My Bench: Yuki Mathwin

Yuki Mathwin

Works at: Abrecht Bird Jewellers. Melbourne VIC

Age: 45

Years in trade: 8 years

Training: Four-year apprenticeship, certificate IV.

SIGNATURE PIECE:
 

SATURN'S STONE

A massive hexagonal-shaped storm was discovered on Saturn’s north pole in the 1980s. The raging hurricane is 32,000 kilometres in diameter and over the years has been observed to have changed from a blue colour to a more golden colour. It has six distinct sides, larger than the size of the earth, which form the shape of a hexagon.

Favourite gemstone:

That’s a difficult question. At the moment it’s opal. I’m totally mesmerised by all the colours.

Favourite metal:

18-carat yellow gold.

Favourite tool:

Hammer, there’s something about hammering. Maybe it’s the noise, or the power to manipulate metal, that I really enjoy.

Best new tool discovery:

I love our laser welder, there is nothing it cannot do!

Best part of job:

Being able to talk about jewellery all day.

Worst part of job:

Two things. Waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about a job. Constantly dropping small diamonds. They’re both pretty bad!

Best tip from a jeweller:

You never stop learning.

Best tip to a jeweller:

Never give up.

Biggest health concern on the bench:

My mental health, because I always feel inspired to make myself jewellery, but don’t have the time!

Love jewellery because:

Jewellery is a form of expression and can hold a lot of meaning. I love the history of jewellery too, a piece can tell many stories.