Early Years – A Fascination with Shiny Things
When I was around three years old, living in Sheffield, my Nan and Grandad came over to visit. As soon as they arrived, my eyes were drawn to a vibrant red stone set in a ring on my Nan’s finger. I was mesmerised by the intensity of the colour—so bright, so alive. I couldn’t believe something so beautiful could even exist. That moment marked the beginning of my love affair with gemstones and jewellery.
University – The “Sensible” Years
Back then, the pressure to follow a conventional academic path was overwhelming. The fear of financial ruin—and losing that precious £25 a month allowance—was enough to push me into pursuing a traditional degree. I ended up studying English at the University of Westminster. It was a sensible choice, but life has a way of forcing you to make sacrifices for practicality. Despite the financial challenges and life’s demands, my passion for creativity never completely faded, even if it felt at times like it might.
Post-University – Harrods & Selfridges
After university, I landed my first job in Knightsbridge at Harrods, followed by a move to Selfridges on Bond Street. Surrounded by dazzling jewellery and glittering gemstones, I was immersed in a world that reignited my passion. I was now determined to start the career I’d always dreamed of, the one I should have followed from the beginning.
Back to University & Selling My Jewellery at Spitalfields Market
While working at Selfridges, I decided to go back to school part-time, studying a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Balancing a full-time job with part-time studies was a challenge, but I was determined. Every Sunday, my only day off, I would haul my jewellery and display materials onto the Underground and head to Spitalfields Market to build my brand and make a name for myself in the jewellery world.
Qatar – A Leap into Full-Time Jewellery
In 2009, I moved to Qatar, where I saw an opportunity to fully immerse myself in the world of jewellery. The market there was untapped, with little contemporary silver jewellery available. I started placing my pieces in various outlets, and before long, word spread. I found myself working on commissions constantly and teaching others the art of jewellery-making.
A Realisation & Returning to Shiny Things
It was during my time in Qatar that I experienced a shift in my perspective. While creating jewellery was fulfilling, I realised I was craving something more. I was bored with the standard cabochon shapes and yearned to bring the designs in my head to life in new ways. If I wanted to create something truly unique, I needed to learn how to cut my own stones.
Discovering Lapidary
After months of research, I took the plunge and bought my first trim saw and cabochon cutting machine. I sourced rough stones from eBay, and a whole new obsession was born. Cutting gemstones became one of the most therapeutic and satisfying activities I’ve ever experienced. Watching a rough stone transform into a thing of beauty—knowing that you had a hand in its creation—was deeply fulfilling.
Over time, I realised that while I had always considered myself a jeweller, being a lapidary—the one who shapes and polishes stones—was truly where my heart lies. It was my love for gemstones that initially drew me into jewellery, but it turns out that stone cutting is the path I was always meant to follow.
