My life as a jeweller

My life as a jeweller.... I've worked in the jewellery trade since I was 15, as a Saturday girl to begin with, then full time.  I loved selecting new ranges, designing quirky engagement rings and commissions, and carrying out small repairs.  I really was, and still am, rather obsessed with jewellery!

A move to Sussex in my early 20's gave me the chance, at last, to get into a workshop and I began a 6-year apprenticeship with successful silversmiths, Pruden & Smith, in Ditchling.  This sparked a flurry of creativity and my first designs sold so well in the workshop gallery it prompted me to make more and more and begin showing my work at local fairs and exhibitions.

After 6 fabulous years in Ditchling, I had enough private customers (and stock!), to set off on my own, and more magic happened.

I exhibited locally at first then ventured out as far away as Aberdeenshire.  Galleries stocked my work and I had a continuous stream of commissions to keep me busy.

My children came along in 2006 and 2008 so jewellery took a back seat, though my fingers and hands ached terribly if I didn't get to my workbench every now and then!

In 2009 we moved home to the Dorset countryside and I haven't looked back. We're settled in our forever home, my workshop is as messy as ever and I'm making lovely, unusual commissions for my customers. To top it all I'm having an amazing time at big fairs across the country selling my work and meeting lots of wonderful people. Life simply couldn't get any better!