONE: Paraiba Tourmaline

FAVOURITE METAL: 18-carat yellow gold.

FAVOURITE TOOL: Knipex Mini Parralel Pliers.

BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY: ‘Zap Zap’ Lighter.

BEST PART OF THE JOB: Working in a supportive environment where I can learn something new every day.

WORST PART OF THE JOB: Cleaning out the sink’s gold trap.

BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER: Don’t close your eyes or sneeze when hammering.

BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER: Never be afraid to ask questions.

BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH: Inhaling dust and chemical fumes.

LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE: I get to make special pieces for my fiancé.