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My Bench
My Bench: Meet Australia's Bench Jewellers
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While their artisan skills and creations are often awe-inspiring, bench jewellers are generally hidden away in the backrooms creating fine jewellery … that is until now.
2023 | James Andrews Jeweller • Subiaco WA • Age: 43
• Years in trade: 27 years
• Training: Jewellery apprenticeship
• First job: Chris Andrews Jewellers |
 | Soklich & Co. Jewellers • Perth WA • Years in trade: 21 years
• Signature piece: Cocktail ring
• Favourite gemstone: Merelani garnet.
• Love jewellery because: It’s fun and rewarding to design and create something and then see it through to fruition. |
 | Holloway Diamonds • Brighton VIC • Age: 55
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Diploma in Gemmology and completed apprenticeship.
• Other qualifications: Apprentice at Holloway Diamonds |
 | Soklich & Co. Jewellers • Perth WA • Years in trade: 17 years
• Signature piece: Pearl and diamond double bee ring
• Favourite gemstone: Ceylon sapphire/London blue.
• Love jewellery because: Nothing is static, there is always more to learn and always more ways to express true art. |
 | Holloway Diamonds • Canterbury VIC • Age: 49
• Years in trade: 25 years
• Training: Trade apprenticeship at Anthony's Jewellers
• Other qualifications: Diploma in Jewellery, Gemmology and Diamond Tech |
 | Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC • Age: 67
• Years in trade: 53 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Apprentice for L.W. Designers |
 | RJ Pearce Designer Jewellers • Perth WA • Age: 59
• Years in trade: 36 years
• Training: Started lapidary at age of 12. Completed jewellery apprenticeship.
• First job: Jephcotts in Latrobe Valley, Victoria |
2022 | Sergio Bassil Gem Setters • Sydney NSW • Age: 64
• Years in trade: 46 years
• Training: Trained in Paris for 5 years, working with master diamond setters.
• Other qualifications: Diamond setting in Paris. |
 | Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC • Age: 33
• Years in trade: 12 years
• Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT
• Other qualifications: Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Engineering |
 | Simon West Fine Jewellery • Melbourne VIC • Age: 42
• Years in trade: 24 years
• Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT
• Signature piece: Platinum ring |
 | Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC • Age: 45
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship, certificate IV.
• Signature piece: Saturn's stone |
 | Bassil Creations • Sydney NSW • Age: 37
• Years in trade: 17 years
• Training: Enmore Design Centre
• First job: Bassil Creations, working for my father Sergio Bassil |
 | Nique Jewellery • Manly NSW • Age: 35
• Years in trade: 13 years
• Training: Jewellery Apprenticeship with Southbank institute
• First job: Toowoomba Jewellers |
 | York Jewellers • Penrith NSW • Age: 34
• Years in trade: 18 years
• Training: Certificate 3 in Jewellery Manufacture
• First job: Jeweller in Afghanistan |
 | Cristi's Jewellers • Penrith NSW • Age: 74
• Years in trade: 53 years
• Training: No formal training, served as apprentice under my father
• First job: Rhon Rae Productions |
 | York Jewellers • Penrith NSW • Age: 24
• Years in trade: 6 years
• Training: Cert 3 Jewellery Manufacture at NSW TAFE
• First job: York Jewellers |
 | Diann Darling Jewellers • Engadine NSW • Age: 49
• Years in trade: 33 years
• Training: Trade Certificate at Ultimo Technical College
• First job: Apprentice Jeweller |
2021 | COSIMO • Sydney NSW • Age: 37
• Years in trade: 16 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery trade and manufacturing at Enmore Design Centre
• First job: Diamond Factory Jewellers Chatswood |
 | Troy O'Brien Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Age: 46
• Years in trade: 31 years
• Training: Apprenticeship through TAFE Ultimo; I apprenticed at Distell International with Albert and Peter Grech and with my uncle Peter Quinn
• First job: Distell International, 1990 |
 | Roberto Mattei Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Age: 51
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Five years of jewellery school and a few years with the masters
• First job: Laboro Jewellery Workshop of Roberto Mattei, Rome, Italy 1997 |
 | Rick Southwick Bespoke Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Years in trade: 45 years
• Training: Trained under Graham Whitehead in London and Rob Gardner in Sydney
• First job: Lambert & Freed, Sydney NSW, 1978 |
 | Stelios Jewellers • Perth WA • Age: 48
• Years in trade: 34 years
• Training: 7-year apprenticeship to obtain New Zealand Technical Certificate in Metalsmithing and Jewellery
• First job: After-school engraver at Skelts Jewellers in Invercargill, New Zealand in 1987 |
 | Rohan Jewellers • Perth WA • Age: 72
• Years in trade: 55 years
• Training: Milton Technical College Apprenticeship
• First job: C R Roberts Jewellers |
 | Smales Jewellers • Subiaco WA • Age: 28
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Perth TAFE Apprenticeship
• First job: Nina’s Jewellery Store, 2012–2018 |
 | Wild Trout Designer Jewellers • Sydney NSW • Age: 53
• Years in trade: 37 years
• Training: Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire
• First job: Goldsmithing apprenticeship at Roy's Jewellers, Lancashire in 1983. |
 | Laurence Moffatt Manufacturing Jewellers • Sydney NSW • Age: 65
• Years in trade: 48 years
• Training: 4-year apprenticeship
• First job: Bernard Lowry Jewellers, 1973 |
 | Matthew Alexander Jeweller • Brisbane QLD • Age: 30
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: TAFE
• First job: Peter Gordon Jeweller |
 | Stephen Dibb Jewellery • Brisbane QLD • Age: 30
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship
• First job: I started my apprenticeship in 2012 at Goldleaf Enterprises. This was my first job in the jewellery industry. |
2020 | Australian Diamond Company (ADC) • Melbourne, VIC • Age: 56
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Trade-qualified diamond setter (South Africa), Diploma of Jewellery & Object Design (Melbourne Polytechnic)
• First job: Apprentice diamond setter at Edward Ber in South Africa, 1981 |
 | Wild Trout Jewellers • Sydney, NSW • Age: 53
• Years in trade: 37 years
• Training: Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire.
• First job: Goldsmithing apprenticeship at Roy’s Jewellers, Lancashire in 1983. |
 | Clayfield Jewellers • Brisbane, QLD • Age: 42
• Years in trade: 25 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship, and 21 years of learning every day.
• First job: Hungry Jacks kitchen hand! My first job in the jewellery trade was as an apprentice training under Mal Gray at Richardson’s Jewellers, then Doug Morris Jewellers shortly after. |
 | Laurence Moffatt Manufacturing Jewellers • Sydney, NSW • Age: 64
• Years in trade: 47 years
• Training: 4-year apprenticeship
• First job: Bernard Lowry Jewellers, 1973 |
 | Matthew Alexander Jeweller • Brisbane QLD • Age: 29
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: TAFE, Other Qualifications Certificate III in Business Management
• First job: Peter Gordon Jeweller |
 | Stephen Dibb Jewellery • Brisbane QLD • Age: 29
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship began in 2012 at Goldleaf Enterprises
• First job: Goldleaf Enterprises |
 | Steve Pallas Bespoke Jewellery • Melbourne VIC • Age: 36
• Years in trade: 19 years
• Training: No formal training, I learnt from my father and previous business partner
• First job: Diamond Affaire |
 | Zoë Pook Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Age: 46
• Years in trade: 15 years
• Training: Higher National Certificate in Silversmithing & Jewellery from university in London, plus learning the tricks of the trade from two London jewellers
• First job: Ben Day Jewellery |
 | Matthew Ely Jewellery • Sydney • Age: 33
• Years in trade: 15 years
• Training: TAFE, and a year of study in London
• First job: York Jewellers |
2019 | Fairfax & Roberts, Sydney NSW • Years in trade: 29 years
• Training: Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design, London, six years
• First job: Paragon Jewellers, London, 1996 |  | King Street Design • Sydney NSW • Age: 54
• Years in trade: 39 years
• Training: Six months at TAFE, then dropped out. The rest self-taught and experience
• First job: Started King Street Design with my brother Alan |  | Gary Thyregod Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Age: 57
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: Sydney Technical College, four-year apprenticeship
• First job: Henning Molgaard, 1979 |  | Jaxette Diamond Setting • Ultimo NSW • Age: 36
• Years in trade: 20 years
• Training: Raphael Jewellery
• First job: Martin Manufacturing Jewellery, 2001 |  | London Court • Perth • Age: 56
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: 4.5-year apprenticeship, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year Trade Certificate
• First job: Max Wilson Jewellers in Palmerston North, New Zealand |  | Linneys • Perth • Age: 68
• Years in trade: 53 years
• Training: Six-year apprenticeship and a year of gemmological studies
• First job: Ron Brown, a manufacturing jeweller |  | Thomas Meihofer Jewellery Design • Perth • Age: 58
• Years in trade: 31 years
• Training: Apprenticeship in Switzerland
• First job: Carlo Pagani Goldsmith |  | David Murphy Jewellers • Perth • Age: 57
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Ringcraft Jewellers, 1978 |  | Brinkhaus Jewellers • Perth • Age: 60
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: On-the-job training
• First job: Peter Meier Goldsmith in 1988 |  | Lovells Jewellery Studio • Western Australia • Age: 57
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship followed by 39 years of learning
• First job: Clausons Jewellers, Cairns |
2018 | David Murphy Jewellers • Perth • Age: 57
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Ringcraft Jewellers in 1978 |  | Archer & Holland Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 63
• Years in trade: 47 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: P & LJ Donnelly in 1971 |  | Bell & Brunt • Adelaide • Age: 39
• Years in trade: 19 years
• Training: Jewellery Design degree at Uni SA/ Trade Jewellery Apprenticeship
• First job: Nicholas Pike Jewellers |  | Christopher Green Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 47
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: On the job training with a diamond ring maker (John M Roberts) for 15 years
• First job: John M Roberts Jewellers – Started in 1987 |  | McIntosh Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 57
• Years in trade: 40 years
• Training: Traditional four year apprenticeship
• First job: Prouds Jewellers Adelaide in 1976 |  | Charles Rose Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 56
• Years in trade: 39 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: S. Weintrop & Son, Johannesburg |  | Wishart Jewellers • Glenelg • Age: 22
• Years in trade: 6 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture
• Other qualifications: Diploma in Gemmology |  | Christopher Green Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 54
• Years in trade: 37 years
• Training: On the job training with a diamond ring maker for fifteen years
• First job: Diamond setter, diamond ring maker, designer, business owner, managing director |  | MDTdesign • Melbourne • Age: 32
• Years in trade: 16 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture
• First job: MDTdesign in 2003 |  | Allgem Jewellers • Perth • Age: 53
• Years in trade: 38 years
• Training: Apprenticeship in jewellery manufacturing and opal cutting
• First job: I’ve always worked in the family business, Allgem Jewellers |
2017 | Shadwick's Fine Jewellery • Perth • Age: 43
• Years in trade: 26 years
• Training: Apprenticeship in manufacturing jewellery and diamond setting
• First job: Wensley's Goldsmiths of Fremantle, under Bob Shadwick |  | Tighe Jewellery Studio • Midland, WA • Age: 54
• Years in trade: 36 years
• Training: Goldsmith apprenticeship and a certificate in advanced diamond setting
• First job: Three Castle Jewellers, Ireland |  | Stelios Jewellers • Perth • Age: 36
• Years in trade: 20 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Milton Boston Jewellers |  | Jewellery by Lauren • Adelaide • Age: 32
• Years in trade: 11 years
• Training: Bachelor of Technology
• First job: Haskins Manufacturing Jewellers, South Africa |  | Hofstays House of Diamonds/Hogans Family Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: 57
• Years in trade: Too many!
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Hogans Family Jewellers |  | Linneys • Perth • Age: 67
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Ron Brown (trade jeweller) |  | FW Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: 42
• Years in trade: 24 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture, as well as sitting next to talented jewellers
• First job: J&C Jewellery Gallery |  | Ringleaders • Brisbane • Age: 47
• Years in trade: 31 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• Other qualifications: The Tom Menzies Jewellers, Newcastle |  | Marion Schweitzer Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: Don't be silly; never ask a woman her age
• Years in trade: A long time
• Training: Jewellery Apprenticeship, FGAA
• First job: A local manufacturing jeweller based in Brisbane, QLD |  | Baguette Diamond Setting • Australia • Age: 47
• Years in trade: A long time! More than 30 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul |  | W & V Jewellers • Australia • Age: 69
• Years in trade: 52 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Ringcraft (Malcolm O'Hara) |
2016 | Diamond Rings Internationale • Melbourne • Age: 54
• Years in trade: 48 years
• Training: Diamond setting apprenticeship
• First job: A diamond setting workshop in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar |  | Vick Nackashian Fine Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 43
• Years in trade: 24 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Ken Gray Design |  | Ellissi • Melbourne • Age: If I told you I would have to kill you
• Years in trade: 36 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Gemcraft Jewellers (UK) |  | Philip Steel Jeweller • Adelaide • Age: 31
• Years in trade: 48 (too many!)
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: E Katz Manufacturing Jewellers |  | Timeless Gold Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 42
• Years in trade: 24 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Oscar Jewellery Manufacturing |  | James Tyler Jewellery • Brisbane • Age: 46
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: GJ Coey Manufacturing Jewellers |  | Jewellery by Stephanie • Australia • Age: 31
• Years in trade: 13 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery
• First job: Rob Bennett Jewellery |  | AJ Jewellery and Diamond Setter (sole trader) • Sydney • Age: 54
• Years in trade: 40+ years
• Training: Jewellery apprenticeship
• Other qualifications: Jeweller in Beirut, Lebanon |  | Jang's Jewellery • Sydney • Age: 61
• Years in trade: 15
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture at Design Centre Enmore and apprenticeship
• First job: Primo Jewellery, 2003 |  | Brett Stewart Jeweller • Melbourne • Age: 36
• Years in trade: 18
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Rod Groves Jewellery, 1997 |  | JMX Jewellery • Victoria • Age: 56
• Years in trade: 40+ years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Emil Braun |
2015 | Peter W Beck • Ottoway • Age: 44
• Years in trade: 27 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Apprentice at a jeweller in Blackwood, SA |  | David Mansfield Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 45
• Years in trade: 27 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Jeff Eyles Jewellery, 1988 |  | McAlister Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 77
• Years in trade: 62 years
• Training: Apprenticeship and self-taught
• First job: Apprentice diamond setter at Wartmans Diamond setters, 1953 |  | E.A. Drew Manufacturing Jewellers/Sarinel Designer Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 35
• Years in trade: 13 years
• Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic)
• First job: Austgold Manufacturing Jewellers |  | Pilkington Jewellers/Jenna O'Brien Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 30
• Years in trade: 6 years
• Training: Bachelor of fine art/gold and silversmithing, Advanced diploma of jewellery technology/jewellery design
• First job: Pilkington Jewellers |  | Geogem • Sydney • Age: 58
• Years in trade: 42 years
• Training: Apprenticeship, Sydney TAFE
• First job: Rhon Rae Productions |  | Emil Braun/Linela Fine Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 46
• Years in trade: 28 years
• Training: Apprenticeship, complete trade school at Collingwood Technical College
• First job: Silverado Jewellers |  | Manjian Design Works • Sydney • Age: 35
• Years in trade: 18 years
• Training: Apprenticeship - trained as a jeweller and diamond-setter in both eastern and western styles of manufacturing
• Other qualifications: Gemmologist, FGAA |  | Peter W Beck • Ottoway • Age: 35
• Years in trade: 14 years
• Training: Studied a bachelor of visual arts and a Certificate 4 in Jewellery
• First job: Lone Star Steakhouse |  | BB Designer Jewellers • Newtown • Age: 32
• Years in trade: 18 years
• Training: Private tutoring from age 14. Apprenticeship at Design Centre Enmore
• First job: Hands-on work with master jeweller |  | Grew & Co, Sydney • Sydney • Age: 36
• Years in trade: 18 years
• Training: Apprenticeship, completed 2000
• First job: RJ & CR Pinn |
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