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What is your history in the industry?
I’ve been working as a jeweller for nearly 20 years. 11 of those years have been spent working at LeGassick. I completed an apprenticeship in Brisbane focusing mostly on learning to handmake jewellery. I then moved to a workshop where I could focus on learning repairs. This gave me all the skills needed to complete all aspects of jewellery making. When I started working for LeGassick I was able to further my skills and focus more on developing a drawing and design.
When did you discover you wanted to be a jeweller?
I have always been creative and enjoyed art at school. While growing up my grandmother fossicked and faceted gems in North Queensland which sparked a curiosity and love of gemstones from an early age. I completed some short silver smithing courses after finishing school, my passion for jewellery making grew from there.]
What are your favourite stones to work with? And your favourite pieces to create?
This is a hard one... I love all gemstones! Each one is so different! If I had to pick a few favourite stones I can’t go past a good quality Sapphire, Ruby, Paraiba Tourmaline and a beautiful well cut round or cushion shaped diamond. To be honest, I get excited about nearly every piece I’m working on. Every job is different and each piece of jewellery has meaning which makes every job I work on interesting in its own unique way. I do have to mention that I love creating one off pieces – something that I’ll never make again that is personalised to the wearer. I also enjoy making rings. I really enjoy the process of making a ring and I love that the person wearing it can look down on their hand and view it’s beauty as anytime.
Why is making jewellery so special to you?
I find the most joy from making jewellery in the meaning. I enjoy meeting clients and finding out what a piece of jewellery is going to mean to them. Every piece of jewellery ever purchased has a story behind it. I really love finding out what that story is and being a part of creating it. From an artistic perspective, jewellery making is a great balance of being creative and also being highly technical. I get to express my creativity but also use my mind to solve problems and build things. It really suits my personality.
Have you won any awards for your work?
I have been fortunate to get the opportunity to entre a few design competitions through my career. I have been a finalist in two Australian design competitions in 2012 and 2018. I won Australian Jewellery Design Awards – The Engagement Ring category in 2017. While completing my apprenticeship I came Runner Up for Apprentice of the year and won the Technical Aspects category. I have also completed my Gemmology studies and won a few awards during that – including student of the year.
Where could we find you on the weekends?
I love getting outdoors – hiking and spending time in the ocean. I love yoga, listening to music, watching documentaries, reading and writing poetry.
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