Favourite gemstone:I have no real favourite, but I like a top-quality Tanzanite because of the rarity and colour depth. Plus you can get them in a large size. They’re a setter’s nightmare, but worth it! Favourite metal:Platinum, because even thought it is the most difficult metal to hand-make with, it pre-polishes brilliantly. You can use hard platinum solder throughout the make. Favourite tool:The PUK welding machine. It allows you to set up, move and re-set up pieces knowing they won’t move when soldering. Best part of job:The final polishing after many hours of working. Worst part of job:It really depends; melting the metal, rolling, soldering, filling, shaping, emering and polishing all have their own obstacles! Best tip to a jeweller:Just because you haven’t been shown how to do something, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it. I’m self-taught in a lot of things, and I’m always asking questions to improve my skills. Biggest health concern on the bench:Eyes. I increase the focus by having many visor headsets available. Love jewellery because: The satisfaction I get when I make a close to perfect piece of jewellery. It makes the client happy knowing they will have something that will be passed down through their family. |