FAVOURITE GEMSTONE: Opal. Each one is different, so the stone decides the design rather than the other way round. FAVOURITE METAL: 22 carat gold and 999 fine silver are the best metals to work with enamel. FAVOURITE TOOL: My gravers. Champlevé begins with cutting the cells by hand, and nothing else gives you that line. BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVER: Durston mills are my favourite; I've tried many, but that brand is still my favourite. BEST PART OF THE JOB: Opening the kiln. After ten or more firings, you still do not quite know what you have until the door comes open. WORST PART OF THE JOB: Looking for a gemstone that jumped off the bench. BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER: Buy the best set of files you can afford; it's the most used tool in the workshop. BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER: Face shields and breathing masks as much as possible. BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH: Various chemicals that are dangerous to your health, as well as lots of dust. LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE: I don't set out to make jewellery. I make art in metal and stone, and it just happens to be wearable. |