I’ve always wanted to work for myself in something creative and have been lucky enough to work for myself as an independent jeweller for 12 years. I’ve slowly honed my collections to focus on bespoke and made to order fine jewellery with diamonds and gemstones with the idea of creating jewellery that will be worn everyday and passed down through the generations.

What led you to become a jeweller and how did you train/ learn your skills?

I was naturally drawn to working in 3D at college and wanted to study a subject at degree level that would provide me with tangible and transferable skills, allowing me to work for myself and others if I wanted to, so was drawn to training as a jeweller which I found out I loved. I moved to London to complete my degree and then relocated to Birmingham Jewellery Quarter where I am still based. Since being here I have trained as a gemmologist to better understand the gemstones I work with and give my customers the best advice I can and have also completed a master’s degree in design management which I tailored to support my business.

I have also recently started training as a jewellery valuer, to be completed next year, where I can offer a valuing service alongside my jewellery and bespoke commissions. The jewellery industry is so vast it’s exciting to explore another area of it.

We love to hear about people’s workspaces- please could you describe where you work?

I’m in a small workshop in an old Victorian building in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, the same space I originally set up in though it was with two friends at the time and now it’s just myself. It has two large windows, which my ever growing plant collection absolutely loves and one which my jewellery bench looks out over. It’s also really close to my gem, diamond and bullion dealers which is very helpful! 

What are the areas of your business that you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy working directly with my customers which is partly why I created a make to order business model. This way I can encourage people to put their own spin on a design with different gemstones and metals should they wish or work with them directly on a bespoke piece. It’s important for me to know that my customer is involved with the making of their jewellery so I include them in every stage of the design and making process.

What does a usual work day look like for you? 

Each day varies widely but will always start with walking my little dog Max who comes to work with me most days. I’ll go through my task list and see what needs looking at first, usually ordering any stones or diamonds, checking in with customers and running around between any other crafts people in the JQ like stone setters or engravers. 

This usually takes the whole morning so after another little dog walk I sit down at the bench and work on any commissions or orders I have to make up in the afternoon. 

I’m open for appointments so may have something scheduled for early evening if my customer can’t make it over in the day. 

What are you looking forward to most during Spring and in the run up to Summer? 

Other than some sunshine I’m looking forward to making some new designs I’ve been working on for a while. I often mull them over for a some time before moving into gold so I’m excited to finally start making them.

Thank you Rhiannon (and Max) for taking the time to answer all of our questions. Rhiannon’s work will be on display until 29th June 2024 so please pop in to the shop to see Rhiannon’s full collection and a selection in our online shop.