Favourite gemstone:Padparadscha sapphire. These sapphires are rare and not easily available – especially unheated ones that are
the colour of a tropical lotus flower. The more saturated the colour, the more valuable they are. Favourite metal:It depends on how the metal is used; it’s white gold when setting stones, yellow gold when manufacturing or crafting a ring, and platinum for longevity. Favourite tool:Heavy duty ring bender pliers. They bend just about any thickness of precious metal with ease. Best new tool discovery:GRS Graversmith – I never knew how much easier it makes your work, especially setting work! Best part of job:Mastering a technique that you once found hard to do. Worst part of job:Realising that you misunderstood an instruction on a job packet only after it’s completed. Best tip from a jeweller:If your gut tells you that something is not correct with a job order, follow up with whoever is responsible for that order. Best tip to a jeweller:Clean your workbench at the end of each day. There is nothing worse than starting your day having to face an untidy bench. Biggest health concern on the bench:Fine dust particles – especially abrasive powder coming from the sanding disc and pre-polishing waxes like Tripoli Lustre Polishing Compound. Love jewellery because: It’s in my blood! My father was a diamond cutter/polisher and from a very young age, I would go with him when he visited various people in the industry. That is how I was exposed to the diamond and jewellery business. |