Why craft?
I started working in a Jewellery shop and soon developed an interest in jewellery designs, how jewellery is made and above all the beautiful gemstones they are set with. My employer supported me to study with The National Association of Goldsmiths (Now known as The National Association of Jewellers) and I discovered that there was so much to learn and that this subject is so fascinating. I then continued with my studies with the N.A.G, Gem-A and Birmingham City University.
What I studied at school
GCSE’s Maths, English, Art, French, Biology, Home Economics and Geography.
At school age I chose the subjects that I enjoyed the most. It was after leaving school when I realised my passion for Jewellery and Gemstones. The students who join our degree have a variety of A level subjects. The subjects that are more closely connected are Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Geography and Photography. However, we do not specify which A-levels our students have providing they demonstrate an interest in our subject and meet the entry requirements.
What I studied after school
Personally, the courses that helped me within my profession included a Jewellery diploma, Jewellery appraisal and valuation, two gemstone diplomas, a Diamond grading diploma and a BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies degree.
I worked within the Jewellery retail industry and then teaching my subject for other trade organisations before becoming a lecturer at Birmingham City University. I have trained for over twenty years however this was due to combining work with studies.