How did you get into the business? After university and gaining my qualifications, I couldn’t resist joining the family business that my father set up 35 years ago.
What do you like about it? We provide people with the most beautiful things in the world, to celebrate life’s most wonderful occasions. What could be better than that?
If someone had no jewelry, what would you advise him/her to buy? For a woman, I’d start with diamond studs; for a man, a watch.
How much is jewelry influenced by fashion? Somewhat; it’s fun, for example, that by wearing Princess Diana’s engagement ring, the Duchess of Cornwall has made colored stones popular again.
Where do diamonds come from? Primarily from: South Africa, Russia, Canada and Australia. In some places, people still sift water to find them.
Which are the most rare diamonds? Well, all diamonds are rare – they take millions of years to form – but the colored diamonds, orange, pink and blue, are the most rare.
Give us a tip about jewelry? Have it re-evaluated for insurance; pieces have really increased in value recently, which makes jewelry a great investment. Also have it cleaned regularly by a professional, who will also check the setting is secure so that your stones don’t drop out!
Is most jewelry made by machines? No, most of it has to be made by hand; people say it’s the last of the lost hand trades.
