Favourite gemstone:The beauty of natural diamonds has always intrigued me and in recent years, I have been fortunate to work on some extraordinary stones – including amazing pink, blue, champagne and white diamonds. The range of colours allows the maker to create a stunning, custom work of fine jewellery art. Favourite metal:I make most pieces in platinum and rose or yellow gold, depending on the diamond colour. Platinum is a great metal to work with and the finished pieces stand the test of time. Favourite tool:Laser welding and engraving machines have provided the greatest leap in technology during my life in the jewellery trade. Lasers have sped up the manufacturing time and help with the perfect placement of hand-made parts. I use the laser often to push things along. Best new tool discovery:A new addition to my bench is the Pulse Graver. For setting and engraving, it is hard to beat. It takes up very little room and is a growing favourite in the workshop. Best part of job:Seeing the customer’s happy, emotional reaction when they receive their special piece of jewellery! It makes it all worth while. Worst part of job:I think a lot of jewellers would agree that finding enough time in each day to get everything done is sometimes impossible. Best tip from a jeweller:Think beyond the usual designs of jewellery and the ways to make them, whether it is the precious metals or the tools we use to create them. Best tip to a jeweller:Be satisfied at the end of the job that you have done the best work you can – and aim to do it every day. Biggest health concern on the bench:The polishing dust and acid fumes we have all inhaled at one time or another is a major health concern. I wear a mask regularly. Love jewellery because: I have gained so much from the jewellery trade, including a terrific number of jeweller mates over the years. There is also the satisfaction of having a lot of happy people wearing something I created and knowing they and their family and friends will come back for more. |