My Bench: James Cliff

SIGNATURE PIECE:

(OCTAROSE)
 

Designed and handmade for a customer, this 18-carat rose gold and white gold piece features a claw-set princess-cut diamond surrounded by Argyle pink diamonds and round brilliant-cut diamonds.

FAVOURITE GEMSTONE: Diamond.

FAVOURITE METAL: Platinum 950.

FAVOURITE TOOL: Laser Welder.

BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY: Laser Welder.

BEST PART OF THE JOB: You are always learning and being creative.

WORST PART OF THE JOB: Cleaning your bench.

BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER: Keep your standards high! Never hand over a job you are not satisfied with – the customer will wait for the perfect creation.

BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER: Keep learning. There is always something new to learn, no matter how old you are. Oh, and nobody likes a know-it-all!

BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH: Not exercising; it’s important to try and make up for the lack of heavy labour and relieve stress with exercise.

LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE: I get to work with my hands creating or fixing jewellery everyday. It’s also rewarding to finish a job and move on to the next thing.