My Bench: David Hollanders

David Hollanders

Works at: Wild Trout Designer Jewellers, Sydney, NSW

Age: 53

Years in trade: 37 years

Training: Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire

First job: Goldsmithing apprenticeship at Roy’s Jewellers, Lancashire in 1983

Other qualifications: City & Guilds Jewellery Manufacture certification, Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and Diamond Setting Diploma from Sir John Cass College, London

SIGNATURE PIECE:
 

GOLD AND DIAMOND BANGLE
PRIVATE COMMISSION

This bangle was a labour of love for a special lady who had recently been bereaved, losing the love of her life. The gold used was hers, recycled, and the diamonds came from a variety of jewellery pieces that either belonged to her husband or were bought for her by him. I separated the diamonds by colour and pavé set them in sections. She wears it all day, every day and we recently made something similar for her daughter.

Favourite gemstone:

I can’t go past the vibrancy of a beautiful ruby.

Favourite metal:

18-carat yellow gold. What’s not to love about a simple alloy that is both a pleasing colour and very accommodating?

Favourite tool:

Burnishers – how pleasing it is that two metals rubbed together can give a beautiful reflective finish!

Best new tool discovery:

A few years ago, I discovered computer-assisted design (CAD). To start with it was difficult to learn, but over the years I’ve adapted my traditional skills to this modern medium.

Best part of job:

Pleasing people.

Worst part of job:

Quoting.

Best tip from a jeweller:

Do it once, do it right.

Best tip to a jeweller:

Do it once, do it right!

Biggest health concern on the bench:

Dust is the biggest concern.

Love jewellery because:

It never stops surprising me. I started my apprenticeship in goldsmithing at the age of 16, but I wasn’t ready for the discipline required for the role – and I was given the boot after less than a year! After trying a couple of other jobs, including a trainee stonemason, I decided that I really wanted to pursue my passion in jewellery making.

After graduating from college in 1986, I landed a job at the Diamond Boutique in Maidenhead, Berkshire as a jobbing jeweller, progressing to mounter. Then, under the guidance of Anthony Hilbourne, I gained qualifications in gemmology, diamond grading and diamond setting.

Even today, there is always something new to discover – even though in a busy modern workshop, we rarely get time to step back and reflect!